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BRAZIER
SCOOPS GRASSROOTS COACH AWARD |
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Martin Brazier's gamble in starting a youth section at
Debden Sports FC has paid dividends as he picked up the
Grassroots Coach of the Year award for Essex. |
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Martin demonstrated his coaching skills to Football
Association staff at the regional finals in Ipswich at the
weekend, and he is eager to learn his fate, along with the
five other local winners, ahead of July's National finals. |
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Martin Brazier and his son Callum |
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So, how did it all start for Martin? "When my son got
to the age of seven, he was old enough to play in a team
and really wanted to get involved" he reveals. |
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Brazier had been involved in Debden Sports for almost 30
years and was instrumental in the Club gaining its Charter
Standard Award. Naturally, Martin was keen for his son to
follow in his footsteps, but setting up a youth side at
Debden took a bit of work. |
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"We had a slight problem in we had no players!"
explains Martin. "But I had a bit of a campaign and
advertised at local schools. In the end we got enough boys
together and it has taken off well, they have now reached
under 11's". |
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Years of hard work has seen Martin scoop
his latest prestigious award, but giving the players he
coaches enjoyment is what Brazier sees as his biggest
success: "At the age the boys are, their football
coach is someone they look upto. I've got everyone
turning up to training as well as matches and that's a
great thing, I allow them to express their individuality
and that's what they really enjoy."
"I don't know who nominated me, no-ones owned
up!" continues Martin. "I'm pleased,
naturally, to be so well thought of, but hopefully the
good work can continue. I've taken my coaching badges
and I'm currently studying for my UEFA 'B' which is
coming up in a couple of months. It's brilliant to have
the badges, but I'm not doing it for myself, it's for
the boys. It'll help their progress."
As with any coach of a young side, Martin is hopeful he
can leave a lasting impression on his team:
"Whatever they end up doing, be it going to
University or playing for another Club, it would be
fantastic if they can remember what I taught them and
use that in their future careers."
"I'd also like to thank my wife Marie and my two
children Morgan and Callum, they have been a great help
to me" added Brazier.
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