Bury Council’s SEND football coach Jack Hardman, age 28, enjoys coming to work every single day, having landed his dream job after years as a player.
Jack’s journey with the SEND football team began at the age of 12. The former Elms Bank student played for the team as a child, joining the weekly sessions and progressing to become one of the star players.
After turning 26, Jack was too old to keep playing for the team so decided to volunteer to help out. When the previous coach left, SEND Ambassador Scout Stirling encouraged him to apply to Head Coach, and after going through the usual process of submitting an application and a CV and being interviewed, he took over the role a few months ago.
The football sessions are divided into two age groups – ages 13 to 16 (although young people can join from 11 if they have prior football experience) and then 16 to 25. Jack is responsible for devising training sessions for both groups, making sure that players are comfortable but also that the ones who are keen are challenged to develop their skills.
As head coach, Jack trains the teams every Monday, allocating the players positions, getting them ready for matches and providing a role model for the young participants.
“I love it,” Jack said. “The best thing is meeting everyone in the team. Many have grown in confidence and worked their way up.” The team regularly competes in tournaments every month, this season including the Lancashire FA in a Pan Disability League featuring teams across the region.
Jack reflects on his personal development and career progression, crediting persistence and passion for turning his volunteering into a paid role. He says, “If you keep doing something you love, you’re going to succeed. I want to carry on with this and take the two teams far.”
Scout adds, “I love coming to watch the football teams, which I have been running since I started the job three years ago. Jack was one of the players on the team when I started. He was in our advanced group and stayed on after he turned 26 to become a volunteer. When our old coach left, Jack took over the post and has been our paid football coach for a few months now.
“We were really excited when he got the news he’d been offered the job. He’s been incredibly committed to the teams ever since.”
With Jack’s commitment at the heart of the club, the future looks bright for players and their coach alike.
Anyone who is interested in attending the Youth Service sessions or joining the team can contact Scout - s.stirling@bury.gov.uk.
You can see a video about Jack's story here.