19 June 2007
VIDEO: FA Young Leadership Camp 2007
One hundred young leaders have been sampling a wide range of football topics in Ascot - here's how they got on.
This week's FA Young Leadership Camp is not just about football, it could be a life changing experience.

One hundred teenagers from all over the country arrived at St George's College in Ascot earlier this week to undertake a five-day course where they will try a whole host of football disciplines.

While many will notice an improvement in their coaching or refereeing skills, they will also gain a number of life skills which will prove invaluable as they embark on their chosen careers.

Lauren O'Sullivan, who completed last year's course, has returned to the camp in a different role - management.

Together with eight of the 2006 graduates, Lauren helped plan this week's camp and is on hand to ensure everything runs smoothly.

"I loved it last year," said Lauren, who pending her A Level results will study Sports Science at Exeter University.

"I did not know what to expect. There were things like Futsal and disability football which I had not experienced before. I liked the variety of events and working with a lot of like-minded people. I made a lot of good friends."

The emphasis of the camp is on personal development, not just during the five days in Ascot, but throughout the coming months and years too.

With this in mind, organisers decided to invite nine of last year's intake to help design this week's course.

"The guys came up with the idea of this year's camp being for young leaders, run by young leaders," explained Lauren.

"We did not want to change many things as we all enjoyed last year. We did want to introduce psychology though. It helps you apply what you are learning to situations. We have had some really good feedback. They are really shining out there."

Lauren was selected to introduce this year's course, which included speaking to the current crop of young leaders before introducing Sir Trevor Brooking. Lauren then had to conduct a question and answer session with the former England and West Ham legend.

"I was really honoured to be chosen to do the opening launch, but I would not have been able to do it a year ago," she said. "My confidence and communication skills have improved."

Four of this year's young leaders will be selected to go to Malawi to help organise football festivals for locals.

Lauren was one of those selected to go to Botswana last year and it was something she will never forget.

"It was an amazing experience," she recalled. "We did not know what to expect. We did not know what level the African young leaders were at. They developed over such a short space of time. It was really rewarding knowing you had made a difference.

"We also went to an SOS village which was home to 200 orphans and abandoned children. It was a moving experience, but the children there were really smiley and friendly. They made footballs from tying carrier bags together. It was really inspiring."

Football has always been in Lauren's family - "I support Bristol City and Liverpool" - and she has vowed to continue her voluntary work when she returns to Gloucestershire.

"I had always been set on being a sports teacher but the camp last year made me realise how many jobs there are in sport," she added. "I'd like to stay involved in football. I'd love to work at The FA.

"I'd fully recommend anyone coming here, for the experience and the doors that it opens afterwards. It makes you want to stay involved. We need more young leaders."

Stay with TheFA.com for more from the Young Leadership Camp.