Liam Ridgers is making waves in the football world not only as a talented player, Man of the Match on Saturday alongside two teammates, but also as a coach.
His parents and grandparents and great-grandparents all showed talent in this field too. Liam’s great grandad played for Chelsea as a boy as well as Rye United and Hastings United. Shane, Liam’s dad was lucky to have a mother who saw his talent and supported him all the way alongside his step-dad. Charmaine, Liam’s mum, was very sporty at school and played national football when she attended Freda Gardham Community School. Liam, as soon as he could walk, would be seen kicking a football on the side lines when he was taken to watch his dad play. So it is no surprise that football runs in his blood.
Liam explains how his journey took him down the root of coaching.
When did you start playing football in clubs?
I started my football career at Rye Bay Football club in their ‘Colts’ aged 5. I was then at Rye Bay for three years, and I also joined SAFA Select at u7s while playing for Rye Bay but fully committed to them at u9s. I played at SAFA Select until I was u12 and at that point I moved over to Hastings United in which I played there until u18s.
While playing for Hastings United U18s (who played midweek) I joined Rye Town football club aged 16. I played at Rye for 2 seasons. this season I’ve moved on to county league side Little Common FC.
How have you progressed in the world of coaching?
I have lots of experience of working with young people, coaching young people and leading / captaining my own team. I started shadow coaching at the age of twelve at Rye Bay Football Club, I then went on to complete the FA Playmaker at the age of fourteen, followed by my FA Level 1 at the age of sixteen. Following that at the age of seventeen I gained my FA UEFA C. This year I have also registered for a place on the FA UEFA B course.
I have been successful within my work, watching my Hastings United U12s squad grow and develop into the U14s I have this season; it has been very rewarding, and we won the Kent Youth League last season in their first year.
What are you qualifications?
My qualifications include UEFA C football coach, Level 3 BTEC Sport and Level 1 Football Scout.
What is the latest role that you have achieved?
It is as Hastings United U18s Head Coach. The team play in the Isthmian League and I will be leading all training for the team and being involved in the matchday coaching staff. This is a big achievement for me as I am still only eighteen years old now.
What are your dreams for your future?
My future goals in football is to go through as many coaching badges as possible, I am currently a UEFA C license coach and have applied for the UEFA B licence. While in the future I would like to manage my own first team and potentially become a part of an academy setup.
If you could meet any footballer alive or dead , who would you choose?
I would like to meet John Terry as I support Chelsea FC and he has taken a pathway after his playing career that I would like to try and mirror.
Who has helped you reach on your journey in the football world?
Growing up I’ve had some great coaches around me who have all helped me along the start of my coaching journey. To name a few, Mark Patterson, Bernie Walker, Glyn White, Dan Collins (my tutor for my UEFA C) and all the coaching staff at Hastings United. I am also looking forwards to working with Marc Gall and Tom Chalmers this current season in the U18s at Hastings United. My family and their amazing support has been pivotal in my success because of their encouragement to be your best and learn from others on the way. Also they are wonderful role models who I can only hope to be as good as, as I progress.
Image Credits: Kt bruce , Rye Town FC , Hastings Academy , Ridgers archives .