2024 Partnership Trophy: Building a team

Charlotte Tanner (Feltham) talks about coaching the Southwark Young People Service football team ahead of the 2024 Partnership Trophy.

This week, teams from Salvation Army centres across the territory will gather for the annual Partnership Trophy football tournament. Hoping to send a team again, Southwark Young People Service – which supports people aged 16 to 25 – recruited Charlotte Tanner to help them bring it home.

A member of Feltham Corps, Charlotte has captained and coached Brentford Women FC and currently works at London Divisional Headquarters.

How have practices gone?

The first week, we only had one person, who came for half an hour. The next week we had two, the week after three. So it’s building!

It’s been really nice to see them interacting with each other, and they’ve been really open. I think they’re just grateful for someone being consistent. I did worry about being a female coach but, as long as you’ve got structure and a football, they’re happy!

What do you do in training?

We’ve been doing lots of passing and dribbling, and they’re keen on fitness. We’ve also done fun little things like possession games and piggy in the middle. There’s no pressure. It’s just lads having fun.

Why do you think tournaments like this are important?

Working on your physical and mental health in combination is important, and I believe that sport does both. The people accessing this service are at an age when it’s easy to keep to themselves. Practice offers a community vibe and getting outside on the grass. Sport, in general, can change lives!

What do the team think about the tournament?

One of the lads that went last year was telling me all about it. They were just grateful to get out of London, I think. There is a heavy emphasis on winning from the young people this year, but I’m much more interested in seeing them develop than win.

How have you seen them develop?

I’ve seen them open up and ask loads of questions. They’ve also interacted more between each other. Many of the people in the service, which includes dispersed properties, struggle to live in community. Sport is a brilliant way to develop those skills. Over the past few weeks, that social side has come out in all of them.

In terms of football, I haven’t had to coach much. They’re all very talented – I feel like I’m getting mugged off by them when I play! I think one player nutmegged everyone a couple of weeks back!

Why did you agree to coach them?

I couldn’t say no because football is my thing – I could talk to you about it all day! My drive is the development of others. I love coaching and hearing the success stories about Southwark Young People Service and how it can change lives. I also have a big passion for sports ministry – I think it’s so powerful.

How do you, personally, bring Jesus into training sessions?

I like to fist-bump the players at the start of sessions. For every greeting, I’m saying in my head: ‘God, I give you...’ They know who we work for and who we are, and I think it’s important to build those relationships.

We don’t pray because they come from all faiths and all backgrounds, but I try my best to be like Jesus in my everyday, ordinary life.

Do you think they have a shot at winning?

They’re pretty good – better than me! They rocked up last year and came second, so I’m gonna back them all the way!