The English Colleges FA held its second National Activator Training event at Wembley Stadium on Tuesday 7^th February. Hosting over 180 delegates, including both college football activators and staff members, the training included a national update and delivery from Women in Sport and Rimla Akhtar MBE around engaging females and hard to reach groups.

Further agenda items included AoC Sport Managing Director Marcus Kingwell, who touched on the great work that colleges have achieved to date and a session from Karl Lines (FA National Schools Manager 12-16) around activators identifying their own personal strengths and the areas in which they can develop. 

As part of the day, Oli Moore, Chair of the ECFA National Student Leadership Committee and the Somerset FA Youth Council gave a keynote speech around his experiences and journey as a volunteer.  Touching on influences within his life, opportunities to develop others through his own passion and commitment, Oli also spoke of his moral compass and want to inspire others to make a difference.

After the event Oli said, "Whilst I was very nervous to deliver my keynote, the opportunity to share some of my experiences of the power of volunteering and to inspire others to go and make a difference at Wembley stadium was one which I won't be forgetting in a while.

My key messages were around making a difference, inspiring others, soft skills development and volunteering being a journey. All based around my experiences as a volunteer.

Once I came off the stage, I was buzzing, I really enjoyed the experience. I've received some really humbling feedback and I hope that the activators in the room found it inspiring.

I'd like to thank everyone involved in my journey so far, because you have all played a part in my Keynote.”

Matt Dandy, National Football Development Officer at AOC Sports went on to say, “I came away from Tuesday totally inspired by not only Oli’s words but the way in which he delivered the keynote. Oli came across so passionate and honest, I can honestly say that majority of delegates will say that the keynote was the highlight of the day and Oli should be exceptionally proud of himself.”

Congratulations to Oli and ECFA for supporting and delivering such an inspiring National Activator Training day and the for the strides already made in developing the college football offer.  We look forwards to continuing to support our ECFA Hubs and all college football.