Develop the person not the player.

Yesterday I attended a talk by Kidderminster Harriers FC Academy Coach Luke Astley at the Aggborough Stadium. Luke spoke with passion about their Pathway Programme which aims to increase the opportunities for students to develop their academic studies alongside competitive football. 

The Kidderminster Football Academy produces successful players ready to start professional careers, offering a football pathway from youth team to first team. Alongside the football, their programme offers an academic pathway for learners that includes a variety of choices, where they are supported and given the opportunity to develop, extending to degree level study in partnership with the University of Worcester. 

I was really surprised to learn that fewer than 1% of the young participants on their Academy Programme make it as professional footballers despite being in the system for years. Luke is acutely aware that the chances are slim, which is why, for him, the education and academic pathway is so important. Ultimately whilst it’s his job to develop the player the most important thing for him is to develop the person. 

Luke talked about their success stories and whilst he was clearly proud of the one or two individuals who went on to play professionally, he spoke at length about the architects, the journalists, the coaches and the many other examples of individuals that have gone on to be successful in different ways. He explained that many of those completing the programme benefit from a university place that they probably wouldn’t have got, emphasising what a privilege it is to transform the lives of those who are less fortunate or who need or want to follow a different path. 

My reflections bring me back to leadership and ‘developing the person not the player’ strikes a chord. Over the last two decades leadership has undergone significant transformation and so has the way leaders are developed. Developing your skills as a leader will get you so far but truly discovering who you are is what will really set you apart. Invest here most.