Who is your favourite football player?
Isco. While technically gifted, it is his hard work and determination that impress me. He attacks, defends, spreads the ball and what a first touch. Anyone who gets past him can be assured he will chase after you like you like a greyhound after a hare. ‘Hard work beats talent when talent does not work hard’, with Isco you do not need to choose between the two.
What is your favourite football team?
Celtic Football Club. The hoops are the only team from Scotland to become European Champions. ‘The Lisbon Lions’ are legends in Glasgow. While the club has struggled to keep pace with other top European sides the club aspire to get back to where they should be. The fan base is arguably the best in the world and Parkhead was voted in the top 5 best stadium atmospheres in the world. The atmosphere created by the fans on a European night is electric and would strike awe in even the experienced players in the world. Their absence from Champions League football has been noticed and lamented by top sides such as Barcelona.
What is your favourite skill and who does it?
Vision in passing. Andres Iniesta and Luca Modric are masters at breaking down teams with a single pass, they can observe a situation and see opportunities other players do not. They never panic when under pressure and chooses the best option 99% of the time. As a player who wants to improve this skill, I appreciate it all the more.
If you could give one piece of advice about learning football what would it be?
Do not be afraid to ask advice on how to develop further, coaches love players who are proactive in their development and seek advice. As a player who is not technically gifted, I can attest to working hard to show improvement through determination and a willingness to learn. Taking the advice on board and actively working towards your targets should be a lifelong characteristic for any player, there is always something you can do better.
If you could give one piece of advice about learning English what would it be?
Do no focus your learning on a single accent, the English language is influenced by many other European nations and as a result of immigration and has developed dozens accents that are significantly diverse. If you travel 40 mins in any direction in the UK the accent is noticeably different. We do not all use that BBC news anchor accent that is so well known, so be prepared.
What are your experiences in both coaching and teaching?
Andrew studied Education at the University of Glasgow in Scotland and graduated with an Honours degree in Education in 2010. Arguably the best course for teachers in Scotland this experience was thorough and intense with a high dropout rate, thus ensuring he had a great base in teaching styles and education. He has been teaching since the age of 18 across 3-18 year olds and specialised in music and PE. He has SFA qualifications in coaching and has coached 3 school football teams across West Scotland. Being raised in an environment where how you won was as important as winning itself he tries to instil integrity and sportsmanship into anyone he coaches. He is currently teaching in an International Primary school in Madrid and preparing young adults for Cambridge exams from First to Proficiency level exams.