With the announcement of the introduction of a second team, the AFC Unity Jets, came the search for a Head Coach to guide the team through their first-ever season. The emphasis on ethos was crucial in recruitment, and this immediately deterred traditional coaches from applying, as AFC Unity looked inward amongst their own personnel, having put several current and former players through coaching courses to earn their qualifications.
Emily Salvin was injured in The Sarah Richards Testimonial match, and will miss an entire season of playing. With long-standing ambitions to coach, although the injury was unfortunate, it did provide a perfect opportunity for her to throw her hat in the ring as a Head Coach was sought after, and the Board of Directors all agreed she was worthy of the role.
‘I have loved playing for AFC Unity for the past year, and despite my injury, both players and management have been very supportive,’ she said. ‘This inspired me to step up, and I’m delighted to become Head Coach for the Jets this season.’
‘I’m absolutely thrilled that Emily has taken charge of AFC Unity Jets,’ added Director of Football, Sarah Richards. ‘It’s great to see such positivity through injury and Emily has the perfect attitude to guide the Jets to a successful debut campaign.’
The AFC Unity Jets will start this September in the Third Division of the Sheffield & Hallamshire Women’s County Football League, and was set up to meet overwhelming demand, providing opportunities for players wanting experience in 11-a-side competitive football while developing their skills, whether they are aiming to progress into the first team in future, or simply want to enjoy their football without the commitment or pressures of the first team.
Manager Jay Baker, who coaches the first team, added, ‘Emily Salvin has been a young yet phenomenal footballer – and will continue to be later on – but for now the AFC Unity Jets have chance to gain from her football intelligence while being guided by a peaceful calm and warmth few teams get chance to enjoy – and the team will grow as she does in the role; it’s a fantastic appointment by the Board of Directors.’