Aaron Nelson

Name:Aaron Nelson

         

Council: Armagh City, Banbridge & Craigavon Borough Council

 

Role: Multi-Sports Coach Specialising in Girls Soccer

 

 Favourite sport(s):

Gaelic football, Football, Weightlifting

 

Describe yourself as a coach in three words:

‘A shoelace tier’, ‘a tear wiper’ or ‘Peter Pan Wannabe’. Seriously though I’d like to think of myself as ‘diligent, youthful and motivated’.

 

What made you want to become an EBA2020 coach?

Sport and fitness from a young age has been a huge part of my life. The physical, social and emotional benefits of sports and physical activity are something that I believe nothing else in the world can offer. To be able to provide this outlet for people, young and old, is something that I have always wanted to do, and is now something that allows me to wake up happy to go to work every day.

 

What programmes are you involved in with EBA2020?

Amongst various other programmes throughout the year, I am currently involved in the following:

  •  Strength and Balance programmes in partnership with the Southern Health and Social Care Trust, at the Orchard Leisure Centre (Armagh) Cascades Leisure Centre (Portadown) and Banbridge Leisure Centre.
  • Fit4U at Banbridge Leisure Centre and Craigavon Leisure Centre (in partnership with the Southern Health and Social Care Trust).
  • Men’s Walking Football at the Jethro Centre (Lurgan).
  • Bluestone Physical Activity Programme at Craigavon Area Hospital.
  • DCD Multi-Skills Programme at Brownlow Community Hub (Craigavon).
  • Northern Ireland Southern Girls League Fixture Secretary (football).

 

Any highlights from working on EBA2020?

One of my main highlights happened back in April at the Orchard Leisure Centre Strength and Balance programme when I had a gentleman of 96 years of age attend one of my sessions. Being able to coach someone at this age shows that we are never too old to recognise the importance of physical activity.

 However my main highlight was in January when after months of persuasion I finally managed to get my dad to attend one of my Men’s Walking Football programmes. Ever since that day he has attended the programme every week. Being able to coach one of the main influences of my life, and the person that first got me into sport is something that I will always cherish and remember.

 

 What advice would you have for anyone wanting to get #BetterFitter?

My five top tips:

  1. Set realistic goals not wishful ideas.
  2. Never think of what could go wrong but focus on what could go right.
  3. Find a sport, a class or any physical activity that you enjoy not something that seems like a chore.
  4. Make it social – the physical benefits are great but enjoy meeting new people, making new friends and becoming part of a group or team.
  5. Eat healthy, drink plenty of water and get lots of sleep.

 

 Find out about Aaron’s EBA2020 programmes below:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rZiamDiSGvs