The Importance of Confidence: My Story

Hi Steemians, I wanted to share with you my opinions on confidence and how the effects of both having little and having lots can make a big difference in your life.

My name is David and I've been running my own football academy for children for 2 years now. I started with 8 children and now have 101 that attend my sessions on a weekly basis. I've also had one of my players sign for West Ham Utd and currently have 2 others training with professional clubs.

The name of my academy is Kekoa Coaching.
Kekoa means "Strong fearless one" and this embodies everything that I believe a footballer should be and how it should be played. "Creativity Takes Courage" is my slogan and I believe that confidence is at the centre of it all.

Football has always been my passion ever since I can remember, and I could always been seen with a ball at my feet around my local area. I spent hours with a ball a day and I couldn't imagine doing anything else, when I got older.

I was good, some would say excellent and to this day, people always ask me how didn't I make it as a professional player and I use to ask myself that question all of the time. On reflection I now see that confidence played a very important part of my playing career.

I always felt comfortable whenever I played with friends and at school. I really showed my full capabilities I enjoyed playing and never felt afraid to try a new trick that I had taught myself.

My issue was when I played out of my comfort zone. My confidence was very low, and I now realise that there were three main reasons for this:

The first reason, which until recently I've accepted is the lack of support I had. My parents have never seen me play football ever, and I see how much of a lift having a parent or family member with you makes such a difference when your a young player.

The second was that I was afraid to make a mistake, so as a result I never played my natural game or really showed my true abilities.

The third was, I was willing to accept anything. I would never speak up or have a opinion even if I disagreed with what was said.

These three main things contributed greatly to my football career and even tho I managed to play for Chelsea, Leyton Orient and Stevenage throughout my playing days, I know that I had more to offer.

My aim now is to install confidence into young football players and help them to be the very best that they can both on and off the pitch my becoming confident and believing in themselves.

That's why I created Kekoa Coaching

Thanks for reading 😀👍🏿