Soccer fanatic Charlie has eyes on US coaching post

A FOOTBALL fanatic from Culcheth has become the first international intern at Indy Premier Soccer Club in Indianapolis.
Charlie Hardern completed the six-week internship last year and now the former Priestley College student is in discussion with the club regarding a permanent coaching role.
He said: “I think I was playing soccer before I could walk. I instantly knew this would be the perfect opportunity for me.”
Charlie achieved D*D*D* in Sport and Exercise Science at Priestley College before going on to study BSC Sport, Physical Education and Coaching Science at Birmingham University.
The opportunity to go to America arose through the university’s Global Challenge Programme.
Priestley Sports tutor Katie Radford said: “Charlie was an exceptional student who produced great work and was hugely gifted, but was also very humble.”
During his internship, Charlie was involved in all aspects of the club giving him a greater understanding of the maintenance and upkeep of running a club.
However, he spent most of the time coaching all ages including the elite girls under 8s and under 13 teams.
Charlie also spent a week with a group of Real Madrid coaching staff as part of a coaching clinic.
“The experience has given me a clear understanding that coaching is what I want to do,” he said.
Now in his third year at university, Charlie is planning to move to America later this year to take up a coaching post, hopefully at the Indy Premier Soccer Club.
“I think the best advice I could give is to ‘just go for it’,” said Charlie.
“Be confident and believe that you have the skills to do whatever it is you want to do.”