From Potential to Paid Coaching: How Partnership Working Helped Jimmy Take the Next Step

Sometimes all it takes is someone recognising potential and providing the right opportunity at the right time. 

For James Benfold (Jimmy), that opportunity came through the partnership between CRT Game On and Club Doncaster Sports College (CDSC). What started as a work experience placement has developed into a pathway towards paid employment in sport and coaching.  

As a CDSC student from a coalfield community, Jimmy completed 30 hours of work experience. During this placement, he stood out for his commitment, enthusiasm and ability to work with others. Staff recognised that he had genuine potential to become a coach.  

Through CRT Game On, we were able to provide funding for Jimmy to complete his Introduction to Coaching Football qualification, helping him build the skills and confidence needed to take the next step.  

For many young people, gaining a qualification can be the difference between having an interest and having a career pathway. By removing financial barriers and investing in Jimmy's development, CRT Game On helped turn his passion for football into a tangible opportunity. 

Jimmy's story demonstrates the strength of partnership working. Club Doncaster Sports College identified a young person with potential, provided valuable work experience opportunities and created an environment where he could develop. CRT Game On then stepped in to provide the support needed to help him progress further. 

Together, that support has helped create a clear route from education and volunteering into employment. 

Today, Jimmy continues to access paid coaching opportunities and is putting his new qualification into practice, working directly with participants and developing experience that will support his future career.  

His journey shows how targeted investment in young people can deliver lasting impact. With the right support network around them, talented young people can gain qualifications, develop real-world experience and build careers within their communities. 

For CRT Game On, Jimmy's success is more than a single achievement. It provides a blueprint for how partnerships can help young people across coalfield communities improve their skills, access opportunity and move towards employment.  

Because sometimes the biggest step isn't discovering potential — it's opening the door that allows it to flourish.