'From a child I used to teach to an adult supporting his community’: Apprentice Coach Mason returns to his former school to fulfil ambition of being sports coach

Newly-appointed apprentice coach Mason Fairclough has returned to his old Doncaster primary school to deliver sport sessions for the Foundation. 

Mason, 18, had ‘enjoyed taking part in practical PE lessons for as long as he can remember’, and has now been given the chance to return to Sunnyfields Primary School to coach the next generation of children. 

Mason explained: “I’ve always wanted some form of coaching role; I’m a sporty person and always used to love PE lessons. 

“The school’s current headteacher, Mr Richardson, was my class teacher in year five. I’ve got very happy memories from the school.

“It’s been an unusual start to working life in the current climate but I have really enjoyed it so far. The students have adjusted to the measures in place to protect them from Covid-19, meaning the sessions are still fun and engaging and they’re taking a lot from them.”

Mason, who lives in Scawthorpe, was a student at Club Doncaster Sports College prior to securing a full time position at the Foundation. 

He added: “The College put me in a great place and helped set me up for life in the working world; I had some unbelievable experiences when I was studying there.

“One of my favourite parts of the job is helping people enjoy getting active and watching the pupils progress as they attend more and more sessions.”

Mr Richardson, Sunnyfields' headteacher, said: “Mason is a pupil that I taught at Sunnyfields several years ago.  As a pupil he worked hard, was resilient and thrived on working alongside his peers.  He was involved in a range of extra-curricular clubs and attended several residential visits.  

“It was clear from when he was very young that he was a ‘people person’ and loved sport.  Several years later he has returned to Sunnyfields alongside Doncaster Foundation as an apprentice.  

“I have shared with the children that Mason was a past Sunnyfields’ pupil and how hard he worked when he was younger. This puts Mason in a unique position as a role model to current Sunnyfields’ pupils. They see what is possible with hard work, dedication and passion. 

"It is really satisfying to see the full cycle complete from a child I used to teach to an adult who is now supporting his community.”