Coaching the next generation
This year is a special one for Mike Doney, Global Key Account Manager at Bosch Automotive Service Solutions as he has reached the incredible milestone of 30 years of Bosch service. He wanted to celebrate this achievement and pay tribute to Bosch UK’s 125th anniversary by having the Bosch logo right on the pitch of the football club he volunteers at to showcase his achievements both at home and at work, bringing his passions together.
From a young age Mike has always had a passion for football. Over the past few years, he has volunteered as an under 16 boys team coach at Daventry Town Football Club, where he has been able to put his years of experience playing semi-professional football to good use.
Daventry Town Football Club is a non-profit club who run 40 football teams, including multiple ladies’ teams in addition to a walking football team and disability teams – ensuring football is accessible for all. Mike stated that he hopes to provide the same commitment and support to Daventry that he has demonstrated over his time at Bosch.
Mike takes great pride in coaching the young boys and stated that any challenges faced are overshadowed by the great reward of seeing the team develop as people and players. He expressed how motivating it was for him to see the boys work together and having fun and emphasised how creating a positive environment is crucial in helping them succeed. He commented, “I hope that as a coach I can make a positive impact on the children, I believe that a great relationship equals a great performance!”
More recently, Mike has been given a role on the club’s management committee, further increasing his involvement with the club. In this role Mike has played a crucial part in the organisation and execution of many charitable activities in place to help the local community. Some of these include, creating a community hub where over 50 families receive support in the form of a food bank as well as organising a Christmas dinner for those spending their Christmas alone as well as providing meals for children outside of school term time, echoing campaign efforts from footballer Marcus Rashford. The club even manage to go a step further by sending all old Daventry Town football kits to schools in Malawi, allowing the children in the school teams to engage properly with football, sharing a uniform and uniting as a team. These activities help Mike to secure sponsors which are instrumental to the success of the club and ensure its survival.
