Rod Christopher Rod Christopher: the Absolute Game
By Ali Cogger, East Leeds Magazine,
November 2010
There may be a few Leeds amateur footballers who are familiar with local FA-qualified coach Rod Christopher. Whether playing up front for the legendary Melbourne FC team of the late 80's, or prior to that, Western Juniors and St.Gregory’s, he was a prolific goal scorer. Indeed in his final playing season in 1997-98, Rod was awarded a second Golden Boot award after hitting 35 goals for Bardsey and 18 at Seacroft WMC UTD.
''My final season was probably my most enjoyable and the most memorable, because I was playing at the very peak of my abilities and on fantastic pitches in the West Yorkshire League. My week days were spent at Leeds United’s community office, working with the players and staff, then coaching kids in schools and holiday camps. It was in my own interests to practice and work constantly on my technique, as I desperately wanted to earn the necessary qualifications to get on the coaching ladder.”
Born and raised in Seacroft, Rod attended Temple Moor High School. Despite going to a rugby school. His love was always for the beautiful game. He had trials at Grimsby and Donny Rovers in the mid 80's and played against Leeds United’s reserve and youth teams. Two decades later, after hanging up his boots Rod decided he wanted to stay in football and put something back into his local community.
"I'd been working at Burtons warehouse for 3 years. It just wasn't for me. Football had always been a massive part of my life and I really wanted to get into coaching. I applied for the Leeds United coaching initiative. After two interviews with ex-Bradford City defender Ces Podd, I earned a nine month contract to learn the ropes at my hometown and lifelong supported club. My time there included the departure of George Graham, the death of Billy Bremner and the beginning of the David O'Leary era. It felt so surreal at times to be mixing with such as Lee Sharp, Lee Bowyer, Eddie Gray, Lucas Radebe, Paul Hart, Jonathon Woodgate and Rod Wallace. Names I'd read about in the papers or watched from the stands.They were all top blokes once I got to know them and I never really felt star struck.” After my contract ended, I stayed for a further nine months, where I managed the U12's ladies side at Thorp Arch. I also managed a Shadow Academy Squad on a trip to Wales. Two of those lads went on to professional football, Jonathon Lund was recently at Grimsby Town and Micah Richards, who was 11 at the time is at Man City.”
After moving on from Leeds United Rod set up the Shooting Stars Project at Seacroft Activity Centre after winning a £2,000 grant in an N-Power competition. The project ran for a year, after which he worked for the local council in sports centres, coaching youngsters via the Leeds Striker Awards scheme. Then Rod sold his soul to the red devils!
"I joined the Man United and Bobby Charlton's Soccer Schools in 2002 and enjoyed 2 seasons of coaching around the UK with them. I know Man Utd are evil personified in most Leeds fan’s eyes, but it was great experience and very worthwhile.”
Today, Rod is involved with the Youth Services around East Leeds, where he has been working at community and football groups over the past 7 years. He coaches in schools and also with the local weekly Football Focus Events on evenings. Rod has recently set up 2 senior 5-a-side teams at the new Leeds Power League near the city centre.
“It's all about the progression now. Presently, we've 87 names on our database. I'd like to see that number reach 500 as soon as possible. I hope to set up regular weekly coaching courses all over Leeds, Focus Leeds currently run ad hoc groups but I'm aiming to provide as many as 12 two-hour sessions per week by the end of 2012. Although we began with adults, our main emphasis is very much focussed on the youth.
We’re offering coaching opportunities too - I coach because I really believe that I have something positive and worthwhile to offer players. I'd like to use my knowledge, experience, name and reputation after 24 years in Yorkshire football to eventually offer upto 12 free but quality coaching events during term time and school holiday periods. My coaching staff are in place and we've made a good start so far. It would be just great to receive support and funding from the community and businesses who expressed belief in what I'm trying to achieve.”
To join Rod’s youth coaching football database or to support FOOTBALL FOCUS LEEDS events, contact Rod on; 07519440938 or Email; rodchristopher at hotmail.co.uk
