We are so excited to have Nathan Arnold on our Happy Confident Kids team. Based in Lincolnshire, Nathan brings a wealth of specialist experience and unique knowledge to our ever-growing community.
From Professional Footballer to Kids’ Confidence Coach
Nathan played professionally for Cambridge United, Grimsby Town, and Lincoln City—winning the FA Trophy, scoring at Wembley, achieving Football League promotion, and being part of a historic FA Cup quarter-final run.
“As a child, playing at the National Stadium was always the ultimate dream. To not only play there, but to actually score a goal that impacted the result was incredibly special. Sometimes I get reminded of it and I still have to pinch myself to realize that it actually happened!”
Nathan knows what its like to compete on the big stages and weaves expert knowledge, life experience and mentoring skills into his sessions and workshops.
Nathan is a Dad of two, who has been on an incredible journey, which has led him to public speaking about football and wellbeing, mentoring young people, supporting looked after children in care to now being a Happy Confident Kids Coach.
How to Help Kids Move Forward
Nathan has experienced the ultimate highs of lifting top football trophies, but he has faced tough challenges along the way, too. I asked Nathan how he uses his past experiences to help kids move forward from whatever might be keeping them stuck.
“I personally feel like I’ve done a lot of growing as a person through sport,” Nathan explains. “Experiencing adversity and hardships alongside amazing successes taught me that football—and life—isn’t always one-sided.
There are plenty of setbacks and challenges, especially as a professional athlete. Even though those times are tough, they are actually developing your character and building resilience. I love passing this message on to kids through my coaching.”
Nathan also reflects on his own upbringing when connecting with youth:
“Looking back at my childhood, I remember the vital importance of having a supportive figure there with words of encouragement to keep you going. I know how important it was to have those people around me. I love that I now get to be that role model for others, helping them on their journey both on and off the pitch.
It’s been a transition, but the path I’ve been led on has enabled me to meet some amazing people along the way, like the Happy Confident Kids team.”
Bringing Play and Light into Coaching
I asked Nathan what he loves most about the Happy Confident Kids tools.
“Ever since learning the Happy Confident Kids tools, it has really helped me bring so much light and play to create change,” he says. “I’ve even used them with my own girls, and it has helped my relationship with them as a father no end. We have a lot more playfulness and fun at home now, and it has already created so much positive change. I’m excited to bring this experience to other parents and families to help them too.”
Get Kids Coaching from Nathan
Nathan provides a truly unique coaching experience for young people, offering tailored, interactive 1:1 sessions and workshops that will especially appeal to young sports fans and football enthusiasts.
To book your child a 1:1 session with Coach Nathan or find out about upcoming workshops: Say hello@happyconfidentkids.com.