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Welcome to the first article in our new Coach Spotlight series, where we highlight the amazing volunteers whose energy, passion, and commitment help shape the North Cardiff Cosmos FC community.
We begin with Jonny McMenemy, a dedicated volunteer coach who supported our Under 7s Girls during the 2024/25 season and now continues with the group into Under 8s.
At June’s North Cardiff Cosmos Football Festival, Jonny’s coaching stood out in a way that truly captured the spirit of our club. Our club Lead Coach, John Norman, shared the following praise after watching Jonny work with his team:
“I have to say that one of our coaches was exemplary that morning: U7’s coach Jonny McMenemy.
His communication with his team was 100% positive and he was giving good information throughout. Whilst some coaches at the festival tended to generate player urgency by over-coaching with raised voices, he was calm and let the players generate their own urgency.
His team were the most physically alert and competitive of all the teams I saw on the day.
A great example of how coaching should be.”
Jonny’s approach represents the best of grassroots coaching — patient, encouraging, and focused on the whole child, not just the footballer.
Jonny shared some of his own philosophy on coaching and why he loves being part of the North Cardiff Cosmos family:
“For me it’s about seeing the young players develop, not only in a football sense, but as people too. Seeing their confidence grow each week, and showing them how valued they can be as part of a collective. About how everyone has different strengths.
It’s about seeing the smiles and hearing the laughter when we try new things and they might not go as expected. It’s about building resilience that can be taken into other aspects of life.
And if we win a few games of football and score a few goals along the way, then that’s a bonus.”
Jonny’s calm presence, thoughtful communication, and player-centred approach make him an invaluable part of the coaching team. Volunteers like him bring heart, personality, and purpose to our club, and we’re incredibly grateful for the time and energy he gives to our young players.
Thank you, Jonny — and thank you to all our brilliant volunteers who help make grassroots football possible for our young players.
Keep an eye out for future Coach Spotlight features as we continue celebrating the people who make North Cardiff Cosmos FC such a special place.
Our Under 8 Girls team are sponsored by Lex Roofing and CM Clee Consultancy. Photos by Jon Callaghan.
