Offside and Overstimulated

  How I accidentally swapped boots for a whistle (and sometimes forgot both) ⸻ If you’d told younger me that I’d be coaching women’s rugby, I would’ve laughed, probably spilled my drink, and said something along the lines of:  “Me? The one who still forgets which way we’re playing until half-time?” And yet, here I am. Whistle in hand, clipboard somewhere at the bottom of my kit bag, and surrounded by the most brilliant, chaotic, determined group of women you’ll ever meet. ⸻ 🏉  Still Playing, Still Coaching, Wondering Why I Do Both I started coaching while I was still playing. Some might call that dedication. Others might call it questionable time management. Both are correct. Playing gave me the adrenaline- the tackles, the mud, the sheer joy of crashing over the try line. But coaching? Coaching gave me something else entirely. It was a chance to see the game from a different angle, to step back slightly and help other women fall in love with rugby the way I did. And so ...

Photo: me and my team. Or: How I Forgot My Whistle but Remembered to Change Lives Coaching with ADHD is a bit like playing a match in sideways rain with one boot on. Chaotic? Yes. But also, strangely effective… once you get used to the puddles. So here’s what I wish more people understood about what it’s really like: 1. My Brain is a Bouncy Castle Ideas? I’ve got a million. I can design a training session that’s fast-paced, creative, and keeps everyone guessing - mostly because I  also  don’t entirely know what’s happening next. Structure? Loosely held. Chaos? Lovingly embraced. But trust me, if you want someone who can adapt on the fly with minimal tantrums when half the team cancels, the pitch is flooded, and your key player forgot her boots - I’m your girl.  2. Admin is My Arch-Nemesis I care deeply about every single player on my team. I will cheer their wins, remember their pronouns, and check in when they’re going through it. But will I forget to submit the team she...