From Professional footballer to Happy Confidence Kids Coach
Welcoming the Amazing Nathan Arnold - find out about his journey from kicking footballs to coaching kids.
We are so excited to welcome our newest Happy Confident Kids Coach, Nathan Arnold. Nathan brings a wealth of specialist experience and unique knowledge to our ever-growing community.
I recently interviewed Nathan to find out exactly how he drives positive change in children’s lives.
From Professional Footballer to Kids’ Confidence Coach
As a huge sports advocate myself, I am absolutely buzzing to have Nathan join our team. He 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.
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 yourself and Miranda.”
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.”
Rubbing Shoulders with Heroes (and Scoring at Wembley!)
I couldn’t help asking Nathan about his absolute favourite football moments.
“I’ve been fortunate enough to be involved in some really amazing moments in my career. From getting to sit down with one of my football heroes, Thierry Henry, and understanding his mindset and motivation—that was amazing.
But top of the list? I would say scoring at Wembley. 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!”
Crucial Messages for Young Athletes
I also asked Nathan what self-care messages he loves to share with young athletes.
“Taking time out to rest is something that I used to find challenging, especially as a competitive athlete. I now know the vital importance of wellbeing, self-care, and the rest that helps you excel at whatever you choose to do.
So now, I allow myself the time to relax and find a good balance. I still work out and keep fit and healthy, but I love a piece of Toblerone while putting my feet up and watching the footie once in a while!”
Get Coaching from Nathan Here…
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 today at hello@happyconfidentkids.com.