An Intern In Rochester

Hall of fame coach Bill Walsh was a progressive visionary, not just on the field where he introduced his “west coast offence”, but also on the sidelines, particularly through his “Minority Coaching Fellowship” initiative. Introduced in 1987, it provides talented coaches from smaller programmes with the opportunity to experience an NFL team’s summer training camp. Having that opportunity to gain an insight into the structure, and disciplines that form the architecture of an elite level camp, they learn valuable coaching skills and techniques that they can utilise within their own programmes. It also prepares the fortunate individuals to take their careers forward to the higher levels of the game. To this point, over 1,800 coaches have benefitted from the scheme, and every NFL team now embraces it. Graduates of the fellowship include, current NFL head coaches, Mike Tomlin (Pittsburgh Steelers) and Marvin Lewis (Cincinnati Bengals).

Clearly, an opportunity like this is much prized, and competition for places is intense, so huge congratulations are due to Great Britain linebacker Phoebe Schecter, who has secured a position within the fellowship, and will be working with the Buffalo Bills as a coaching intern at their 2017 training camp this summer. Already an accomplished coach (she possesses a BAFCA level two qualification), when she is not playing, she coaches numerous men’s and women’s teams. She was also chosen by the NFL, as part of their staff for the “Play 60” initiative, working with local schoolchildren when teams are in London, as part of the NFL international series.

I spoke with Phoebe to get a greater understanding of how this tremendous opportunity came about. The catalyst for this latest step in Schecter’s football journey came as part of the Women’s World Football Games, held in Florida between January 24 and 27 earlier this year. A keynote session at the event was the NFL Women's Careers in Football Forum, designed to focus on coaching, scouting, and officiating, with the overarching objective to enhance gender diversity throughout the NFL. Phoebe attended the session and was inspired by NFL Head of Development, Sam Rappoport to pursue every developmental opportunity she can (Rappoport remains a valuable mentor). Phoebe also met Bills charismatic co-owner Kim Pegula at the event and established a connection.

When she received the call from Bills Head Coach Sean McDermott, offering her the position, she was only too happy to accept. “I’m a big fan of Coach McDermott’s philosophies, and can’t wait to learn more about how they are applied on a daily basis” said the clearly excited football ambassador.

Whilst with the Bills at their camp, which is based in the Rochester area near Buffalo, she will be getting an overview of the whole training camp operation, but will be working specifically with the defensive backs group. She will no doubt benefit from the years of top level coaching experience provided by Defensive Co-ordinator, Leslie Frazier, and positional coach, Gill Bird. She flies out on July 22nd, and will be with the team up until their first pre-season game against the Vikings on August 10th.

She intends to continue to play and coach for the foreseeable future, but when she does stop pulling on the pads, she will focus fully on the coaching role. She is determined to “give back” to the UK game that she feels has given her so much. I fully expect her to become the Head Coach of the Great Britain women’s team at some point in the future, unless of course, she has a full time job with the NFL.