The first female coach to be certified in the UAE by the Manchester United Soccer Schools, Stela Samuela came to the country eight years ago to pursue a career teaching physical education and currently works at the GEMS American Academy in Khalifa City. Abu Dhabi Week caught up with her to find out more
As we sit down with Stela and Andy Dixon (head coach at MUSS Abu Dhabi) in the plush surroundings of the school’s facilities behind the Dome on Airport Road, it soon becomes clear that this is one seriously driven and highly motivated woman. Listening to Stela talk eloquently and passionately about her chosen profession and her fledging coaching career, it’s hard not to be impressed.
But just how did this erstwhile gymnast-turned-PE teacher end up coaching girls’ football at the soccer school of one of the world’s most famous teams?
“When Man United first started doing courses here about two years ago, we got invitations at the school where I was working to come and have a look. So I came along with teachers from lots of other schools to watch Andy give one of their typical sessions; and after being introduced to their philosophy and way of doing things, I thought ‘Wow, this is really nice. If I like it then the kids will really love it.’
“I was already coaching two or three girls’ teams of different age groups at my school when Andy invited us back for some special sessions. It was so much fun that I said to him afterwards if he ever did any coaching sessions that I could take part in to improve my own skills I would love to be involved.
“Obviously I already liked football. I really admired the way they ran the sessions – I just wanted to learn more and be able to coach in the same way they did.”
Passionate, enthusiastic, dedicated, able to inspire the kids – these are just some of the words used by Andy Dixon to describe Stela, so it should come as no surprise that in September last year he emailed her asking if she wanted the chance to train with them and maybe join the team.
“I had plenty of experience as a PE teacher for over eight years so I jumped at the chance.
“For a couple of months I was coming every week and started watching the coaches, then I concentrated on different parts of the sessions. Gradually, I took on more and more until I was doing full sessions and then when I was good enough I went for my qualification.
The way Stela tells it makes it all sound so easy but in reality it is anything but. We take a look at a typical day in her life.
6.50am: Stela gets up early and grabs a quick bite to eat before heading out for a long day.
7.15am: Leaving the house for the short drive to school, Stela jumps into the passenger seat of the car – she doesn’t have a UAE driving license.
“I’m fortunate that I have a great husband who supports me. Walter drives me everywhere I need to go and I couldn’t do it without him.”
7.30am: Arriving at school, Stela prepares for the first of her five KG (Kindergarten) classes that she teaches every day.
“My school has been very supportive and the two principals are very happy and proud of me. They know I’m not doing it for the money, it’s just a challenge for me, a way to improve my all round skills. It’s really helping me to become a better coach and the things I learn I can apply to my students in school.”
3.30pm: School’s done but there’s no time for Stela to rest on her laurels – it’s straight to MUSS to prepare for her coaching session.
“It’s all about preparation and lots of practice. If I just turn up and haven’t prepared then I will look like a person that doesn’t know what they are doing. The kids, the parents and other coaches, they’re always watching you so you have to be professional and dedicated.”
4.30pm: Although Stela has only completed two sessions since qualifying, she is quickly getting into the swing of things.
“It’s all about giving these girls the chance to come and try something new, to express themselves, build their confidence, have some fun and make some new friends. We’re giving them the opportunity to do something they’ve never been able to before.
“Another thing I like is the mix of different nationalities and backgrounds. The girls’ courses are held inside the Dome so it’s private and helps with the requirements of certain cultures – we even have a couple of local girls playing in the 14 to 16 age group and one in the younger age group, which is fantastic.”
6pm: Once the session is over, Stela spends a little time tidying up all the equipment before having a quick chat with Andy to discuss how the session’s gone and what she can do to improve.
“There’s lots to learn but Andy really helps. He’s giving me so much information that sometimes it feels like my head might explode but I just can’t get enough.”
7pm: “I’m normally exhausted after such a long day. I just like to relax and watch some TV, generally let my husband take care of me and spoil me because he knows I’m tired.
“If I get any free time then I love any kind of exercise. I also like to meet my friends, socialise and eat nice food – I love Indian and Thai. Sleep, eat, meet friends – easy!”
Final thoughts: I love it here. I’m really happy at my school and I love coaching – the two work really well together and complement each other. I just want to keep pushing myself to develop, learn new skills and become a better coach.
To learn more about the different MUSS programmes on offer, visit www.manutdsoccerschools.ae or call 02 449 8480.
Jon Muller
