I am meeting Tommi Mäkeläinen, a student of the Specialist Vocational Qualification in Coaching (VEAT), at the Myyrmäki Ice Hall. Tommi is currently working as the goalkeeper coaching coordinator and communications officer at Southern Vantaa Athletes (EVU). So, his working hours are spent partly in the office and partly in practical work, together with the teams' goalkeeper coaches.
Tommi is what is called a career changer, meaning that he has a long history in the commercial sector, from which he switched to the sports sector a few years ago. For years, Tommi worked as a goalkeeper coach alongside his main job and trained through the sports federation's educational pathway. When Tommi decided to leave his job in the commercial sector, he enrolled in the Vocational Qualification in Coaching (VAT) at Kisakallio, which facilitated a natural transition to working in a sports club. During his VAT studies, Tommi became excited about the idea of continuing his studies in the VEAT program, from which he will graduate later this fall.
According to Tommi, his current job requires not only expertise in the field but especially good communication and organizational skills. Communication in sports is very people-centered, and according to Tommi, communication has also changed during his coaching career. The high-quality lectures and shared researched knowledge on the theme of communication during his studies have greatly supported Tommi's own perspective on how one's communication and coaching philosophy can create the right kind of atmosphere also in club activities.
Organizational skills and planning are also important in Tommi's work since he is responsible for the coaches' periodization and season planning. Practical tools for planning have come from studies and training, but Tommi feels he has gained a lot of useful skills, for instance, in work organization and strategic work, already during his commercial career.
Tommi states that the best part of his current job is the human interaction and the opportunity to help and serve others. In his work, he can influence the daily activities of coaches and athletes. This gives meaning to his work and makes it enjoyable. To those considering a career in sports, Tommi sends an encouraging message: "It's worth starting the studies if you're at all interested in coaching as a profession." According to Tommi, the VAT and VEAT programs are organized in such a way that the training is easy to complete even alongside family and other work commitments.
Tommi has already recommended the training programs of the three-campus sports institute to many other coaches. The multidisciplinary approach in the programs is an asset. The best part is getting to know coaches from many other sports. For example, a lot of good practices from coaching gymnasts and figure skaters can also be applied to goalkeeper training.
Thanks to Tommi for the pleasant meeting and good luck for the future!
Tommi Mäkeläinen
Vocational Qualification in Coaching (VAT)
Specialist Vocational Qualification in Coaching (VEAT)
Kisakallio Sports Institute