🤩Volunteer Spotlight: Coach Ish Sehmbey

Meet Coach Ish Sehmbey, a dedicated volunteer coach with Coastal FC who has been immersed in the soccer community for as long as she can remember. She's on the sidelines guiding her two daughters and inspiring the next generation of young players. 

Ish’s love for soccer began when she was just five years old, leading her through high-level competitive play, varsity teams, and adult women’s leagues, where she still competes today. Her passion for the game has even taken her to two FIFA World Cups, experiences she cherishes. “Soccer has always been a part of my life,” Ish reflects. “I fell in love with it right from the start.” 

Getting Started with Coastal FC

When it was time for her daughters to kick off their soccer journey, Coastal FC felt like the perfect choice. Ish had been coaching since her early 20s, so stepping into a volunteer role at the club allowed her to blend her love for the game with her family’s journey. 

Her journey evolved from player to coach, and now, as a parent, she is sharing these moments with her daughters. “Coaching at Coastal while watching my daughters grow up in the same club has been incredibly special,” she shares. “It really has come full circle for me.” 

Building Confidence and Community

For Ish, coaching is about so much more than just winning games. She strives to create a positive atmosphere where young players are excited to participate, make friends, and build their confidence.

As a female coach, Ish understands the importance of representation on the sidelines. “I want to be a positive role model for these girls, showing them how soccer can foster confidence, self-esteem, resilience, and a sense of belonging,” she explains. Her most memorable moments aren’t just about the score at the end of the game but rather the smiles, celebrations, and friendships that blossom along the way. 

Life Outside the Game

When she's not coaching or playing soccer, Ish keeps active by running and competing in HYROX events. Many may not know that she ran her own charity for seven years, using soccer to connect with underprivileged communities in rural Punjab, India. One of her main goals was to create opportunities for young girls to engage in organized sports, helping them build confidence and overcome gender barriers. 

Ish draws inspiration from Canadian soccer icon Christine Sinclair and has been an Arsenal fan since childhood, admiring Thierry Henry's iconic style and confidence. 

For Ish, volunteering means giving back and making quality time with her family a priority. “Life gets busy, and coaching provides me with dedicated time each week to share something we all love,” she says. “Knowing I can make even a small positive impact on the kids’ experiences makes all the time and effort totally worthwhile.”

Thank you, Coach Ish, for your incredible dedication to your players, your team, and the Coastal FC community!