Developing the practice

The first national residential course for the new FA Youth Award Module 2 took place at Keele University in early October.

The students arrived with various experience and from various coaching backgrounds which proved to be of real value. It added to the richness of the course and to the debate and discussions over the four-day course. The group was vibrant, enthusiastic, open  and very knowledgeable.

The mix of coaches from different environments (professional clubs, grassroots clubs and schools) enabled students and staff to get a real handle on the wider issues in  the coaching of young players. By the end of the course it was agreed that the essential knowledge for the coaches must be shared equally between the game, the players, the environment and the practice itself and not concentrated in one area. This knowledge does not depend on the ability or age of the players. It is as relevant for absolute beginners as it is for older, experienced and talented players.

The course involved theory sessions backed up with lots of practical work. There was also an opportunity for the coaches to plan, deliver and evaluate the practical work at the end and bring the theory to life.

The main focus of the Youth Award Module 2 course is on building observation and evaluation skills which are the key tools for any decent coach or educator. The practical delivery from the students turned out to be a reflection of the group themselves - vibrant, imaginative and thoughtful and, in the end, a real learning experience for us all.