The unique programme ensures each child is given the opportunity to get active, learn new soccer techniques and enjoy playing the game.
The Football Association has been providing free, high quality coaching courses across the nation during and after school, as well as in holiday periods.
Of the 5,183,973 places filled so far, 43 per cent have been taken up by young girls, many of whom receive tuition in school time.
About FA Tesco Skills
- Established in 2007
- Open to children aged 5-11
- 158 Skills coaches nationwide
- Offers kids the chance to get active, learn new football skills and enjoy the game
- Free to join
The programme also supports Charter Standard football clubs, with 933 benefiting from the scheme last year alone.
And the team of 158 skills coaches work within primary schools to provide specialist National Curriculum football-based education to youngsters.
In 2013, over 17 per cent of these places were taken up by black, Asian and minority ethnic children.
Independent research commissioned by The FA in 2012 revealed 93 per cent of parents and 88 per cent of teachers noticed improved confidence among those participating in FA Skills.
Almost 80 per cent of parents noticed their child being more active as a result of them taking part in the programme and over 40 per cent of children said they would not have taken part in as much – or any – sporting activity if the skills initiative was not available.
Over 6,000 coaches have come through The FA Tesco Skills initiative
Skills attracts and develops the best specialist youth coaches in England and each one has been chosen for their technical expertise and their ability to communicate with children.
Over 6,000 grassroots coaches were developed by the FA Tesco Skills coaches in 2013, which is helping to leave a legacy across youth football.
Physical, technical, psychological and social elements are core parts of the programme and aim to help children build their self-esteem, learn to work as part of a team and improve their decision-making as well as developing their football skills.
Last year, FA Skills received a three-year accreditation from the Association for Physical Education’s Professional Development Board for its level of work delivered in primary schools and teacher resources.
