A group of 14 local coaches completed the FA Youth Award Module 1 on Sunday 28 June 2009 at Kirkbie Kendal School as part of the McDonalds Coach Education scheme in Westmorland.
The Module 1 course forms part of the 3 module FA Youth Award designed to supplement coaches learning at Levels 1, 2 and 3. Each of the modules contains information and guidance on how to support young players development, making specific reference to the 4 corners of the Long Term Player Development Model - Technical, Physical, Psychological and Social.
The focus of Module 1 is around developing a coaching environment where players can learn, achieve and flourish in the game. The coaches sampled some new training sessions and skills activities which place some of the ownership of the learning emphasis on the players, enabling them to think for themselves, work out solutions to skills based problems and suggest progressions of the practice with the support of the coach.
In comparison to the Level 1 course, the coaching philosophy of Youth Module 1 is fundamentally different.
“It applies to all ages but perhaps stresses the importance of coaching kids appropriately in the golden age as a basis for the rest of their footballing careers. Kids are far more likely to enjoy and benefit from this style of coaching and vastly develop their decision making skills in particular. I think this course is an ideal stepping stone for coaches following on from completion of the level one course “
(David Foster, Kirkby Lonsdale YFC)
"From attending the Youth Award Module 1 course I now realise how valuable it is for the coach in any team to have a good two way line of communication & interaction in all areas, (Social, Technical, Physical & Physiological ) between all players & the coach to enable greater success to be achieved ! "
(Rob Kitchen, Heysham Blue Star YFC)
“This course highlights the way all youths should be coached - providing an environment which encourages them to solve problems/work things out for themselves and be creative whilst practicing vital techniques and movements used in the game. The course content and principles are relevant for teaching any age group right through to adult football, and the games can easily be adapted to suit infants, right through to adults. This course is about how to coach kids in a way that will bring out the best in them as player and develop the players of the future.”
(Kieran Platt, Cumbria Girls Centre of Excellence)
Westmorland County FA would also like to thank Wattsfield United U12’s who came along on Sunday 28 June to help the coaches in delivering the practical sessions that formed part of the course. Their efforts and enthusiasm were very much appreciated, particularly with the weather being so warm on the day!
If you are interested in attending the Youth Module 1 Course or would like any additional information about the course, please contact Adam Panter (Football Development Officer) for further details. Adam.Panter@WestmorlandFA.com