Today marks John Peacock's first day in his new role as FA Head of Coaching.

One of the country's leading educators of coaches, Peacock has over 12 years' experience in the FA coach education scheme.

He spent eight years as an FA Regional Director, followed by four years at Derby County as Academy Director, before rejoining The FA in 2002 to take charge of the England U17 team.

Over this time he has managed over 90 international matches and worked with many international young players who have gone on to gain U21 and Senior caps. He is also the Course Director for the top coaching qualifications, the UEFA A Licence and UEFA Pro Licence.

"I'm hugely honoured to be appointed and really excited at the challenge," said Peacock. "I have been coaching players, particularly young players, for more than 20 years and I would like to think that that experience will help me in this new role."

As Head of Coaching, he will oversee and lead the FA coach education programme at the elite end, ensure a consistent delivery of The FA's coaching philosophy, provide support and resources for coaches aiming to work in the professional game, and develop a support programme and technical syllabus for in-service training for Academy and Centre of Excellence coaches at the 5-11, 12-16 and 17-21 age groups.

He will maintain his role as U17 National Coach and continue to oversee the delivery of the UEFA Pro Licence.

"We have to develop the new coaches coming forward," added Peacock. "But we have to keep working with the experienced coaches too. We need to keep giving them courses and giving them new qualifications. Our courses must be innovative and accessible too.

"Also important are Sir Trevor Brooking's planned developments, which he has been working on for the last 18 months, like age specific courses."

Sir Trevor Brooking, FA Director of Football Development, sees Peacock's appointment as a key element in The FA's coaching strategy.

"Coaching is a crucial area of football development," said Brooking.

"Raising the technical standards of our young players is an absolute priority and to do that we need to improve the quality of coaches and ensure a consistent approach across the game.

"We are also modernising our qualifications and structures to meet the needs of the modern coach.

"John has extensive experience in all areas of the professional game and is one of the most respected coach educators in the country. He will play a leading role in ensuring that we have a unified approach based on age-appropriate coaching, an emphasis on skills and ball control, and a environment for young players which encourages them to express themselves technically."