Development Day draws big crowd

Last month saw the East Berks Youth Football League, in partnership with BBFA, hold the first ever league based Coach Development Day.

Over 150 coaches and five young football teams attended one of four training events, including an age appropriate course, first aid, safe-guarding children and a coaching 5-11-year-olds workshop from the Berks & Bucks FA Skills Team, during a mid-season break in fixtures.

The Coaching Development Day was set up on behalf of the EBYFL as a result of the league achieving Charter Standard League Status and their commitment to supporting clubs operating within their league. The idea behind the courses that have been put on is that they will support clubs to keep their Charter Standard up-to-date and maintain the high level of delivery within clubs.

Speaking about the event, Paul Backman, Football Development Officer at Berks & Bucks FA said: “The day was a tremendous success with so many coaches and players getting involved, and we are already looking to develop similar programmes across the county.

"We would like to thank the league for all their hard work in supporting the development and growth of all clubs within the league, and recognise their ongoing commitment to raising the standard of grassroots football across the area.

"Also, we would like to recognise all the hard work that the many volunteers within local clubs have put into delivering grassroots football and acknowledge the ongoing commitment to providing the best possible environment for footballers to enjoy the game.”