The FA took a delegation of coaches to a UEFA Study Visit in Spain.
Having hosted three UEFA Study Visits on the subjects of grassroots, youth and women’s football, it was The FA’s turn to send a delegation of English staff to Spain, with the focus on Coach Education.
Joining The FA on the three day visit were delegations from Scotland and Sweden. The event was held at the Spanish Football Centre (Ciudad del Futbol), just outside Madrid.
This National Centre possesses excellent, purpose built facilities which enhances the environment for learning and development. The Administration Centre, International Football Development and Coach Education are all housed there. There are five pitches, two with small spectator stands, a Futsal centre, a medical and conditioning centre, seminar rooms and a four star hotel.
The Spanish FA President, Angel Maria Villar Llona, Technical Director, Fernando Hierro, Spanish National Team Manager, Vicente Del Bosque and the National Coaches, who are responsible for the International Development Teams and Coach Education, are all based there and are working together for the good of Spanish football.
Members of The FA delegation were impressed by what they saw inside the National Centre.
"It is the hub of Spanish football," said John Peacock, England U17 Head Coach and The FA's Head of Coaching.
"There is obviously close interaction and integration between the theory and practical side of football and the administration and governance section of the Spanish FA.
"I think we can all see the tremendous strides the Spanish FA have made over the last ten years and this makes them stand out as the benchmark for the other European nations to follow."