Grassroots football takes centre stage

As the UEFA Study Visit Scheme moves into its second season The FA welcomed delegates from Ukraine, Czech Republic and Poland to Wokefield Park Hotel in Reading to learn more about our grassroots programme.

The programme was hosted by Les Howie, The FA’s Head of Grassroots Coaching, who kicked off the visit with a joint presentation with Stuart Pearce, the England Under-21 Head Coach. There were further presentations from Kelly Simmons, The FA’s Head of National Game, Mick Baikie, FA National Club Development Manager, and Dean Grice from the Football League.

The visit also included practical demonstrations on The FA Youth Award from Richard Horner, an FA Regional Coach Development Manager (5-11 years), and Jeff Davis, FA National Disability Manager.

The delegates also had to the chance to visit a local FA Charter Standard Club and an FA Tesco Skills session at a local school before being invited to Wembley for a Stadium Tour.

As well as learning more about the grassroots programme in England, the visiting associations each made a short presentation on how the grassroots programme runs in their countries so that comparisons could be made and examples of good practice could be drawn upon.