England prepared for the recent Homeless World Cup in fine style, by undertaking an FA Level One coaching course ahead of their trip to Australia for the Finals.
Several members of the squad began on the road to becoming a coach and underwent an intensive session with FA Level One Tutors Steve Clarke and Mark Howard ahead of their journey 'down under'.
The squad were then able to partake in coaching sessions with local youngsters in Melbourne, whilst also competing in the competition, which took place over the weekend.
Aiming to use the power of football for the purposes of social inclusion, to highlight the issue of homelessness and to transform people’s lives around the world, the Homeless World Cup uses a format known as Streetsoccer, which is a four-a-side game with a goalkeeper and three outfield players.
England's first game was on Saturday against Scotland and after a 7-7 draw, they unfortunately lost out on penalties.
Later that day, Brazil were the opponents and England were victorious this time, with a 9-5 victory against the South Americans.
Their results meant that England would face Kenya in the game to decide fifth and sixth place and unfortunately, the Three Lions lost that game by 7-3.
However, the squad return to England having taken their first steps on the ladder of being a coach and will now be hoping to take it on further.
"The FA has been really supportive in getting us to do this coaching course and I'm really happy that I've been able to do it, it's been really good," admitted Abdi Gaal (pictured left), from Birmingham.
"It's easy to see a coach explain things, but you don't realise how hard it is to stand in his shoes and do it.
"We had a practice and it was hard, much harder than I thought."
Squad mate Tyrone Coleman added: "I learned a lot from the course, you have a lot of talking to do and a lot of people need to listen.
"There are a few things that I need to work on, as it was my first time, but that comes with experience.
"I want to do Level Two as well and The FA have done a lot for us, the England team and we're all very grateful."
For more details on the competition, please visit www.homelessworldcup.org
