9 May 2008
VIDEO: Prince shows his skills
FA President Prince William joins in with an FA Tesco Skills session at St.Aidan's Primary School in Blackburn.
The Shadow Sports Minister Hugh Robertson MP was today given an insight into The FA's long-term grassroots development work, when he visited The FA Tesco Skills Programme in Brent, North West London, in the company of an FA delegation.

Launched in June 2007, The FA Tesco Skills Programme is co-ordinated by The FA and funded by Tesco and the National Sports Foundation. It aims to give one million children in England top-quality skills coaching by summer 2010. A total of 66 specialist skills coaches focus on raising technical standards at the 5-11 age group, when ball skills are ingrained.

However, the programme is about more than just football skills. It teaches the children the value of teamwork and self-expression, and carries a strong problem-solving and interactive element. It has also has a marked effect on improving motivation in the schools in which the programme operates.

FA Director of Football Development Sir Trevor Brooking sees it as a central pillar of The FA’s youth development work: "The Skills Programme enables us to begin the challenge of raising the technical bar in English football at the key 5-11 year-old developmental stage. It is also about providing specialist, quality coaching to get youngsters active and give them an enjoyable, stimulating environment to maximise their ability."

Upon visiting Torah Temimah Primary School, Dollis Hill on Tuesday, Hugh Robertson said: "It was great to see so many primary school children enjoying learning the basics of sport through football related exercise. The quality of coaching provided by The FA was exceptional and clearly demonstrated the value added by the involvement of a national sport governing body."

The Skills coaches attend schools and clubs, as well as after-school and holiday skills centres, so that youngsters can be inspired to get active and maximise their ability, whatever their level.

Since the programme began, over 350,000 youngsters have taken part in sessions across the 12 pilot counties where the programme is taking place.

Courses will be running up and down the country. If you are interested in attending, or wish to join the club to learn skills online, visit TheFA.com/Skills for more details.