19 February 2008
VIDEO: FA Young Leadership Camp 2008
It might be five months until the next FA Young Leadership Camp but the preparation is already well underway.
Not even a bitterly cold frost could deter The FA Young Leaders as they continued planning for this summer's camp.

A handful of youngsters selected from the 2007 Young Leadership Camp joined up with others who attended the previous year's event at Leicestershire FA's freezing headquarters on Tuesday to share and discuss ideas for the latest course.

After an introduction from FA Skills Project Manager Nick Levett, who has overseen the camp since its inception in 2006, and some problem solving, a handful of Young Leaders from the first-ever camp, who acted as part of the management team last year, gave a presentation to those who will run the 2008 version.

They passed on some advice, including the importance of teamwork and balancing planning for the forthcoming camp with school work.

The new breed of management then discussed what developments have been made since their last meeting before moving outside to the astroturf where they learnt a number of new training drills.

Last year one hundred teenagers from all over the country attended the five-day course at St George's College in Ascot where they experienced a whole host of football disciplines, from Futsal to refereeing, psychology to goalkeeping.

After receiving expert tuition while on the camp, the youngsters were encouraged to take their new found skills back to their local clubs and deliver coaching to other children.

While the inaugural camp in 2006 was a resounding success, the following year's camp had a little twist. Nine young leaders who participated in the original course were asked to plan and manage the camp, a move which saw more activities outdoors.

This year's camp, which will run from Monday 14 July, will continue along similar lines with youngsters who experienced the 2007 event in charge of proceedings.

Further details of The FA Young Leadership Camp will appear on TheFA.com, or contact your county FA for more information.