Many would not be where they are today without the help or influence of one or more coaches.

Whether playing football at the highest level, or simply for fun, the importance of a good coach cannot be underestimated.

The Football Association, through its extensive training programme for coaches, has always prioritised improving the technical quality of coaching, which would in turn, reap rewards on pitches up and down the country.

The first step to becoming a coach is to enrol on a Football Association Coaching course. By getting on a course, individuals have the opportunity to progress up through the various coaching qualifications and to enhance their skills and knowledge in coaching.

 

Experience is essential for a coach as so much can be learned from the coaching field, whether it be working with or observing other coaches, or coaching players of mixed ability, age and gender. A successful coach should always be open to new ideas and want to continually improve their individual skills and knowledge of the game.

Together with FA Community Partner McDonald's, 8,000 new coaches are hoping to be trained in the next three years, as The FA continues to raise standards at the grassroots of the game, and ensure every boy and girl has the best possible introduction to the national game.

In Shropshire, the number of coaches attending courses in the county are running at record levels. Owing to demand, two new Level one courses have been arranged in Shrewsbury during the month of July.

Course one is being held at the Priory School Meole Brace on July 3-6th. Course two takes place at Shrewsbury Town Football Club on July 18, 20, 22 and 27th.

All weekday times are 6.30pm-9.30pm and the weekend dates are 9.00-6.00pm.

For all course details contact Mick Murphy or Andrea Goodall at the Shropshire FA on 01743-362973 or e-mail: Mick.Murphy@shropsfa.com 

For details of forthcoming courses in other parts of the country, please contact the Football Development team at your local County FA.