In what was a first for FA Learning, the event brought together a diverse range of participants with a range of football interests to take part in presentations, workshops and seminars on a range of subjects.

Day One saw more than 150 delegates attend the 4th annual Psychology Conference introduced by The FA’s Head of Player Development Andy Cale. Delegates were treated to a great mix of presentations from some of the games leading lights in the art of football psychology.

These included former Liverpool FC legend and Academy Director Steve Heighway, Hope Powell and Misia Gervis who discussed the use of psychology in the recent Women's European Championships and Alistair Higham the new National Manager of Coach Development of the Lawn Tennis Association.

Running at the same time, the FACA Fitness event allowed delegates to get a great insight into the latest updates on exercise science from FA Staff including Gary Phillips The FA’s Deputy Head of Exercise Science.

Following presentations on the theory side of things attendees were treated to practical sessions that took advantage of a temporary Futsal pitch laid in one of the two exhibition halls specifically for the event.

In the evening, new National Tutor Training Manager Jamie Houchen took the opportunity to bring together more than 150 coach educators to discuss the future strategy for all FA Tutors.

During this event presentations were given from various FA staff including Sir Trevor Brooking (Director of Football Development) who outlined his commitment to working with the FA’s educational workforce to raise standards in coaching.

Day Two saw more than 250 coaches through the doors, attending the Level 1 and 2 Coaching Development Day and The FA Lead Tutor event.

The Coaching Development Day was a mixture of presentations and practical sessions and the feedback was such that FA Learning is now under pressure to run many more events like this in 2006! Speakers included Les Howie, The FA’s Head of Club Development, Dario Gradi, the long standing and fantastically successful Manager of Crewe FC, Sir Trevor Brooking and Sir Geoff Hurst.

On day three the Referee Development Day was a big success and was attended by Ian Blanchard, The FA’s new Head of National Referee Development. Anyone that attended the event will agree it was a fully interactive learning experience with vibrant discussions facilitated on the interpretations on various Laws of the Game.

On the second Coaching Development Day that took place on the final third day of the event coaches were treated to presentations from FA National Coaches, Martin Hunter, Ray Clemence and Craig Simmons as well as a range of practical sessions that again took place on the Futsal pitch in the exhibition hall.

Overall the three days have been a great success and have brought together participants that begin to represent the wide and diverse football range of football interests.

In 2006 we hope to see you there you too!