The FA is the first governing body in world football to have made a commitment to learning online, whilst Solihull College are the first FA Learning Accredited Online Course Provider in the UK.

Sir Trevor was impressed by what he saw, and also believes that utilising IT is another way in which young people can learn.

"The FA want to widen the access of information available about the game, and for young people in particular, using the internet is part of their everyday lives" he told TheFA.com.

"Children learn in different ways and when taught in a traditional classroom manner, some can be afraid to put their hands up and ask questions. These courses mean that the students get to make decisions themselves related to the course content, but most importantly, then apply what they learn, when they get out on the training pitch."

The FA later this Spring will confirm the appointment and remit of nine new Regional Coaches, and Sir Trevor believes that the online courses can help develop coaches at all levels of the game.

"We know that a lot of youngsters still experience very old fashioned training sessions, with very little emphasis on ball skills. These courses will hopefully supplement some of the practical knowledge coaches learn on a Level 1 or Level 2 coaching course, but also ensure that the coaches make sessions fun and enjoyable.

"We have to change the coaching philosophy in this country, particularly with the 5-11 age group, and focus on getting children to feel comfortable on the ball, and stop coaches shouting instructions and interrupting sessions; it's about making learning fun."

Solihull College’s Football Development Scheme allows players of varying ability, who have already trained at Academy, Centre of Excellence or District or County level, the opportunity to combine an academic qualification with a high quality coaching programme.

The online learning coaching courses complement the areas already covered through the Development Scheme and include fitness for football, psychology for soccer, coaching children, planning and preparing coaching sessions, player and match analysis, child protection and laws of the game.

Sir Trevor and Matthew met with over forty NVQ 2 Football Coaching students before watching the students display their technical skills on the College's astroturf, despite the snow that was swirling around the Midlands yesterday.

Matthew Upson was another impressed onlooker, and admitted that such courses may have helped when he was at college.

He told TheFA.com: "I did a GNVQ in Leisure and Tourism when I was at Luton Town but my enthusiasm for academia was always going to come second to my football.

"I had a good chat with a lot of the children and they said that the courses are productive and accessible for coaches looking to further their knowledge.

"As a player you benefit most from sessions which are structured and help you to gain experience, whatever position you play, and it's great that The FA are utilising the internet in such a positive way.

“If these kids want to progress in the game, they have to be prepared to put in a lot of hard work, and from what I've seen, they are also enjoying what they are doing, which is equally as important."

For more information about The FA’s online courses, click here.

For more information on how your college can become an Accredited Online Course Provider and utilise The FA’s new range of online courses email Jonathan.Wilson@TheFA.com