The competition is the first of its kind to be run by The FA and has been designed to showcase the talents of exceptional grassroots coaches that are the lifeline of so many local clubs.

In the next few weeks County FAs will pick their winners from the entries received via TheFA.com and all these winners will be presented with a plaque and bursary towards continuing their football education.

These winners will then be assessed by The FA's Regional Football Development Managers who will each pick a regional winner.  This person will then be invited to Soho Square to meet the final judging panel on 06 July before a national winner is decided on that day.

The judging panel will consist of some great football personalities, all with an excellent understanding of playing and coaching at all levels of the game and all know exactly what it takes to be a great coach.  Sitting on the final judging panel will be:

  • Sir Geoff Hurst MBE (World Cup hat-trick hero)
  • Sir Trevor Brooking (The FA's Director of Football)
  • Hope Powell OBE (England Women's Head Coach)
  • Eric Harrison (Former Manchester United Youth Team Coach)
  • Les Howie (The FA's National Club Development Manager)

The day at Soho Square promises to be an exciting and tense affair for all the finalists with the winner receiving the follow prizes, all of which have been donated by The FA's Community Partner, McDonald's.

  • £5000 worth of McDonald's training equipment
  • Chief Guest at the 2005 Community Shield
  • Sir Geoff Hurst MBE and Eric Harrison will come along to your club and assist the winning coach in taking a training session with your team.
  • Opportunity to watch the England senior team train live.
  • Plaque confirming the award.
  • Funding towards taking the next level of FA coaching qualification.
  • 2 hospitality tickets to watch The 2005 FA Community Shield.

If you have been nominated the good luck.

All winners will be contacted by your local The County FA shortly.

If you are a coach and interested in getting involved in football education why not view our entire range of courses by clicking here. 

The course catalogue also now includes a range of new and exciting online courses meaning you can get online and get involved today.