Steve Johnson, the Royal Navy FA’s Football Development Officer and Child Protection Tutor, was asked to deliver a CP course as part of a referees’ course which was being run by the Royal Navy Referees’ Society in Gibraltar.

“Unfortunately, there were only four students scheduled to take part in the course, so delivery of a CP course would not have been achievable.

“The course organiser then pointed out to me that many servicemen and civilians who didn’t already have a coaching qualification, actually help out with soccer activities on the island throughout the week.

“I asked him to generate some interest from these helpers, treasurers, kit washers and non-qualified coaches, stressing the importance of making more people aware of the issues surrounding child protection,” Steve adds.

“We ended up with 18 students – which was fantastic considering that 14 of them had agreed to attend voluntarily. Two were ladies who help out at the weekly soccer schools, and I found all the students to be very responsive and pro-active throughout."