Football is changing. Players are quicker, stronger and more creative. Teams work harder, cover more distance and face more challenges than ever before.
As the game gets quicker, the role of the coach can never be underestimated.
Coaches are essential for teaching and developing players at every level of football. To give their players the best advantage, coaches must be aware of the latest techniques and philosophies involved in coaching the game.
The FA provides a series of training courses for coaches from Level One through to the most advanced UEFA Pro Licence. The courses are packed with expert knowledge and cover all areas of player development.
For first time coaches, the Level One Certificate in Coaching Football course is available throughout the country and will prepare you for life as a football coach.
This course provides an introduction to the organisation and delivery of safe and enjoyable coaching sessions for players. The course will provide practical drills to develop players’ technical skills such as shooting, turning with the ball and heading. It is ideally suited to those working with groups of young players.
Aspiring coaches will also learn about The FA’s Long-Term Player Development programme and how coaches should be addressing the 'four corners' of a player’s development: technical, physical, social and psychological. This covers the different ways that players learn and develop, to pitch coaching at the right level for different players. The courses are delivered by your local County FA in local venues.
The FA requires all coaches in FA Charter Standard clubs to be FA qualified in order to ensure quality technical development for players. It’s important for qualified coaches to continue to develop themselves for the benefit of their team too.
FA regional coaches deliver up to 200 in-service coaching events each season, providing practical advice on different aspects of coaching. Coaches can also sign up to be a member of FACA, The FA Coaches’ Association, to receive essential support as part of an exclusive members’ club.
Are you interested in taking your coaching skills to the next level? Thanks to McDonald’s, our Coaches Partner, you have the opportunity to win one of hundreds of free places on FA Youth Module 1 coaching courses across England. Click here to find out how you can apply.