Allison: We want to produce world-class coaches
Earlier this year, former Tranmere Rovers, Sheffield United and Chesterfield centre-forward, Wayne Allison was appointed The FA’s Research Manager for Coaching.
Below is an extract from the article available, in full, to Licensed Coaches' Club members in which he explains more about his new role.
Wayne, you were appointed FA Research Manager for Coaching earlier in the year, what does the role entail?
It’s varied and I think that’s what I like about it. My role includes investigation and research into The FA coaching strategy which looks at developing a world-class coaching system. We’re looking at how to improve it and make it better. If we have better coaches, then hopefully we have better players.
Your appointment coincided with the recent opening of St. George’s Park, The FA’s National Football Centre, in Burton on Trent, how is the centre going to improve the quality of English coaching?
It’s a tremendous facility for developing football coaches at all levels of the game – from professional coaches to grassroots coaches. All The FA’s National coaching courses will be held at the centre with access to the best pitches and the best sports science facilities. As a coach development centre we want to produce world-class coaches for the future.
How will the £100m centre benefit football research?
With all The FA Research staff and coaches in one central location it is a lot easier to share ideas. It means we can use the research we are conducting to effectively provide feedback to coaches across the game and also improve our coaching courses in line with the findings.
