The latest graduates of England Football Learning’s FA Level 5 for Technical Directors course attended a dinner and certificate presentation at Hoar Cross Hall in Burton-on-Trent last Thursday 23 September 2021, to mark the conclusion of the programme.
Hosted by Phil Church, England Football Learning’s Senior Professional Game Coach Development Lead, the evening was an opportunity to come together and reflect on the learnings of the course, and to celebrate progress made over the past 20 months.
The 12 graduates from the 2019-2021 programme all hold positions at clubs within domestic and international leagues, with attendees from Forest Green Rovers and Chelsea FC to governing body The Premier League and Norwegian Eliteserien side Bodo Glimt among others to participate.
The FA Level 5 for Technical Directors course is open to existing Technical Directors and those in the game who have been identified with the potential for the role and who can further develop their careers. The programme explores the strategy and leadership required to fulfil the position, areas of personal development and how the role is central to instilling a high-performance culture within elite sport.
The taught element of the bespoke and individualised course is 25 days in total, with workshops delivered within the state-of-the-art facilities of St George’s Park and on-site Hilton hotel’s flexible conference spaces. Commencing with two days of assessment and profiling, the course is comprised of eight two-day modules, three days of study visits and a minimum of five in-person executive coaching sessions and one-to-one tutor visits.
Supported by online learning, the course also includes visits to high performing organisations, with elite clubs hosting hub visits and a chance for participants to attend a three-day study visit at a world-leading organisation in Europe.
FA Technical Director John McDermott said: "For anyone involved in football, exchanging experiences, discussing new ideas and learning from best practice are all invaluable ways to ensure progression in the game. This FA Level 5 course for technical directors has been a tremendous opportunity for that to happen and I am sure the group will continue to feel the benefits as they focus on their individual work as leaders.
"I would like to congratulate everyone who has completed the course, and thank my England Football Learning colleagues at St. George's Park who worked so hard to ensure a very rewarding learning environment despite the challenges we have all faced over the past year and a half. The more we can run courses like this, the more we will play a part in continuing to move English football forward.”
Gregg Broughton, Academy Director for FK Bodø Glimt added: “The Level 5 qualification is the pinnacle of learning for those working in Talent ID. This was reflected with both the quality of the experts delivering the programme, and the opportunities to learn from such a high calibre of peers in this small cohort of candidates.
“Personally, I took most from the modules on leading myself and others. There were clear tangible benefits from this for me in my work environment, especially during the challenges of the last 18 months.”
To find out more about the England Football Learning courses, please click here
