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ELFA SPOTLIGHTING COACH EDUCATION
The East Lancashire Football Alliance is looking to heavily subsidise FA coaching courses to help local coaches and to raise standards in the area.
“Since our formation in 2008 we have steadily accrued money through normal run-of-the-mill league fines,” said Secretary Craig Wilkinson. “Rather than sit on the money we believe we can help our member clubs. We think there is no better way than through coach education.”
The ELFA is looking to run the FA Youth Module 1 in August and the course will be open to coaches at all member clubs from u10s downwards. Many people believe that the FA Youth Module 1 is one of the key coaching courses, where the emphasis is put not just on 'what' to coach, but 'how' to coach. The course focuses on learning and development in children and how to make the game fun for the next generation. It takes the emphasis from the old 'command style' coaching, where orders are barked at kids, and helps children make their own decisions and learn the game in a friendly, fun environment.
EAST LANCASHIRE FOOTBALL ALLIANCE
One-Two Magazine/September, 2013
“We see putting on these FA courses as all part of the development of our league,” explained Craig Wilkinson. “We pioneered under sevens and eights playing inside rather than facing the elements through the winter. Our initiative at Blackburn Soccer Dome has been highlighted by the FA as best practice.”
Wilkinson went on to add that coaches who have done the FA Youth Module rarely go on to cause problems with Respect issues. “We may be heavily subsidising these courses,” he added “but we believe it is a very good investment. The more coaches that get qualified the better it will be for the kids' football education and the better it is for our disciplinary committee!”
The ELFA is also running a joint initiative with the Accrington and District Junior Football League by putting on an Adults in Football course before the season starts. The course will be delivered by the Lancashire FA County Welfare Officer Neil Yates. Coaches from under tens downwards will be encouraged to attend the course which illustrates just how adults can help children enjoy the game without falling into bad practice.
Again the two leagues believe that education is a far better way to solve disciplinary and Respect issues than a continual round of fines. “The Adults in Football course is very enjoyable and very illuminating,” said Craig Wilkinson.
If you have any questions or queries about any of the courses being run by the ELFA get in touch with the league via FA Members Service. All contact details are online.
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