The coaches from the FA Tesco Skills Programme, who offer their services to schools and charter standard football clubs free of charge, held a coaching event, aimed to help support the coaches from local teams and clubs.
The day was very well supported by coaches from Thatcham Town Harriers, Thatcham Tornadoes, AFC Newbury, Burghfield FC and Thatcham Town Ladies & Girls with around 30 coaches and 70 young aspiring footballers in attendance. Harriers coach Paul Stantcombe commented, “It was a fantastic session. We have had some great feedback from the Harriers coaches, and we look forward to the next one!”
The day was organised by Tom Hartley, Team Leader of The FA Tesco Skills Team in Berks & Bucks. Tom looks after the club support package in the Newbury area, and was thrilled with the day. “It was fantastic to see the energy, enthusiasm and aptitude of the coaches from the local area.”
“The coaches from the local clubs give a lot of time and enthusiasm to aiding the development of young, aspiring footballers, and the more tools, tips and advice we can give them, the better.”
The morning of coaching consisted of the Charter Standard Coaches taking part in a collection of Skill, Technique and Game practices, which were delivered by Tom and Mark Potter. After a swift break, and a cup of tea for some, players from the local clubs arrived, swamping the Lower Way Playing fields in Thatcham, to give the coaches an opportunity to put what they had just learned in to practice.
“We can’t wait to get the next event organised” commented Tom, “The popularity of the day just goes to show that these Charter Standard Coaches are really thinking about their practices and coaching, which in the long term, will raise the levels of football in not just the area, but the country too.”
The FA Tesco Skills Programme has 106 full time coaches based around the country, and aims to give every child an opportunity to play and enjoy football.
For more information on the programme in this area, please contact Tom Hartley via 07943 862307 or Tom.Hartley@TheFA.com or visit our website www.TheFA.com/TescoSkills