The Grassroots Coaching Certificate course, accompanied by the publication “Football for Kids”, is arguably the most important educational opportunity that FFA and our Member Federations provide at a community level.
The Grassroots Coaching Certificate course, accompanied by the publication “Football for Kids”, is arguably the most important educational opportunity that FFA and our Member Federations provide at a community level.
In his opening remarks in the book, Holger Osieck, Qantas Socceroos coach, reinforces the importance of this approach by stating that “football, without qualified coaches has no future”.
Coach education at this level is vital as the coach can set the platform for a long and enjoyable experience in the game and even contribute to a more positive outlook to life in general.
Coaches have the power to shape attitudes toward sportsmanship, teamwork, respect, developing relationships and most importantly offering a positive role model.
An exit interview carried out with players who did not return to the game in 2012 after playing in 2011 clearly indicated the fact that it was often a negative experience relating to their coach that influenced their decision not to return. Another clear reason why we need formally educated mentors for our most important asset... our players.
We have a huge role to play in what the future holds for the kids we coach and the ‘Football for Kids- publication provides more than just appropriate practices to help the coach develop their training sessions in order to maximize each child-s time at training.
Complementing the book, the FFA conducts a three hour course where one is taken through the book and given practical demonstrations on how to make use of the training area, conduct simple yet effective challenges for the players as well as ideas on how to encourage problem solving whilst playing fun games.
In the first three months of 2012 alone almost 3,000 parents have attended the three hour course and have been given the publication free of charge. The feedback from attendees surveyed has been overwhelmingly positive.