Romford Manager Paul Martin shouts out instructions (Ray Lawrence/TGS)

Essex FA to host modules

FA Youth Award Modules allow coaches to understand “as much about the players as we do about the game” according to Essex FA Coaching Development Officer Gary Piggott.

And he is recommending attendance at forthcoming courses to broaden the knowledge of the local grassroots football workforce.

Three modules combine to form a wider qualification equivalent to the FA Level 3, titled Developing the ‘Environment’, the ‘Practice’ and the ‘Player’ and are aimed at coaches of all levels who wish to extend their knowledge of coaching the 5-11-year-old player.

The modules provide practical sessions and advice for coaching this age group and increase a candidate’s knowledge of how to incorporate The FA’s ‘4-Corner Model’.

Venues in Colchester and Chelmsford will host these modules before the end of the year and, with coaching methods constantly developing, Piggott believes it’s vital to remain in touch with the people delivering sessions every week to keep them abreast of any modifications.

He said: “A particular enhancement to coach education is recent years has been the addition of Youth Modules to the traditional Level 1.

“We’re moving towards letting kids learn for themselves more, rather than just having a coach telling them what to do all the time.

“The introduction of ‘age-appropriate’ courses means our ethos has changed and helps us understand as much about the players as we do about the game.

“Sometimes we can spend a lot of time focusing on drills and matchdays, but it’d be refreshing if we stepped back and looked at each of our players’ needs individually.”

A limited number of places remain on the remaining 2012 dates, and Piggott says coaches will not regret the small amount of time it takes to complete the modules.

He added: “The great thing about this is we take into account what motivates them to play and how can we build their self esteem and manage differences in age, experience, ability and attitude.

“They’re given scenarios to try and solve for themselves but the coach is always on hand to help if they can’t.

“These are the sorts of things we can relay to local coaches through our Coaches Association and why we’d advise as many as possible to sign-up.

“There’s no hard sell, we’d just like the opportunity to meet as many people as we can and the benefits are there for all to see, including exclusive events, sportswear and training practices.”

Places can be booked on the Colchester Module 1 at http://bit.ly/S1LoP7. The rest of the dates and venues for Essex FA courses can be found at www.essexfa.com.

Membership of the Coaches Association costs just £15 per year (£10 to FA Charter Standard Club coaches) and includes exclusive events, newsletters and an Umbro rain jacket. Contact Gary on 01245 393088 or email gary.piggott@essexfa.com.