Becoming a coach

Coaching... although it a hard work, there aren't many jobs that are more rewarding and fulfilling. Volunteer coaches who are supporting grassroots teams should be celebrated as they give up so much time to develop football players across the country. It isn't just about developing their technical and tactical skills... More importantly it is about developing their psychological and social skills. These things will help them to 'get on' in life, and things like perseverance, resilience, anxiety control, teamwork and leadership skills are crucial in almost any career they choose when they are older. At Crawcrook United Youth FFC we are always looking for coaches who develop 'great people and great players'. We want our coaches to be committed, enthusiastic and engaging individuals. Coaches who work with U7 to U11 teams are expected to follow our philosophy of fun and development over winning. We want coaches to give all players their time and attention. No mum or dad coach giving the best player (normally their son or daughter) a full game in their favourite position and the weaker players a few minutes and putting players in set positions... There are many players who move position as they age so why not give them experience in a range of positions? As I always say, imagine you are in a Cup Final but 3 of your defenders are unavailable through injury, holidays or illness. Unless the other players have played there before and have a pretty good idea how to play there, the teams chances of winning will be massively reduced.

If you want to become an ASSISTANT COACH you must do the following:

1. Get an enhanced DBS. This must be done through your Club Welfare Officer. For our club, send a message to David at cuffccwo@gmail.com. Most clubs will pay for your DBS and that is the case with Crawcrook United. You will need 3 forms of ID so get these ready before you start your online application. Eg passport, birth certificate, driving licence or untility bill are examples. One of these must have your address on it.

2. Complete the free online Playmaker course. https://learn.englandfootball.com/courses/football/ee-playmaker

3. You also need to get the FA safeguarding course. This is all online and is £30. https://learn.englandfootball.com/courses/safeguarding/safeguarding-children-course

It is also advisable to have your first aid training and again the FA introduction to First Aid is needed for coaches. https://learn.englandfootball.com/courses/medical/introduction-to-first-aid-in-football

To coach a team and lead sessions you need to have the 'Introduction to Coaching Football' qualification. The bonus of this qualification is that your payment includes the safeguarding and first aid course I've already mentioned.

https://learn.englandfootball.com/courses/football/introduction-to-coaching-football

For new coaches starting their journey I wish you luck. Most clubs have coach cpd and a mentor and if any CUFFC coaches require help just drop me a message.

Tony Dowson

Chairman

07713244023