For me, being prepared to constantly learn and improve. I use CPD events, online materials, watching other coaches, and trial and error. For me some of the best ways the best I have developed is to give myself the time and patience to try new things.

Classic example is when trying to deliver a session I have seen a pro coach deliver with pro players, and it looks like a car crash at my sessions to begin with.  But I always allow time for the players to adapt and understand. Being brave and letting mistakes happen is my single biggest area if development for sure.

Planning sessions properly also helps massively, and not jumping around topics week to week. Build a philosophy and set of ideals you want the team to invest in, even if one of those ideals is just having fun.

When you have a season like I have just finished where fellow coaches say "I really like that idea or session" or players say "training was even better than last week, and last week was really good" I felt amazing.

This is why I coach, not for badges or trophies, and when you focus on what's right in front of you, not a pipe dream, you can set achievable goals for yourself which keeps you motivated to do more.

Rich Lewis

Thanks Richard, that's really useful. Sounds like you are doing a great job. With the CPD events and materials are there any subject areas that you would like to see more of? and any particular coaches?

Thanks Tim. I live and coach in Cornwall with a mixture of academy work and grassroots coaching. My grassroots work is with u16s this season which is a first for me.

I would love to see some CPD sessions looking at that age bracket, and looking at how to deliver sessions that help bridge the gap from youth to adult football, whilst remembering the players are still children. 

I'd also love to see some follow up sessions for coaches who are level 2 or 3 qualified to keep that learning level alive, as it can be hard trying to do this solo.

My other question is how to go about building a career in FA tuition myself, and how potential applicants can be mentored to develop the skills needed to progress into this area.

Many thanks

Rich Lewis

That's all really useful, thanks Rich!

These are areas we are exploring and hopefully, we can use this community platform in time to host further events online and promote f2f ones.

It is becoming a place where you and others can connect and chat with peers and mentors across the country (and beyond) and we will be looking for community champions in the not too distant future, so this may be one (of many) areas to get into to continue to build your profile in the game. I would also get involved in as much as you can and apply for any suitable roles that come up. Also, if you haven't already spoken with your County FA about the options available, I would :-) Hope that helps. 

Brilliant Tim, thanks for that.

Brilliant Tim, thanks for that.