Peter Budge, Highland Football Academy development officer recently took coach education courses to the Orkney Islands.
The courses looked at the game at grassroots level focusing on the key components of developing youth players.
The coaches and volunteers who attended have a key role to play in creating the best possible environment for young players to improve, as well as helping them to gain social skills through interaction with others.
Peter said: “ The new National Player Pathway is based on key principles like "‘the game grows with the child". This is addressed through coach education, and in the recent courses in the Orkney Islands, the coaches were given information on what is appropriate at the correct age and stage of development of a young player.”
“It's always fantastic to see so many coaches who are willing to give up their time over a weekend to attend these courses.”
A special thank you goes to sports development officer Vicki Copland for organising the courses and venue. Her enthusiasm and support will be invaluable to football on the Islands.
Look out for more coach education courses and development in-services throughout the year in Orkney.