On Monday 17th January Cumnock Academy's School of Football ventured to Toryglen Glasgow, to help in the delivery of the Scottish FA’a advanced Children’s licence.

This intensive course is designed for coaches working with young players (5 to 11 years) and provides a recognised qualification for adults working in children’s football. In an effort to ensure that our best young players are given every opportunity to fulfil their talent and potential, the course covers topics such as, Developing Technique and the Creative Player, Physical Preparation for Young Players, Talent Identification, Developing a Training Session, Coaching in the Game, Acquisition of Skill, Child Psychology and Protecting Young People and Vulnerable Adults.

The Cumnock Pupils allowed the candidates to test the skills and practises learned during their time on the course while under the watchful eye of the Scottish FA’s experienced course tutors.  Both the course tutors and candidates were impressed by the pupils commenting on their attention and behaviour on and off the park as well as their high levels of skill and playing ability  

The South West’s Cumnock Academy and Grange Academy, Kilmarnock are part of nine Schools of Football around the country.  The Scottish FA Schools of Football are about more than just playing ability; they aim to mould better citizens, as well as better footballers, through social and educational development.

As part of the programme launch in 2008, a group of pupils from across East Ayrshire were selected to attend Cumnock Academy, to follow an enhanced timetable which includes a period of football activity every day.

Grange Academy joined the programme in 2010.

Football is used as a tool to motivate the pupils, and their place on the School of Football programme depends on school attendance and academic improvement. The pupils are coached by Scottish FA Player and Coach Development Officer, Alan Sloss.

Special thanks should go to Cumnock Academy for allowing us to take the players to Toryglen and being a part of the course.

For Further information on the School of Football Programme please contact Alan Sloss at alan.sloss@scottishfa.co.uk

For further information on the Advanced Children’s licence please visit http://www.scottishfa.co.uk/scottish_football.cfm?page=155