A level one coaching course was held at Kirkcudbright Academy last week for teaching staff in Dumfries and Galloway.
22 intrepid staff from all parts of the region faced the rigours of a very cold winters day to take their first step on the coaching ladder. The course was delivered by Scottish FA football development officer, Robbie Totten.
Some staff were from schools aiming to achieve Scottish FA Quality Mark Awards which, amongst other criteria, require team coaches to achieve level one and two coaching certificates.
The Quality Mark Accreditation Scheme, run by the Scottish FA in partnership with McDonald’s, recognises proactive clubs and schools working to increase youth and community participation.
The school staff were joined by youth coaches from the local South of Scotland football club, St. Cuthberts Wanderers, which has a good working relationship with Kirkcudbright Academy, and is also hoping to gain a Quality Mark Award.
The course was held on an in-service day as part of Dumfries and Galloway Region’s Continuous Professional Development Programme. A level two course is planned for the Regional in-service day in February 2010.
The Scottish Schools' FA hopes to encourage other local authorities to follow Dumfries and Galloway’s lead in recognising the value of Scottish FA coaching courses, and to include them in their programme of in-service provision.