On Sunday 23rd January, representatives from Quality Mark Clubs across Scotland ventured to Hampden for the Scottish FA’s second National Football Champions event.  The South West was represented by 30 coaches from 19 clubs across the region.  The event provides the opportunity for Quality Mark accredited clubs to come together and take away different ideas about how they can adapt best practice to suit their own club's purposes.

The day was led by Andy Gould, Scottish FA Head of Regional Development, who discussed the new National Player Pathway and how it will help young players to reach their potential.  He was followed by Stewart Grieve Football Programme Manager with Positive Coaching Scotland.  He described the importance of the development of PCS and how it would become a bigger part of the Scottish FA’s coach education system in 2011.

Stewart was then followed by Donald Park, Head of Coach Education, who described the current coach education pathway, along with a presentation on his coaching philosophy.  Aberdeen Community Coach Jim Campbell gave the group a presentation on developing a player’s 1 v 1 skills and the methods used at Aberdeen football Club.

The group then had the privilege of a question and answer session with former Manchester United youth coach Eric Harrison.  Eric has coached the likes of Beckham, Giggs, Scholes and the Neville brothers.  The questions helped to portray Eric’s experience and views on both the grassroots and professional game.

After a short lunch the coaches headed to Toryglen Regional Football Centre.  Here both Donald Park and Jim Crawford coached small sessions to give the coaches new ideas for their own sessions.  Both were well received and the feedback from the day has been great.

For more information on developing your club or becoming a part of the Scottish FA’s Quality Mark Scheme contact John Brown, Club Development Manager, on 01294 217415 or john.brown@scottishfa.co.uk.