Peter Budge, Scottish FA Football Development Officer was delighted to accept an invitation from Hella Bickle, Active Schools Coordinator to deliver two Scottish FA Coach Education courses over the weekend of 24th/25th March.
Peter was delighted with the enthusiasm shown by the participants on the courses and is sure that the game at grassroots level is in safe hands on the Island.
One of the key elements from the Early Touches course was the Positive Coaching Scotland presentation which looked at the intrinsic rewards of the game – the fun element, through encouragement and praise allowing the child to develop their skills at the appropriate age and stage of development. “There are so many distractions nowadays for children that we need to encourage them to get back to kicking a ball in the garden; park and at school; basically giving the game back to the child”.
The trip was funded by “Cashback for Communities” where monies from criminals are used to create opportunities for young people to take part in football intiatives from the Scottish Governments Proceeds Of Crime Act. Supported by the Scottish FA , High Life Highland and Wertern Isles Council.
On the Monday Peter visited Castlebay and Eoligarry schools with Hella Bickle to do some coaching before his flight home.