Students from Edinburgh and West Lothian College have recently enrolled on a newly established coaching internship programme run by the Scottish FA’s South East region.

At the end of 2012, the South East regional team interviewed 15 students to fill positions for coaching opportunities at the association’s Schools of Football and 2020 Development Centres in the area with 12 being selected.

David Drummond, Scottish FA South East regional manager, said: “They are all second year HND students studying Sports Coaching and Development.

“They will assist the lead coaches, who are all licenced coaches, throughout the academic year one with one session per week and then attend six workshops throughout the year which will be led by our player and coach development officer Chris Smith.

“These sessions will focus on areas such as writing and evaluating session plans and Positive Coaching Scotland workshops.

“We see it as an excellent opportunity for any aspiring coach to continually learn from qualified coaches whilst working with some very talented players in the region.  

“Further to this, being part of the programme will put them in front of the right people who may be looking to employ talented and knowledgeable coaches.”

Chris Smith said: “This is an innovative initiative by the South East region which realises the positive role it can play to increase young people’s chances of future employment.

“Coaching is a highly rewarding role and there are always opportunities to get into it.

“This new internship programme has the potential to make a meaningful contribution to the career prospects of the students.”

Keep up-to-date with the latest football activities in the South East region on Twitter @sfa_southeast