The Scottish FA South East Region Football Partnership is delighted to announce the launch of the Scottish FA Coach Mentor Programme for 2009-10.

This new and exciting programme has been created to add value to the existing coach development provision in the region by using the experience of the regional staff network to mentor coaches from across Edinburgh, The Lothians and Borders.

Mark Munro, Scottish FA Regional Manager is delighted with the new programme. He said: “The primary objective of the programme is to provide a support structure to regional football coaches who aim to develop their skills, experience and expertise. These coaches are committed to developing a long term personal development plan for their future development within the game.

"The fact that we have developed the programme through our network of regional staff is a massive boost for the region as these are individuals with significant experience within the game.

“The Coach Mentoring Programme has been identified as a priority in the National Plan for Football Development and as a region we are committed to the development of education and training that specifically targets our coaches.

"In addition to providing direct financial support, the programme will provide support to coaches to assist with determining and mapping out their future personal development and training needs, as well as accessing a number of coach development initiatives at both a regional and national level”.  

New Scottish FA Head of Coach Education, Donald Park, is also pleased to see the implementation of the new programme.

He said: "This programme is aimed at coaches who really want to develop their skills over the long term, and it is an important investment in terms of finance and time from the region. The programme will add value to the already significant coach and volunteer development programme that currently exists within the region".

The Coach Mentoring Programme is open to coaches whose club are working towards their Scottish FA Quality Mark Community Club Accreditation, as well as local community coaches and senior club youth initiative coaches. Interested coaches should return the application form in the attached pack (right) no later than the 25th September 2009. 

For more information, please contact Mark Munro, Scottish FA Regional Manager, on 07918 192 672 or Mark.Munro@scottishfa.co.uk