‘Coach the Coach’ – the FA has a Community Coach Mentoring Scheme which supports coaches in their club environment. Capacity on people’s time, and money, will limit this, but whether academy coaches are the best coaches to support GR coaches is another question?

Level 2 – not the only courses available. Youth Awards (YAMs) have given coaches a 2nd pathway which requires less commitment and arguably teaches coaches more important information around the learning and practice environment etc. However, the coaches pathway is changing, which will see YAMs incorporated into Level 2. Level 2 will be delivered a 3 blocks, which will give coaches more flexibility in terms of when and how to complete Level 2. This could be a solution to some of the points raised. Also, assessment on new Level 2 will be done at the coaches club, so a more real measure, but also the tutor will be able to mentor and suport the coach too.

Curriculum – in my opinion, this is exactly what’s wrong with the education system so should not be incorporated because each individual player is different and needs different things. Maybe some guidance, which is already offered through the Future Game document would be useful, but curriculum shouldn’t be imposed. Even if it was, how is it policed?

Good post, thought provoking but my view is there is a possibly a need to raise awareness of what’s already available, which could be utilised better.