The current UEFA B qualification is designed for use mainly with older players. The new FA Youth Award is aimed specifically at those coaches who work with the 5-11 year old player and the workshop and practical content reflect this.
However, much of the content around player learning is still appropriate for coaches regardless of the age group they are working with and many of the practices can be adapted for the older player.
Functional practices and phases of play may not be appropriate for the 5-11 year old player so there are obvious differences there. These have been replaced by age appropriate practices that will test technique, decision making and tactical awareness.
To produce the players of the future who can excel in today’s global football market is going to require players who possess many skills and attributes. The FA recognises that this development can start at quite a young age but it requires coaches with specific skills and knowledge to work effectively with these young players.
I firmly believe that the days when a coach had to work at the oldest age groups to get recognition are now over. The new FA Youth Award will reward and recognise those coaches who have the ability to connect and develop the young boys and girls of the future, helping them to reach their full potential, wherever that may take them.
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