FA Coach Mentor Programme

This programme represents a major investment in the grassroots game and offers on-the-ground support to FA Charter Standard Clubs, leagues and target groups.

The FA sees the development of coaches as central to the development of the game, and working collaboratively accelerates learning and supports coaches’ development.

Mentoring support at a club could include:

Developing a whole club philosophy
Group coaching demonstrations
1:1 coaching, match-day observation and support
Signposting to relevant courses and events
Needs analysis for individual coaches
Modelling of coaching sessions for individual coaches
Individual feedback
An individual learning programme

Get in Touch

info@lancashirefa.com

Iain Kay
Head of Development

For clubs in Lancaster, Blackpool, Wyre & Fylde

Leigh Jeffrey
Football Development Officer – Lead on PAN Disability & Recreation

For clubs in Preston, South Ribble, Chorley, Blackburn & Darwen and Ribble Valley

Michael Nadal
Football Development Officer – Lead on Women & Girls

For clubs in Wigan, West Lancashire, Hyndburn, Burnley & Pendle

Poppy Haslam
Football Development Officer – Lead on Clubs and Leagues Accreditation

For clubs in Barrow, Bolton, Bury, Rochdale & Rossendale

Is there a cost involved?

No. The FA Coach Mentor programme is a free FA initiative where a Coach Mentor can offer up to 100 hours of support per season.

Who can benefit most from Coach Mentor support?

Clubs that are keen to develop a positive coaching ethos, philosophy and develop their own in-house mentoring/coach support system.

Coaches can utilise this opportunity to start a legacy of positive coaching within their own clubs.

Who are the 'target' groups?

The FA Coach Mentor Programme is also committed to providing 5000 hours per season specifically to work with BAME, female and disabled coaches across the country.

If you are a BAME coach or working with BAME coaches/players and would like some support from one of our Coach Mentors, please contact Steve Smithies with your name, club name, age group and the County FA that you are affiliated to – steve.smithies@thefa.com.

If you are a female coach or working with female coaches/players and would like some support from one of our Coach Mentors, please contact Samantha Griffiths with your name, club name, age group and the County FA that you are affiliated to – samantha.griffiths@thefa.com.

If you are a coach with a disability and would like some support from one of our Coach Mentors, please contact Kevin England with your name, club name, age group and the County FA that you are affiliated to kevin.england@thefa.com.

What if I would like to be a mentor?

If you are interested in becoming an FA Coach Mentor please check our website for vacancies. If no vacancies are available contact the Regional Coach Mentor Officer in your region who can provide an update of the programme in and around your area.

Please note that there two application periods throughout the season - June and December.

Pre-requisites to become an FA Coach Mentor are:

Minimum FA Level 2 in Coaching Football
Member of The FA Licensed Coaches Club
Valid FA Criminal Record Check

Who are the Regional Coach Mentors?

North West – Steve Smithies – steve.smithies@thefa.com

North East – Graeme Carrick – graeme.carrick@thefa.com

East Midlands – Samantha Griffiths – samantha.griffiths@thefa.com

West Midlands – Andy Somers – andy.somers@thefa.com

East – Darren Moss – darren.moss@thefa.com

South East – Kevin England – kevin.england@thefa.com

London/ Armed Forces/ Jersey/ Guernsey – Kevin Green – kevin.green@thefa.com

South West – Ciara Allan – ciara.allan@thefa.com

Get In Touch

Tor receive support from The FA Coach Mentor programme, please contact:

Steve Smithies
North West Regional Coach Mentor
steve.smithies@thefa.com

When making initial contact please include your name, club name, number of teams and County FA affiliated to.

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