Coaching programme upskills Durban football

THE global coach and referee development programme run by the Premier League and the British Council came to Hoy Park this past weekend. The Premier Skills, Phase Two course which ran from 14 to 19 May provided intensive training for 38 grassroots football coaches and 24 new referees.

The program uses football to develop a brighter future for young people around the world, drawing upon the global appeal of the Premier League and its expertise in delivering community programmes in the UK, alongside the British Council’s global network and track-record of delivery.

Local Premier Skills Coach Educator Nomonde Mashabane, who completed the programme in 2015, says she is committed to the growth of women’s football locally and works to train new coaches in communities across South Africa. The Durban leg of the program is jointly organised by the British Council, Premier League and SAFA.

“I have loved being part of this programme. I have a real passion for women’s football and programmes such as Premier Skills expands the game irrespective of gender, race or ability,” she said.

Premier League Director of International Relations, Tim Vine said: “Premier Skills has already had a huge impact around the world, and notably here in South Africa where we have run the programme since 2013. This new phase two Premier Skills course in Durban will further develop the participating coaches’ experience in areas like running youth tournaments and festivals, and how to use football to engage particularly hard to reach young people.”

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Coaches and referees from Amazulu FC, Peace Players International, Whizzkids United, Phinduvuye Football Ambassadors and Special X.I FC participate in the program. The Premier Skills teams were led by Premier League Coach Educator Graham Robinson, who was supported by UK Club Coaches, Dave Lawrence from West Bromwich Albion F.C. and Alex Curran from Newcastle United FC.

“The phase two program is all about social inclusion, business planning and development plans for the future. This week we have been looking at social issues that may be happening in the communities from numeracy, literacy, drugs and gangs. We actually come up with coaching that infiltrates into the communities which makes a part of the daily training program,” said Robinson.

British Council Country Director, Colm McGivern said: “Joining Premier Skills is like getting a free-kick for your future. It’s just what you want, just when you need it most, and could change the course of your life. This training programme reaches the heart of South African communities and creates opportunities for leaders to develop their capability using sport, and football in particular to increase their life chances and those they meet and train. Working alongside one of the biggest UK brands – the Premier League – the British Council is proud to offer this opportunity to a new cohort of inspirational figures in community sport.”

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