The FAI’s coach education pathway serves as the ladder which one must climb in order to become a professional coach, as certified by UEFA upon completion of the UEFA Pro Licence.
Where does one start when wishing to pursue a hobby or even a career as a coach? At Kick Start level 1. This is a 1 day course which is provided by the FAI at a variety of locations throughout the year – these can be found here.
What does this course entail? The FAI’s website says that this course is designed to assist parents and coaches in introducing young children to football with fun games and fundamental movement skills in a well-structured and safe environment.
Current Bohemians under-12 D coach Glen Casey spoke highly of the FAI provided courses, saying: “I did Kick Start 1, then Kick Start 2, then I did the 4-v-4 course, and next I have to do the Youth Cert. I learned some really interesting stuff in Kick Start 2, there were some good defending and heading drills that I hadn’t used before.”
Glen, who is now in his second year at Bohs, says that the Kick Start courses were really enjoyable and allowed him to continue his involvement in football after an injury limited his own playing time.
“I don’t think that the Kick Start courses were difficult,” Glen said. “It’s a really rewarding experience at the end of the day, it’s great teaching the kids new things at training and then seeing them applying these things on the pitch on a Sunday morning is even better,” he added.
Bohemians have a number of coaches at current who are at different stages on the coaches pathway ladder, however the club is constantly looking for new coaches and there is no easier way to get into coaching children seriously than by taking the Kick Start 1 course and then pursuing further courses at your own pace, as you progress as a coach.
Glen said that he enjoys the freedom that is afforded to him by the club when it comes to the coaching of his team and, as a growing club, it is imperative that more and more coaches with the relevant qualifications are taken on board.
If you are interested in getting into coaching, contact Kay on 085-8722099 or email youths@bohemians.ie.
