Two FA Tesco Skills Coaches were in Jersey from the 24th-26th August to provide coaching sessions for around 125 youngsters. The coaches travelled from Middlesex FA to support Education Sport and Culture's Community Development Programme, the Jersey FA Funweek and the Jersey FA Coaches Association.
FA Skills Coaches Dean Smith and Mark Timmington provided coaching sessions at Springfield Stadium and Les Quennevais Sports Centre as well as at FA Charter Standard Community Clubs, Grouville and St. Peter.
ESC Community Development Officer Paul Brannan said "Through our partnership with Crimestoppers and the Jersey FA we were delighted to be able to provide such high level football coaching for hard to reach children who may not normally have the opportunity to participate in such schemes.
"The FA Skills Coaches were fantastic and it was very interesting to see how the sessions engaged the youngsters and met the needs of all the players within the practices.
"The visit also proved invaluable as an in-service opportunity for our staff and we look forward to repeating the initiative again next year".
Jersey FA Football Development Manager Brian Oliver said "The FA Skills Coaches have been trained to focus on meeting children's learning and individual needs whatever their ability level – this means the Skills programme is truly child-centred and inclusive.
"The 5-11 year old age group is absolutely crucial to embedding basic skills, enhancing enjoyment of the game, developing healthy lifestyles and creating a new generation of talented players.
"The FA have a team of over 100 full-time specialist Skills Coaches providing leading-edge technical football coaching. We are delighted that we have been able to secure their services for a few days and look forward to them visiting the Island in the future."
For more information on the FA Tesco Skills programme please visit www.thefa.com/skills