Delivered out of the Takapuna AFC clubrooms at Taharoto Park, the course, facilitated by New Zealand Football staff Andy Hedge and Owain Prosser, gave the coaches the tools to bring the game to life for their players in 2014.
Coach Education is a key area of focus under New Zealand Football’s ASB Whole of Football Plan with more than 4000 coaches involved in courses across the Junior, Youth and Senior coaching pathways in 2013.
Nic Millichip, a coach with Katikati FC’s Senior Federation 2 side in the Waikato Bay of Plenty Football league competition, says the content on the course has provided him with a framework to build his team’s approach to the coming season.
“The course has added to the depth of my knowledge and demonstrated a sound process to plan sessions for the season which will extend the individual players within our team,” Millichip said.
“The course content included a nice mix of discussion, interactive analysis of game play from the educators and the candidates as well as the outdoor practical sessions.”
Hedge, New Zealand Football’s Talent Development Manager, says the course is framed to provide the likes of Millichip – who also serves the Waikato Bay of Plenty federation as a youth Federation Talent Centre coach – with the relevant tools to deliver a positive experience for players under his care.
“The Senior Level 2 coaching award helps to give coaches the relevant skills, knowledge and confidence to work with adult players,” Hedge said.
“The content covered familiarises coaches with the principles of play and aims to increase their knowledge of the techniques, skills and tactics of football.
“Not only does the course concentrate on what to coach but also how to work with senior players, allowing coaches to communicate with players in an effective manner which will aid player development.”
Prosser, New Zealand Football’s Grassroots Development Manager, says the content of the Senior Level 2 course has spinoffs for both coaches and players involved in all levels of the game.
“The course is targeted at coaches who are looking to develop themselves and their players.
“The course in Takapuna had a fantastic group of people who were enthusiastic and willing to learn. They are working at a variety of levels in the senior game; from grassroots to elite, proving the content covered in the course is appropriate for all levels of the game.”
For more on New Zealand football go to www.nzfootball.co.nz

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