Over the weekend of the 5^th, 6^th and 7^th of December, two FA Skills coaches were in Guernsey to support grassroots football. The coaches supported over 70 players and 20 coaches, along with primary school teachers on Friday. The coaches that visited Guernsey were Michael Antrobus and David Rowland (click on the coaches name for more information).

The teachers in service was a great success and helped teachers develop some new ideas for PE lessons that could be applied to football as well as a number of other invasion games. The session looked a themed games for younger children and all the teachers found the session beneficial. The event was hosted by Elizabeth College Junior School (Beechwood). The Guernsey FA are planning on offering another two events such as this, one just before February half term and one just before the Easter holidays to support teachers who work in primary schools.

On Saturday morning, Sylvans SC were supported with an in-service session for their minis coaches which was well attended. The session (with the clubs year 2, 3, 4 and 5 players) was a great success and the coaches were guided through a number of different practices that they could potentially use with their own players. The session also looked at coaching styles, along with different ways to communicate with young players both visually and verbally.

Possibly the most impressive event of the weekend was the girls festival for school years 1-6 at Beau Sejour Leisure Centre on Saturday afternoon. Those girls attending had the opportunity to play some matches, receive coaching from FA Skills coaches, try out our inflatable target shooting game and even get their face painted! All for free! There was also the added bonus of a free drawstring bag for all those attending!

Any girls who are interested in playing football should contact Female Football Development Officer Joelle Pengelley - Joelle.Pengelley@guernseyfa.com

Finally, on Sunday morning, the FA Skills coaches delivered an in-service event on behaviour management for local coaches. This topic was specifically requested by the coaches themselves and proved to be a worthwhile and productive morning for all in attendance.

The FA Skills team are helping the Guernsey FA to support Girls football as well as grassroots football specifically for 5-11 year olds. For more information please contact angus.mackay@guernseyfa.com