Big interest in Advanced Courses
The day where all coaches in the Hyundai A-League come from our own shores, might come to fruition sooner rather than later, if the interest in the Advanced Certificate courses are any guide to go by.
So far twenty-three ex-international players have expressed an interest in the B Certificate courses next year and sixteen current Hyundai A-League players have put their names down for the C Certificate.
The new courses are part of the new FFA Coach Education structure that will come into effect from January 1, 2007 and the level interest is very high already.
Some of that interest extends to current Hyundai A-League coaches, with the entire coaching staff at the Central Coast Mariners set to participate, as they look to expand their coaching knowledge.
Former Socceroos captain and Mariners Assistant Coach Alex Tobin is looking forward to the courses starting next year and believes the interest is only set to increase.
“We-ve never had this level of course in Australia before and its certainly better than going overseas to do it,” Tobin said.
“A lot of players are talking about it and it provides a terrific avenue to extend your knowledge of the game. I think this will help me capitalise on the top-level experience I-ve had, as a player and coach to date.
Tobin, along with Head Coach Lawrie McKinna and Ian Ferguson, will look to expand their knowledge among their fellow professionals when the first courses start in March.
“We at the Mariners have great belief in the value of Coach Education and Lawrie, Ian and myself are always keen to learn new ideas and improve ourselves. We-ve all put our names forward for next year-s course.
“We are especially looking forward to working with the large number of high calibre players and coaches that will be there with us.”
The level of interest has been very encouraging and already a second course for each certificate has been added in 2007.
‘We initially planned one of each course (A, B and C certificate) but the large number of expressions of interest forced us to schedule two of each for 2007,- said Kelly Cross, FFA-s Coach Education Manager.
“These are intensive, residential courses aimed at the serious coach, and because of the cost and time involved they are not for everyone. But there has been a demand from coaches prepared to invest in their own development.
“In the past, to gain an equivalent accreditation coaches had to travel overseas, usually to Europe, with the huge additional costs associated with that.”
Click here for more details about the new FFA Coach Education structure and courses.