The "Dons in the Community", on behalf of the SFA, deliver a schedule of Coach Education courses to the North East of Scotland. Our team of SFA qualified coaches are always kept on their toes with the busy timetable that is run throughout the year. In previous years the adult coaching has always been a very popular aspect of our programme. The Community Coaches also put on additional courses for students at local colleges studying HNC and HND in sports related subjects. Our aim is to encourage more potential coaches to enrol for the available courses, irrespective of their age (minimum age16 years). This interest will hopefully lead to the greater supply of quality football coaches for both Dons in the Community and Scottish Football and thus improve the quality of coaching being delivered across the North East of Scotland to youngsters at all levels.

Potential coaches can choose to specialise in the coaching of children under 12 or the 12 to 18 years-old age bracket. There are also stand alone units which concentrate on goalkeeping coaching and general club coaching. Course information is listed below.

To access the course dates for 2008 and to download an application form please click on the following links:

Coach Education Course dates 2008       Coach Education Application Form 2008

COURSES FOR WORKING WITH CHILDREN UNDER 12


Level One - Early Touches Certificate

This 6-hour course is open to all interested parties aged 16 and over, experienced or otherwise, who work with children of primary school age. It comprises a practical session, together with 2 short video presentations, Working with Young Footballers and Basic First Aid.
Applicants must be aged 16 or over.
Course fee: £30.00

Level Two - Coaching Young Footballers Certificate

This 12-hour course is designed to assist coaches with the planning, preparation, organisation and evaluation of their coaching sessions. It focuses on coaching style and the use of differentiation, ie, provision of practices to suit the wide range of abilities with the primary school age group.
Applicants must be aged 16 or over and have completed level one Early Touches Certificate course.
Course fee: £45.00

Level Three - Coaching in the Game Certificate

In both Children's and Youth Awards Structures, the 12-hour Coaching in the Game Certificate Course looks at the knowledge and understanding required to help young players appreciate concepts such as width, depth and support within the small-sided game. The course is largely practical in nature and prospective coaches are required to demonstrate the ability to coach basic strategies to young players.
Applicants must be aged 16 or over and be in possession of both level one Early Touches and level two Coaching Young Footballers Certificates.
Course fee: £45.00


COURSES FOR WORKING WITH YOUTHS AGED 12 TO 18


Level One - Development Activities Certificate

This 6-hour course is open to anyone working with players in the 12 to 18 year age range. The course comprises a practical session, together with 2 short video presentations, Youth Team Management and Physical Preparation.
Applicants must be aged 16 or over.
Course fee - £30.00

Level Two - Coaching Youth Footballers Certificate

This 12-hour course is designed to provide youth coaches with ideas on the key issues involved in the development of youth players. It takes account of individual skill development in a variety of game related situations. Prospective coaches will be given feedback on teaching practice sessions.
Applicants must be aged 16 or over and have completed level one Development Activities Certificate course.
Course fee - £45.00

Level Three - Coaching in the Game Certificate

See details for Level 3 in the Courses for working with children under 12 section.

Level Four - Youth Award

This 30 hour non-residential qualification assesses competence in delivering a coaching session based on the formal of the Coaching Youth Footballers Certificate Course. In addition, candidates will be required to demonstrate the ability to shape a team and structure an individual programme for youth players.
Applicants must be aged 16 or over.
Course fee - £175.00 (Apply direct to SFA)


STAND-ALONE COURSES

Level One - Club Coach Certificate

This 12-hour course is open to coaches who work with adult players at amateur, junior or senior club level. The course is practical in nature and looks at the basic themes of control, passing, possession, dribbling, finishing and defending, as well as the structure of training sessions.
Applicants must be aged 18 or over.
Course fee - £45.00

Level One - Goalkeeping Certificate

This 6-hour course is designed to assist coaches aged 16 or over who work with goalkeepers from children to adult. It comprises a practical session, together with 2 short video presentations, Working with Young Footballers and Basic First Aid.
Applicants must be aged 16 or over.
Course fee - £30.00