The Coaches Community (CC) will officially launch on Thursday 16th September, and will provide coaches across the county with a bespoke CPD programme, merchandise, and access to coach mentors.

In April 2021, The FA took on all responsibility for the delivery of football education, with most learning opportunities becoming online courses, but the Derbyshire FA recognises the need to continue offering face-to-face support to grassroots coaches.

The CC, with a mission to ‘Inspire, Develop, and Support’, will provide this support through a season on season platform to access quality CPD delivered by professional coaches, and will allow Derbyshire coaches to network and share their experiences.

Coaches Community membership will cost £30 per season, and members will be entitled to early access to events (at least one a month), discounted prices on certain events, a discount with our kit supplier Fanatics on our very own DCFA CC shop. Members will also be able to claim accredited CPD hours and will have access to a coach mentor.

Many clubs and coaches benefitted from the great work of The FA coach mentors, and unfortunately the mentor scheme no longer exists, but as part of the Coaches Community, members will get the opportunity to apply for a designated mentor.

The mentor package will be a minimum of five hours for an additional £100 cost. Should you wish to access further hours this will be priced at £25 per hour.

CC events have been scheduled every month starting from September, all leading to an end of season all-day event at a surprise location. 

The CC will be officially launched at two September events which will be hosted at Rolls Royce and Chesterfield Football Club.

Adam Wing, Football Development Officer at the Derbyshire FA, discussed the value of face-to-face football education opportunities. He said: “Now more than ever it is vital for coaches to access valuable CPD. 

“I see the Coaches Community as a platform for coaches to connect with each other whilst picking up valuable information from our dedicated team of coach developers. 

“I would encourage any coach to come to the information evening find out more about the Coaches Community.”

Declan Fox won this year’s Coach of the Year for Youth Football award as part of the Derbyshire FA’s Grassroots Football Awards programme, and he plans on signing up as soon as possible.

He said: “Coaching never stands still - it’s important to keep developing as a coach, and I know that the Derbyshire FA Coaches Community will deliver some great events and content, which will benefit and develop coaches at all levels. 

“I certainly want to be part of it, and I’m looking forward to using it as part of my own development.”

If you would like to be part of the Derbyshire FA Coaches Community, you sign up by clicking here.

To sign up to one of the free launch events, click here. 

If you have any questions and for more information, please contact adam.wing@derbysirefa.com.