With 500+ professional games under his belt, a recent history of developing young talent and over 15 years working on FA coach education courses - Gordon Staniforth's rubbed shoulders with the region's footballing best and now brings this experience to North Riding.

With the sole aim of improving the quality of coaching, Staniforth's keen to get going, saying, "My role as FA County Coach Developer excites me and I cannot wait to have an impact on coaches in North Riding.  My job will be to increase availability of courses in the region and also to support the coaches after they are qualified."

"I will be visiting the clubs to see the coaches working with their players.  This has never been done before but will give me an opportunity to give advice and guidance in their development. Grassroot coaches put lots of time and effort into their players at clubs and should be recognised better!"

                              Gordon Staniforth in his York City days

COUNTY COACH DEVELOPERS

The County Coach Development team numbers 41 staff, and is designed to ensure that each County FA develops and delivers a programme of Coach Education and development opportunities to meet the needs and increase the quality of coaching. By having dedicated full time staff they will continue to develop flexible models of delivery to support local volunteers.

COACH EDUCATION

From August 2017 The FA will launch a new coaching pathway, with revised courses to meet the need of coaches and the game. These courses have been developed over the past 18 months after consultation and research. The new courses have been designed to provide greater flexibility, increase learning & development opportunities which fit with lifestyles. 

Les Howie, Head of Grassroots Delivery, says, "We are moving to a formative assessment model, which will be evidenced based and include mentoring as well as workplace visits and support. They will be linked to a competency framework for both coaches and tutors."

"As part of this the tutor workforce has been reviewed and over the coming months a new tutor group will be recruited and trained. Whilst recognising that this new model can be more staff intensive, the additional funding of the 24 Coach Educators will allow us to deliver this more bespoke and personal learning on a local level."