North Riding County FA welcomed Pete Sturgess this week in what was a highly anticipated and well attended Continuous Professional Development (CPD) event. Kindly hosted by MFC Academy this didn’t disappoint, over 50 coaches gained some expert information around the FA DNA Foundation Phase. Pete’s role with the FA focuses on the five to eleven-year-old age range, which he believes is a 'magical period' in a child's life when players are really open to learning and creativity.

Pete’s CPD was insightful, informative and a pleasure to listen to for all those that attended the event. The event spoke around the importance of the foundation phase and what our coaches could be doing as this stage to help improve and develop young players. This isn’t just for football but to provide them with skills to give them a lifelong participation in sport.

The key points covered during the CPD for the Foundation Phase (5-11) where in possession, out of possession and transition. All of which can be found on Hive learning under England DNA Foundation Phase.

Football Development Officer Steph Turnbull said “Having Pete down is excellent for the county and for the coaches within the area. Many coaches have engaged in Pete’s work through Hive and to see this in practice is priceless for coaches working in the Foundation Phase”

Dan Wilson a FA Mentor who attended the event also said “Having seen Pete deliver a number of times, his messages are clear and consistent: Allow foundation phase players the opportunity to connect with and stay on the ball as well as building the physical competencies they will need long in to the future. The facilities at Rockliffe and the foundation phase academy players were excellent and really showed what staying on the ball and connecting with it looked like. The session was challenging, fun and engaging and this showed with how hard the boys worked for such a long time! It was a fantastic opportunity to see the Foundation Phase DNA and all of Pete’s hard work brought to life, can't wait until Pete comes back to North Riding again

We would like to thank Pete for coming down to deliver this on behalf of the North Riding FA.