How to be a football coach: Amy Lawrence swaps her laptop for the pitch

Whether as a prospective career or to help out with a youth team, learning the ropes on an FA course is an eye-opener

Turning up for a Football Association coaching course with a fractured hand damaged during an ill-fated stint in goal was never going to be a good look. Luckily, the FA’s Level One coaching course was surprising enough that even the appearance of being utterly ill-suited to it did not turn out to be a massive disadvantage.

There were a few preconceptions about the learning experience walking into the Douglas Eyre sports centre in Walthamstow, north-east London. Tables and chairs laid out, a learning journal and pen awaiting us, a projector and a much-needed urn of coffee heating up. It looked as if we were in for a series of lectures. But Level One has gone through a transformation. After a quick introduction it was time to get thrown in at the deep end and head straight for the pitch. You want to coach? Get out there and do it.

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