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London
Football Coaches Association Annual Dinner
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A glittering array of top coaches
attended the LFCA’s annual dinner at the Emirates Stadium, Arsenal
in December. |
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Among those present were Paul Fairclough, Tony Carr, Emma Hayes, Bob Wilson, Harry
Redknapp, David Dein, Alan Pardew, Phil Parkinson, Dean Smith, Martin Ling, Steve
Cotterill, Frank Clarke, Roberto Forzoni, Ted Buxton, David Pleat,
Keith Burkinshaw, Brent Hills, Peter Barnes, Geoff Pike, Paul Davis,
Luther Blissett and Keith Cassells.
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Sky Sports’ Chris Kamara was the
superb host for the evening, his first introduction being LFCA
Chairman, Alex Welsh, who gave the keynote speech thanking members
for their continued support but also urging them to look towards
raising standards of coaches in light of
England’s failure to qualify for Euro 2008.
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Alex was delighted to
announce a sponsorship agreement with Nike for the association which
will see an improved website and other benefits for members. He also
announced the appointment of Mark Drabwell as the LFCA’s lead
coach educator.
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The highlight of the evening was
former LFCA Chairman, Bob Wilson presenting Portsmouth Manager,
Harry Redknapp, an award for his contribution to coaching. In an
amusing question and answer session with Chris Kamara, Harry
admitted it had been a difficult week but what clearly came across
was his absolute love of the game.
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He also urged this country to
produce English coaches of quality to reach the level whereby they
would be in contention for
England
Manager. Harry was roundly applauded by the many people there who
recognised his obvious passion for the game.
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The evening concluded with a terrific
comic routine from Gary Marshall, one of his suggestions being the
creation of a canoeing course for amnesiacs!
This annual event is a right and
proper celebration of the unbelievable amount of work this
association and its members carry out in coaching. There is no doubt
that there is a determination to lift coaching quality in this
country.
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The London FA Football Development team pictured
at the Dinner (from left)
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David James, Emma Barnes, Keeley Bromfield, Josie Clifford, Natalie
Hunter and James Kennedy
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