This month marked the end of our first 100 FC Level 1 for our second cohort of female coaches. 
Despite a rushed finish to complete the course before the lockdown period, 11 women were signed off for their Level 1 in Coaching Football, with two learners not far from the finish line. 

The Level 1 was held at St Dunstan’s College by tutors David Streetley and Emily Hill. Both tutors have been heavily involved in the 100 FC since it started last year and have a wealth of knowledge about supporting female coaches. 

David commented on the course, stating “the positive, interactive and fun environment that Em, I and the coaches created allowed us to highlight the main things we aim to do as coaches to provide safe, fun and engaging sessions when working with children, young people, and adults. 

“We look forward to supporting these coaches along their journey in providing positive experiences for people through football, which develops them as people and as players. For the coaches, we look forward also to inspiring them to continue to learn and develop, working towards their next level of coaching.” 

Emily followed by saying “this was a brilliant group of coaches who really engaged with each other, the learning and modules on the Level 1. They are all doing fantastic things in the grassroots game and I am really looking forward to supporting them post course, on and off the pitch, and helping them develop further as coaches. 

“One of the best parts of the course was the community of support and sharing of ideas that the coaches created amongst themselves and is testament to the many positives of being part of the 100 FC programme.”

One of the learners, Hollie Varney shared her experience of the course. “The course helped me learn how to plan, deliver and evaluate a coaching session. It made me realise how important it is to involve the players in evaluations, to gather a better understanding of what they gained from the session and what they liked.

“The course also helped me reflect on my role as a coach - it’s not just about developing young people’s football skills and technical ability, but also being a leader, role model and setting a positive example. I definitely feel now that I have more skills, knowledge and confidence to develop as a coach.”

Learner Betty, who took her Level 1 over 10 years ago, spoke of the how the delivery had changed so tutors “equipped us with more than just Level 1 knowledge” and that this course had “given me a greater appreciation for the opportunity I have been given with my boys”. Betty is looking forward to continuing on her 100 FC pathway, and how “it is very encouraging to see our growth together, not only as women in football but as friendships being formed.”

Ruth spoke of how she “felt a bit nervous and lacking in confidence at first but our tutors were brilliant at developing a positive learning environment and I felt really supported throughout.” For Ruth, she “loved the practical nature of the course, it gave me ideas that I could use straight away in my own coaching sessions, and it was brilliant to experience being coached by my fellow female coaches. I left the course inspired to try lots of new ideas and much more confident in my own abilities.” 

What is the 100 FC? 

The 100 FC is a programme for females (16+) across London who will be supported in their first steps in coaching including funding for coaching courses and coaching placements across a range of organisations. 

The programme is organised alongside the Amateur FA and Middlesex FA, backed by significant investment from Wembley National Stadium Trust (WNST). 

You can find out more about the 100 FC programme here.