Ahead of London FA’s next FA Level 3 (UEFA B) course, which commences later this year, the Association hosted a shortlisting day for all applicants which will help whittle down the 200 long list down to the 32 successful coaches that will have the opportunity to take part on the course.

The day’s event was hosted by UEFA B Tutors Kevin Green, a County Coach Developer; Ciara Allen, our Regional Coach Mentor; and Jamie Coyle and Darren Smith.

During the course of the day, learners had the chance to show off their coaching skills and demonstrate to tutors why they deserve a place on the UEFA B course.

“With over 200 applications received and only 32 spaces available, we had to adopt a robust and rigorous shortlisting process based around the FA Level 3 selection criteria,” explained UEFA B Tutor Kevin.

“All 200-plus applications were initially reviewed in December, which led to a dilemma for the London FA shortlisting panel. A viable solution was to bring the shortlisting process to life by inviting 56 potential learners to attend the UEFA B shortlisting event, with 43 coaches booking on.

“The UEFA B shortlisting day was beneficial for applicants, as it enabled clarity on the criteria and selection process, the course purpose, and gave learners an invaluable insight into the UEFA B course content and structure,” continued Kevin on the importance of the day for both learners and tutors.

“Learners were set individual and group tasks, based on focusing bridging the Level 2 to 3 transition, which also saw participants plan and deliver practical coaching sessions. The event was very successful in allowing the UEFA B tutor team an insight into individual learners, which wouldn’t have come to life through words on an application form.”

Since the event, it has still been challenging to select the final 32 learners from a group of fantastic coaches and there will understandably be disappointment for those who are unsuccessful. However, there is never a ‘no’ – just a ‘not yet’.

“We have put in place a substantive CPD programme for coaches in 2020 to help prepare them for the UEFA B licence called the FA Level 2-3 Bridging Series,” explained Regional Coach Mentor Ciara.

“In addition to this, we are working with The FA Coach Mentor programme to establish a number of coaching communities throughout London – and to support coaches’ personal development in local areas.”

For any questions or enquiries relating to London FA’s Coach Education programme, please email shannon.hyner@londonfa.com