Coaching ● Feb 09, 2022
FAS conducts Grassroots Coaching Course for local football academy
Participants from First Kick Academy at a Grassroots Coaching Course, 6 February 2022
SINGAPORE, 10 FEBRUARY 2022 – The Football Association of Singapore (FAS) successfully conducted the FAS Grassroots Coaching Course (Level 1) over the weekend for a group of participants from First Kick Academy (FKA).
Held on 5 and 6 February, the course saw 10 grassroots coaches from FKA come under the mentorship of FAS Coach Developer Shasi Kumar and FAS Head of Coach Education and Development (CED), Mohamed Zainudeen Hassan.
In strict compliance with the current COVID-19 measures, the FAS conducted this course by having the theory session virtually on one day and the practical session in person the next day at The Ark’s futsal facility at the Orchid Country Club. All participants adhered to the current safe management measures during the practical sessions and produced negative Antigen Rapid Test results before their sessions commenced.
FKA founder Jimmy Beh, who had approached the FAS as part of efforts to improve the coaching knowledge of the FKA coaches, said: “I have been running First Kick Academy for the last 17 years and it has always been my passion to work with kids and to see them play the game. But in order to create the fun learning environment, the coaches play an important role. That is why continual coaching education is a big part in FKA. I am really happy to have the experts from FAS to conduct this Grassroots Coaching Course for my group of coaches. They have benefitted a lot from the sharing and I am sure the players will also benefit from it.”
One of the participants, Jannah, added: “The Coach Developers were professional with their knowledge and conducted the class in a manner that was as engaging as possible… and we received immediate feedback after the sessions. It was a good reminder on the fundamentals of grassroots coaching.” Another participant, Farhan, said: “Coach Zainudeen and Coach Shasi were engaging, helpful and friendly. Their explanations were clear… and they shared many of their experiences and with in-depth solutions on how we can improve as coaches. The presentations were clear and simple to understand.”
FAS Head of CED, Mohamed Zainudeen Hassan, noted that it was encouraging that FKA had reached out for help in expanding their coaches’ knowledge, and that the FAS welcomes such approaches.
“The FAS is always looking to help coaches at all levels to become better and we were very happy to conduct this course for FKA,” he said. “Everyone has a part to play in improving the Singapore football scene and having skilled coaches is a vital part of a healthy football ecosystem. The FAS welcomes all football academies and our affiliates who are considering coaching courses for their coaches to get in touch with us, and we will work together to do so.”