Soccer Coaching 2000 sets the standard

The award – the first of its kind – has been given to the organisation based at Wolverhampton in recognition of its first-rate holiday courses.

Soccer Coaching 2000 was set up in February 1999 by Wayne Clark and Rosemary Jackson, with Clark taking care of the coaching and Rosemary the administration.

The pair are still massively involved to this day but there are now 24 full-time coaches, who all receive regular training.

They have a wide range of qualifications and pride themselves on providing nothing but the best.

Clark, director of coaching, said: "I set this company up with Rosemary in 1999 and have run it since then.

"At the start, it was just me doing the coaching and Rosemary coming along to the courses and getting everyone registered, with her husband helping out with the accounts as well.

"As we grew, we took on a number of part-time staff but we realised that wouldn't take us to the level we wanted to be.

"Now we have 24 full-time staff, we offer apprenticeships and we have got them working towards their coaching diplomas.

"Some of the staff here used to attend the courses when they were children and now they are helping youngsters.

"It is great to get the recognition from Birmingham County FA. We have always prided ourselves on giving high-level coaching, but we have had nothing to show for it.

"Up to now we have only had our word, so it's fantastic to have that accreditation which proves it."

Soccer Coaching 2000 hold their daytime coaching and activities during the school holidays at Wolverhampton Grammar School.

Children are coached at a suitable pace within their own age bands, with footballing courses starting for four and five-year-olds.

Courses are also available for those aged five to seven, eight to 12, and 12 to 14 with specialist goalkeeping coaching offered as well.

For those wanting to play another sport, a mixture of activities include tri-golf, dodgeball and quick sticks hockey.

Weekly term time sessions are available for children aged four to 12 at various venues in the Black Country.

Coaches visit schools to carry out breakfast, lunchtime and after school sessions for key stage one and two pupils.

Clark said: "I still coach but now manage staff and liaise with other organisations as well.

"One is the council as we have got Wolverhampton Club registration from the council's sport development team."

He added: "All the staff are bringing fresh ideas to the table, they are getting qualified, to ensure kids are getting the best standard of football coaching possible.

"We want to keep on developing, and the recognition we have got now is going to help grow sporting talent in Wolverhampton."

Luke Campbell, football development officer at Birmingham County FA, commended Clark, senior coach and the rest of the Soccer Coaching 2000 staff for their 'fantastic' work.

He said: "Soccer Coaching 2000 were selected as the first as they do all their training through Sports Structures who are one of our partners.

"They also have 24 full-time staff and are in 34 primary schools, which is set to rise.

"The aim was to target a big organisation for the initial launch. The work that Wayne, Dan and the team do is fantastic.

"The award shows that they have all the recognised policies and procedures in place, alongside the fact they constantly 'upskill' staff.

"They provide opportunities for young people to join the team as volunteers for personal development."

All Soccer Coaching 2000 coaches are screened through the Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS).

They are all currently working towards the level three certificate in Supporting the Delivery of Physical Education and School Sport – the recommended qualification by the Association of Physical Education.

For more information and to book your child on a course visit www.soccercoaching2000.co.uk.