If ever there is living proof that getting involved in sport as a parent can make a real difference, then Lisa Hollis is it. And as so often in life, the lesson here is if you want something done well... ask a busy mum!
Lisa originally got involved in her young son’s local football team, Kidderminster Lions, volunteering to help and eventually becoming secretary, and she found she was having a lot of involvement and communication with the local Football Association (FA).
Just a few years later, and this mum with a background in HR is the FA Licensed Coaches’ Club manager, and helping make a real difference across the entire country.
The most recent chapter for Lisa has been dominated by the launch of the FA Licensed Coaches’ Club on 1 August. The idea is that the Club has replaced The FA Coaches’ Association (FACA), and is an approach and concept which aims to keep football coaches of all levels fully involved and updated.
‘The real key for us is the continuous personal and professional development (CPD) of the coaches involved’, said Lisa. ‘That’s the big difference from before – we are keen to engage with coaches and make sure that remains.’
The Club is a massive benefit to its members, and also to football at grass-roots level, as Lisa says players (and parents) will know that the coaches will:
- be a member of The FA Licensed Coaches’ Club and have an official FA coaching qualification
- retain in-date FA Safeguarding Children and Emergency Aid certificates
- have undergone an FA enhanced Criminal Relations Bureau (CRB) check
- be up to date with latest advances and thoughts through a minimum level of CPD every year.
Lisa knows that communication is key in this business, be it from coach to players or from FA to coaches, and is rightly delighted with the superb new website as well as new magazine The Bootroom.
‘There is some great content on there with information, courses, session plans and interviews, but we are really conscious that this needs to be a two-way street and are hoping to have a forum built into the site during the next development phase. We know that coaching is a huge commitment for people to make, that there are many calls upon their time, so to say “here’s another event” or “you must attend this” isn’t always the best way. This is why the website is important in playing a role in the continued development of coaches.’
The website allows coaches to remain up to date with their training and development, making it easier to access, organise and attend CPD. It means football coaches in this country are able to satisfy their thirst for knowledge, and the latest innovations, quickly and easily, and know that they are not lagging behind.
It also means The FA can keep track of where coaches are in their coaching journey, rather than the myriad ways of collecting data which may have prevailed before.
‘Historically, qualifications have been in different places and with little data consolidation,’ said Lisa. ‘This will change that.’ And The FA is keen to stress, whether you are a part-time volunteer with a local kids’ side or a coach of professional players in the senior game, this Club will bring information that is suitable, and suited, to all. ‘There are also benefits such as ballots for England tickets, and public liability insurance, so it’s very worthwhile,’ adds Lisa.
As the FA’s head of elite development, Gareth Southgate, said recently:
‘It’s crucial we’ve got people working in the game who have the right type of coaching qualifications. Grass-roots and youth football relies heavily on volunteers, but the quality of coaching is so important, especially when engaging youngsters.’
Lisa has been set, and has set herself, some stiff targets and knows there are real challenges ahead, but is simply bursting with enthusiasm for this project, and the difference it can make (and she is convinced will make) to the national game. It has dominated her work (and life) for well over a year, but is now up-and-running.
‘We’ve got some milestones to reach – 55,000 members in three years is a big ask, but there are real benefits and opportunities for being part of the Club. And our other challenge coming up is the move to Burton...so we have plenty on our plate!’
> Find out more or register for The FA Licensed Coaches’ Club.
