YOUTH FOOTBALL FITNESS COACH AWARD

LEARNING OUTCOMES

• Recognize the importance of physical preparation for young athletes
• Develop a systematic approach to integrating fitness into football training
• Apply fitness principles that align with football performance needs
• Understand the concept of periodization and its application in youth football
• Learn key movement skills required for football
• Implement football-specific drills to improve movement patterns in youth players
• Recognize the importance of flexibility and implement age-appropriate exercises
• Understand the principles of LTAD and its relevance to youth football
• Integrate LTAD principles into coaching strategies to support players’ progress
• Learn the fundamentals of strength training for youth athletes
• Implement strength training programs tailored to youth football players
• Educate young athletes on the importance of balancing academics, training and personal life
• Understand the physiological differences between children, adolescences, and adults in sport
• Implement training methods that improve speed and agility in youth football players
• Learn the key fitness tests for evaluating youth football players
• Educate young athletes on the importance of nutrition for performance and recovery

MODE OF ASSESSMENT

• Modular tasks are given during each course module. These tasks take the form of individual, or group presentations, match or training-session observations with tutor feedback is given throughout (20 marks)
• Group Coaching Practice (GCP) is requested at the end of the course relative to the development of a specific fitness skill. A tutor will provide feedback to the practice proposed (10 marks per group + 20 marks per individual)
• Practical sessions in the coach’s own club environment are also part of the assessment (50 marks)