Run over three Sundays, 24 coaches from clubs across the country took part in the course which included a series of modules and lectures on areas such as First Aid, Child Protection and Rules of the Games.
All the coaches were assessed over the three days and before the final assessment stage everyone now has to complete a training log. A certificate is then issued to everyone who successfully completes the course.
By having more coaches taking the first step on to the coaching ladder will undoubtedly be of great benefit to the girls’ and women’s game in Northern Ireland, said National Women Coach Alfie Wylie.
It will help to improve the standard of football at grassroots and domestic level and in turn this will benefit the international squads.
Alfie added: “I would like to thank McDonald’s for sponsoring the course and IFA Grassroots Manager Trevor Erskine for helping to secure the sponsorship; I would also like to thank Elaine Junk, Chairperson of the NIWFA for identifying clubs which would benefit from the course and for encouraging coaches to take advantage of the opportunity to undertake the Level One.
“It was pleasing to see all the places being taken up and it was also great to see so many females taking the course.”
Following on from this it is hoped that another course will be held in the New Year.
Ballyvange FC
Glenavon Ladies
Crusaders Newtownabbey Strikers
Fermanagh Mallards Ladies
Glentoran Belfast Utd
IFA Coaches
NIWFA Committee
Northland Raiders
Portadown Integrated
Rossglass Ladies
St Matthews Ladies
Tollymore United
Wellington Rec FC
