SWF and Scottish FA announce support for clubs to develop coaching standards

Scottish Women’s Football (SWF) and the Scottish FA have today announced support to girls and women’s clubs to further develop coaching standards across the game.

Coaches will require a minimum of a 1.1 Introduction to Coaching qualification by early 2022. To support this transition, the FIFA COVID relief fund will be utilised to offer SWF member clubs with one free placement on this course in Phase One and a further free placement in Phase Two.

SWF Chief Executive Officer, Aileen Campbell, said: “As the game grows and continues to attract record numbers of players, it’s vital that SWF does all it can to support our clubs to help continue the development and quality of the game. That’s why, in partnership with the Scottish FA, every member club will be offered two places on the 1.1 Introduction to Coaching course using the FIFA COVID relief fund.

“This funding will help support clubs to transition towards the aim that by the end of the 2022 affiliation window, every coach within the girls and women’s game will have or be working towards this coaching qualification.

“A minimum standard of coaching ensures that every girl will be working with coaches who have the building blocks to help progress them as individuals, their team, and the game as a whole. Coaches are also valued volunteers, and this is an important investment in those that are giving of their time to help support opportunities for many more girls to play and enjoy football in a safe environment.”

Scottish FA Head of Girls and Women’s Football, Fiona McIntyre, said: “We are delighted to be able to offer free coach education for new and aspiring coaches across the country in partnership with SWF and supported by the FIFA COVID Relief Fund.

“This free coach education programme, coupled with the introduction of minimum coaching standards within SWF clubs, is another important milestone in the development of the game ensuring that all girls in Scotland can access quality coaching consistently from their local football club.

“Our new strategy for the girls’ and women’s game has set ambitious targets around growing the number of girls playing football. It is vital that we support this growth by investing in the people and volunteers who deliver the game in their local communities.”