Nick Gibb visited Edward Bryant School in Bognor Regis to observe a Year 6 class during one of their weekly FA Skills PE lessons.
Funded by The Football Association and Sport England, the FA Skills programme is a nationwide initiative that takes place once a week across a half term in participating primary schools. Each session is delivered by a trained FA coach.
The aim of the programme is to increase children’s activity levels, develop football skills and to foster a healthy attitude towards sport and PE lessons. The FA four corner model is used to plan each training session and encompasses four key attributes: physical, technical, psychological and social. Together they help children develop coordination skills, gain confidence, make effective decisions and work better as a team.
Since 2007, the FA skills programme has worked with over 1,000 primary schools and has provided over 3 million places on the course.
Not only have pupils been able to enjoy the specialist football coaching at Edward Bryant School but so have the teachers. One of the key aims of the programme is to pass on coaching skills to teachers so that they can continue the lessons once the coach has moved on to another school.
After school Skills Centres are also offered by the FA for those who wish to continue with the programme outside of school. These are currently being offered at Inspire Leisure Centre in Felpham for ages 5-11 at a cost of £3 per session.
Mr Gibb said: “It was brilliant to see all of the pupils enthusiastic and engaged in a very dynamic PE lesson delivered by the FA coach, Jack Heaselden. With childhood obesity on the increase, it is essential that schools make the most of such excellent initiatives that encourage an active and healthy lifestyle.”
Photo caption: Nick Gibb with FA coach Jack Heaselden and Year 6 pupils of Edward Bryant School.