Just under 100 Coaches sit in the stands at the Select Car Leasing Stadium for a group photon

Coaches Conference 2024

We hosted the BBFA Coaches Conference on Saturday 20th July and welcomed 85 grassroots coaches from across the region.

The Conference, delivered in partnership with Reading FC Community Trust, provided grassroots coaches the opportunity to continue their personal development and importantly support the development of their players.

We were delighted to be joined by FA Regional Coach Development Officers, Vicky Fisher, Vinny Halsall & Abdoullah Kheir who delivered “Benefits of Small-Sided Games” Workshop during the morning. The trio delivered across x3 separate sessions to enable coaches to observe practices which are relatable to their own environments. We welcomed players from Eldon Celtic U15s, Whiteknights U12s, Kingston Colts U9s and Priestwood U8s to take part in the sessions which explored how using small-sided games can engage and develop players.

After lunch and some more opportunity for coaches to network, Vinny delivered the afternoon workshop, “Developing on the Pitch”. The workshop provided coaches ideas on planning to help structure a session and tips on designing practices to help coaches challenge their players.

It was such a well run event and very informative. It was the first event I’ve been to and I will definitely join future events. Thank you!

- Lisa Goodenough, U9 Coach @ CSA 07 Youth

We then had the pleasure of welcoming Reading FC First Team Manager, Rubén Sellés who provided coaches with a fantastic insight on his importance of creating a positive environment and some inspiring advice for everyone in attendance. Rubén also very kindly stayed behind after the event had finished to have photo’s taken with the coaches which was very well received and much appreciated .

We would like to thank all the coaches for attending the Conference for giving up their time to continue their development to support their players. We also would like to thank the following for making the Conference possible:

• Reading FC Community Trust & Project Lead Chris Berry, our Coaches Conference 2024 delivery partner
• Vicky, Vinny and Abs for their superb delivery throughout the day.
• Progressive Football Development (Chris, Rob & Phil)
• FA/BBFA Coach Support Staff (Robbie Blood, Stephen Jeffrey & Ameer Choudrie)
• Players representing Eldon Celtic U15s, Whiteknights U12s, Kingston Colts U9s & Priestwood Colts U8s. (Thanks to Francisco, Adedayo & Sally for arranging)
• Reading FC First Team Manager, Rubén Sellés
Take a closer look at the Conference with our photo gallery

To have nearly 100 coaches all together in one room, developing as coaches and sharing experiences with one another was incredibly powerful and we look forward to providing further coach development opportunities over the course of the 2024/25 season and beyond.

"The conference overall was a resounding success, distinguished by its relaxed atmosphere and seamless integration of diverse elements. Attendees enjoyed ample opportunities for networking, immersive learning experiences, and inspiring talks that left a lasting impact. The conference also featured an impressive array of food! contributing to the overall feel-good factor. The organisers managed to create an environment that was both enjoyable and professionally enriching, making it a standout event for all who participated."

- Peter Knibbs, U16 Coach @ Harwell & Hendred Youth