Q&A The Football Association’s International Newsletter Issue Seven with Alan Hodson, FA Head of Medicine and Exercise Science
The department has a wide range of built up over 13 years at The FA. I believe activities including the development, The FA’s Medical and Exercise Science ommuniqué organisation and co-ordination of 16 different Department is at the cutting edge of medical C levels of training courses and conferences, science and research for football and it is my drug-testing over 1,200 players a year, job to help convey information to assist the educating almost 20,000 youth players on international football fraternity. key aspects of health and lifestyle for football. We also give free preventative Are there any courses available to screening tests to over 700 16-year old youth foreign delegates? players, including cardiological and orthopaedic tests. This year we are running two How does your work benefit football on courses that are an international basis? available to any What is the role of the Medical and interested Exercise Science Department? I have been a member of both the UEFA and individuals FIFA Instructional Committees for a number from overseas - The aim of our department is to utilise our of years and enjoy regular dialogue with the The FA research to educate coaches and improve individuals on these committees as well as International their knowledge of the physical and other associations around the world. I have Diploma physiological development of youth players, also had the privilege of speaking at Course in ultimately to improve player performance. conferences and instructing on courses in Treatment and We are also determined that this research is many countries including Malaysia, Austria, Management of used to improve strategies for the prevention USA, South Africa and Egypt. This provides Injury and The FA International Fitness of injury, assessment of treatment and fantastic opportunities to share knowledge Trainers Course. Full details of these are rehabilitation of injured players, to benefit and to pass on my own expertise that I have available on our website, www.TheFA.com the medical welfare of players worldwide. nternational vents Cameroon & Lesotho I E youth kit donations
DATE VENUE EVENT
March 5 Chelsea FC UEFA ‘Unite Against Racism’ conference
March 13 - 22 Trinidad FA-CONCACAF Coaching Licence Course
March 23 - 24 UAE Soccerex
March 25 UAE FIFA World U20 Youth Championship Youngsters in Cameroon & Lesotho proudly sporting kit donated by The FA. March 29 Liechtenstein Liechtenstein v England - Euro 2004 qualifier Communiqué Issue Seven April 2 Sunderland England v Turkey - Euro 2004 qualifier May 9 - 16 South Africa & Botswana England Ambassador goodwill visits Inspiring The children listen intently to the • FA international administration workshop May 22 South Africa South Africa v England instructions of their coach at the British • FA-CAF coaching workshop, Nigeria Council’s Community Action Through • FA coaching licence course, Cuba - senior friendly international the Youth Sports (CATS) project in Lagos, Nigeria. • FA-CONMEBOL co-operation agreement June 9 - 14 Trinidad FA-CONCACAF Business Planning Workshop The initiative, which is part-funded by • England ambassadors visit China and Iran Designed and produced by The Bridge of Nigeria The FA, aims to develop children’s life • UEFA ‘Unite Against Racism’ conference June 11 Middlesbrough England v Slovakia - Euro 2004 qualifier Contact Rob Chappelhow Tel: 01525 288000 and leadership skills through sport. • Q&A with Alan Hodson Email: [email protected]
The International Relations & Strategy Division, The Football Association, 25 Soho Square, London W1D 4FA, England. Tel. +44 (0)20 7745 4700, Fax +44 (0)20 7745 5700 For more information on The F.A.’s international activities, email [email protected] or visit TheFA.com/InternationalRelations The FA CAF Planning for effective FA-CAF Strategic Planning football administration Workshop for Coaches
In December 2002 Lagos, Nigeria, was the venue for a 4-day Strategic Planning Workshop for Coaches organised in line with the FA-CAF co-operation agreement signed by FA Chairman Geoff Thompson and CAF President Issa Hayatou.
FA national coaches Martin Hunter and Paul Bracewell led the interactive sessions for some 50 delegates from across the African continent, addressing a range of issues including grassroots / elite player development, talent identification, strategic planning within international football, the
Geoff Thompson addresses the workshop
FA Chairman, Geoff Thompson, explained, “We hold international courses in coaching, refereeing and sports medicine and Paul Bracewell leads the practical session at the national stadium The delegates pictured during their visit to Manchester United’s academy considered a workshop on football administration to be a natural addition to what systems we have in place in England. and to educate them on serious issues such The launch of The FA’s first Senior FA managers and regional trainers our portfolio. From the number of We hope that our ideas and discussions as the threat of HIV/AIDS. International Football Administration addressed the delegates who between them applications, it seems that a workshop like have provided food for thought and that Workshop in Loughborough, England, represented 28 countries across every this is in great demand.” some of our ideas will inspire you to further attracted over 100 applications for the continent. Boys from the Damilola Taylor Academy develop the systems in your own countries.” 38 available places on the 5-day The sessions sport new shirts courtesy of Fulham FC programme. ranged from Referee instructors Workshop participants also visited the HR, finance course design and implementation of coaching British Council’s Community Action Through and football programmes and the evaluation of coaching Sports (CATS) project, part-funded by The Ian Blanchard addresses students development, performance. Seven Nigerian FA delegates FA. The FA delegation and representatives attending the FA’s International Referee to marketing also attended, including the Head of the of the British High Commission handed over Instructors Course at Lilleshall in and public Technical kit and equipment while the coaches September 2002. relations, as Department, participated in an impromptu training well as Coach Fanny session for the youngsters. The FA was also attendance at Amun, who invited to watch the Damilola Taylor Football a Premier acted as the Academy in action as they played a short Richard Taylor presents kit to a member of the League NFA’s match against the Pepsi Academy. Richard Academy, named in memory of his late son Suresh Nair of Singapore fixture and Workshop Taylor, patron of the charity established in visits to the Manchester United and Co-ordinator. his late son’s name, received kit donations “The community goodwill visits are one of Liverpool academies. “The FA has provided from The FA. the most rewarding elements of our us all with a fantastic opportunity to come In his closing overseas workshop programmes,” said Kim together and share examples of good address, Both projects aim to develop life and Fisher, International Relations Officer. “It is practice in all areas of football NFA Workshop Hunter said, leadership skills through football, using the incredible to see how much a personal visit Lawrie McMenemy meets Nigerian administration,” said Singapore’s Co-ordinator, “We are here game to bring Nigerian children together to and a modest donation of kit inspires and Fanny Amun representative Salihu Abubakar Suresh Nair. to show you discourage them from anti-social behaviour motivates the youngsters.” CONCACAF OFC AFC
FA coaching course Aussie rules in first win well-received in Cuba in England Goodwill visit to China
Jubilant Australian fans celebrate their country’s 3-1 victory over England at Upton Park in February. Saudi Arabian
The Socceroos, inspired by England-based Strategic Football Harry Kewell, claimed their first ever win over their fierce sporting rivals in the sixth Development Plan encounter between the two sides. The FA has agreed to work with the Saudi Arabian Football Federation to devise a Strategic Football Development Plan for the kingdom, funded through the Saudi-British Memorandum of Understanding for Course participants celebrate 100 years of diplomatic relations between Britain and Cuba Sport & Youth Welfare.
FA Coach Educator, Roger Soper, celebrations to mark the centenary of FA Technical Co-ordinator, Robin Russell, delivered the FA Coaching Licence UK-Cuba diplomatic relations. The said that The FA had been asked to make Course in Cuba, funded by the Foreign course was one of 40 different events Gary and John with children in Shanghai recommendations specifically on & Commonwealth Office, as part of the held across the country. increasing participation, developing a FA England Ambassadors Gary Mabbutt The former players gave coaching clinics programme to nurture elite players and to MBE and John Beresford were invited to and visited charities, schools and clubs as professionalise administration, marketing CONMEBOL CAF Shanghai to participate in Britain’s part of the programme organised by the and management of the game at all levels. ’Leading Edge‘ exhibition week. British Consulate. FA Marketing FA to work with South & Sponsorship Iranian Nostalgic visit for North Koreans Workshop, coaching clinics In October 2002, surviving members of American confederation Egypt the North Korean ’66 team visited the Gary Mabbutt MBE and UK for the first time since their Steve Hodge, FA remarkable performance at the 1966 FA Chairman The signing of this The FA’s Director of Marketing & England Ambassadors, World Cup. The delegation attended Geoff agreement means Communications, Paul Barber, led a joined forces with the England’s Euro 2004 qualifier v Thompson and that The FA is Workshop on Marketing and Sponsorship British Embassy in Tehran to deliver in Cairo at the invitation of the Egyptian Macedonia game as guests of The FA. Confederation formally committed coaching clinics for youth players FA, for over 100 representatives of President Dr to working with and to hold discussions with senior Egyptian football. He was supported by Leoz signed every confederation representatives from the Iranian Continuing support for Afghanistan Peter Gandolfi, Head of Sports Marketing The FA- within the football Football Federation. CONMEBOL family. The for FA Partner Nationwide. The first meeting of the International co-operation programme will This trip adds to a number of goodwill Task Force made up of representatives agreement in kick off in late visits made by FA Ambassadors to from FIFA, AFC, the DFB and The FA December 2003 with a Football promote English football in various parts took place in Frankfurt in February. 2002 to Administration of the world, at the request of British strengthen relations and share ideas on workshop in diplomatic posts. This positive initiative aims to assist with the development initiatives with South CONMEBOL Asunción, Paraguay. redevelopment of a footballing infrastructure President Dr Leoz American football representatives. in war-torn Afghanistan. FA News UEFA Support for football FA launches Goalpost strengthens community Safety Campaign
Football should be fun, safe and enjoyable, whether you play in a park, at England U18s at school or for a local club. The FA is United Against working with manufacturers and the the Meridian Cup British Standards Institute to set new Racism in Europe standards in goalpost safety. The four England's U18s finished a creditable A one-day UEFA conference golden rules of the leaflet and campaign third in the 2003 Meridian Cup in addressing the issue of racism will are - Check It, Secure It, Test It, Respect It. Egypt. Winning two of their four take place at Chelsea FC in London games, against Burkina Faso (3-2) on 5th March hosted by The FA. and hosts Egypt (1-0), the side also FA National Goalkeeping Coach Ray Clemence fought out draws with Mali and launched the campaign to highlight the safety Funded by FARE Nigeria to remain unbeaten during issues involved with using goalposts in (Football Against the tournament. grassroots football. Said Clemence, “Goalpost Racism in safety is an issue I take very seriously. Under Europe), the no circumstances should children use conference will goalposts as gymnastic equipment, they are be attended by simply not designed for that.” delegates from European For further information, please email associations, [email protected]. The volcano eruption in Montserrat McDonalds have joined forces with the clubs and forced around 8,000 people to leave the Montserratian and Friends Organisation to leagues to share Caribbean island 6 years ago, with many create a brand new team out of a unique their experiences settling around Birmingham in England. football coaching initiative. Today, 20 young FA to play full role in Soccerex of racism in football and to participate in footballers - including Montserrat active dialogue as to how the menace Since then, The FA, Birmingham FA and international Marcelin Castle - regularly attend 2003 exhibition and conference can be eradicated. Birmingham City Council’s Strikes scheme, coaching sessions, whilst many others have together with The FA’s Community Partner taken up the game. The FA’s stand at this year’s Soccerex “UEFA takes a strong stand against will promote a number of key projects, racism”, said UEFA President, Lennart notably The FA’s new online learning Johansson. “This conference is just one The FA’s international education programme programme, the new Wembley Stadium, part of a comprehensive anti-racism the National Football Centre and The strategy. Its aim is to stimulate an The Football Association has launched Details of these courses and how to book FA’s international initiatives. exchange of ideas and information that ‘FA Learning’ as a specific brand to online are available on the FA website, will generate new approaches and co-ordinate more effectively all of its www.TheFA.Com/FALearning. The FA will also offer the following initiatives, adding to the growing educational services. In 2003, FA workshops during the 2-day conference momentum of the campaign against Learning will be providing courses in The FA will provide some aspects of these programme: racism.” England for international students in courses as online modules from 2003 The new Wembley the following disciplines: onwards. The FA can also provide the 1) Profitable Football Communities: “The FA’s role in the conference is opportunity for national associations to supported by its involvement in anti-racism Learning and Sharing through the The exhibition precedes the launch of the • Coaching - The FA International Coaching conduct such courses under licence from initiatives for a number of years,” added Web - presented by Andrew Halstead, FIFA World U20 Youth Championship in the Licence; The FA in their own countries. For further The FA’s Ethics & Sports Equity Manager, The FA’s Chief Information Officer; UAE in which England will be competing. • Exercise Science - The FA International details of these services, please e-mail: Lucy Faulkner. “We have recently agreed a Fitness Trainers Award; [email protected]. 2) The Role of Partnership & comprehensive ethics and sports equity • Sports Medicine - The FA International Consultation in the Development strategy which will ensure that racial Diploma in the Treatment of Injury FA Learning will also be represented at of Player Contracts - presented by equality issues are addressed in all our activities in the future.” together with new awards in Football Martin Hunter is one of The FA’s national The FA’s stand at Soccerex in Dubai, Graham Noakes, The FA’s Director of Psychology. coaches and qualified instructors 23-24 March 2003. Football Administration & Refereeing. Q&A The Football Association’s International Newsletter Issue Seven with Alan Hodson, FA Head of Medicine and Exercise Science
The department has a wide range of built up over 13 years at The FA. I believe activities including the development, The FA’s Medical and Exercise Science ommuniqué organisation and co-ordination of 16 different Department is at the cutting edge of medical C levels of training courses and conferences, science and research for football and it is my drug-testing over 1,200 players a year, job to help convey information to assist the educating almost 20,000 youth players on international football fraternity. key aspects of health and lifestyle for football. We also give free preventative Are there any courses available to screening tests to over 700 16-year old youth foreign delegates? players, including cardiological and orthopaedic tests. This year we are running two How does your work benefit football on courses that are an international basis? available to any What is the role of the Medical and interested Exercise Science Department? I have been a member of both the UEFA and individuals FIFA Instructional Committees for a number from overseas - The aim of our department is to utilise our of years and enjoy regular dialogue with the The FA research to educate coaches and improve individuals on these committees as well as International their knowledge of the physical and other associations around the world. I have Diploma physiological development of youth players, also had the privilege of speaking at Course in ultimately to improve player performance. conferences and instructing on courses in Treatment and We are also determined that this research is many countries including Malaysia, Austria, Management of used to improve strategies for the prevention USA, South Africa and Egypt. This provides Injury and The FA International Fitness of injury, assessment of treatment and fantastic opportunities to share knowledge Trainers Course. Full details of these are rehabilitation of injured players, to benefit and to pass on my own expertise that I have available on our website, www.TheFA.com the medical welfare of players worldwide.
nternational vents Cameroon & Lesotho I E youth kit donations
DATE VENUE EVENT
March 5 Chelsea FC UEFA ‘Unite Against Racism’ conference
March 13 - 22 Trinidad FA-CONCACAF Coaching Licence Course
March 23 - 24 UAE Soccerex
March 25 UAE FIFA World U20 Youth Championship Youngsters in Cameroon & Lesotho proudly sporting kit donated by The FA. March 29 Liechtenstein Liechtenstein v England - Euro 2004 qualifier Communiqué Issue Seven April 2 Sunderland England v Turkey - Euro 2004 qualifier May 9 - 16 South Africa & Botswana England Ambassador goodwill visits Inspiring The children listen intently to the • FA international administration workshop May 22 South Africa South Africa v England instructions of their coach at the British • FA-CAF coaching workshop, Nigeria Council’s Community Action Through • FA coaching licence course, Cuba - senior friendly international the Youth Sports (CATS) project in Lagos, Nigeria. • FA-CONMEBOL co-operation agreement June 9 - 14 Trinidad FA-CONCACAF Business Planning Workshop The initiative, which is part-funded by • England ambassadors visit China and Iran Designed and produced by The Bridge of Nigeria The FA, aims to develop children’s life • UEFA ‘Unite Against Racism’ conference June 11 Middlesbrough England v Slovakia - Euro 2004 qualifier Contact Rob Chappelhow Tel: 01525 288000 and leadership skills through sport. • Q&A with Alan Hodson Email: [email protected]
The International Relations & Strategy Division, The Football Association, 25 Soho Square, London W1D 4FA, England. Tel. +44 (0)20 7745 4700, Fax +44 (0)20 7745 5700 For more information on The F.A.’s international activities, email [email protected] or visit TheFA.com/InternationalRelations