Aberdeen FC Community Trust (AFCCT) have piloted a new programme with Dyce Boys Club that will deliver coach mentoring in a bid to enhance skills and knowledge of coaches in the area. Long-serving Pittodrie coach Jim Crawford has delivered one-day introductory courses in the past, however after a number of enquires from grassroots clubs in the area the decision has been made to create the new mentoring programme.

Jim led the team of seven Dyce coaches for the pilot programme with weekly sessions that worked on session design, enhancing coaching knowledge and technical ability of players. Around 20 hours of coaching was delivered with every coach supported one on one and group work and the expert coaching allowed the participants to improve their approach when taking their own sessions.

There are few coaches at Pittodrie with his experience and the Dyce coaches were in safe hands with Jim offering his own insights and expertise on the development of young players in Scotland. Jim makes sure that all coaches are mentored in a stress free, enjoyable, learning environment. Each passing session saw improvement in the coaches which led to them gaining a certificate in a Creative Player Skills Development Course. On completion of their course all coaches came to Pittodrie to collect their certificate and a new creative player coaching manual which has a comprehensive and detailed illustrations of progressive skill practices.

“The lack of Individual Skills Development Coaches and the fact that youngsters do not spend as many hours practising is having a detrimental effect throughout our game from grassroots to the professional game. We must educate and develop flair players who are attack minded and give them the freedom to express themselves effectively in any situation they may encounter.

“By having more coaches upskilled to develop these players the hope is that we can create a much more technically developed player throughout the region on.”

For over 25 years Jim has been an integral part of the Pittodrie coaching staff having overseen his own skill centres, which has helped give youngsters of all ages and abilities an opportunity to play the game. All young players who have been associated with AFC Youth Academy from 8-12 years of age are familiar with the Advanced Centre skills training. This is a unique programme which was devised by Jim to help accelerate the players development and improve technique.

Through his coaching a number of players have gone on to represent Aberdeen at senior level with Scott Wright and Connor McLennan the latest to make the breakthrough having honed their skills from Jim’s centres at an early age.

Jim’s work in the local community and on a national level has seen him introduce and develop a large football participation programme which involves coaching opportunities for three year olds right through to adults in various football and non-football activities. The Youth Academy enrols many players who have been involved with Jim’s 1V1 programme, and the session allowed those that joined the Academy at a later stage in their footballing career to develop these specific skills.

The club have close contacts at local sides and Dyce Boys Club are well known for bringing through hot prospects with Cammy Smith, Graeme Shinnie and Bruce Anderson former players and Chairman, Len Nicol was delighted with the opportunity for the experienced coach to help run sessions for the club’s coaches.

“I have no doubts that this programme has further developed and enhanced the knowledge of our coaches to produce a higher level of session to develop our players. Jim really increased their confidence in delivering coaching session through his mentorship. I would absolutely recommend this course. It was a breath of fresh air and there is no doubt that coaches will learn and develop and without doubt the kids will now learn from them. The knowledge that our coaches have picked up will help us to further develop our players at Dyce Boys club.”

With the pilot a success, AFCCT would like to extend the programme to more grassroots clubs in the area and if you would like more information on the programme please contact jim.crawford@afccommunitytrust.org