Monday 25th August saw the launch of AFCCT’s Coach Development Group in partnership with Aberdeen FC Youth Academy and the Scottish FA North Region.

The Coach Development Group will see Award and Licence level Coaches come together for additional In-Service Training, Continual Professional Development and to share best practice.

At the first session, Neil Simpson, Head of Youth Academy at Aberdeen FC delivered cutting edge Coaching content based on a recent Study Visit to Real Madrid’s Youth Academy.

To kick off, AFC Community Trust Senior Scottish FA Community Coach Steven Sweeney delivered a presentation outlining the Programme.

Steven Sweeney said, “AFC Community Trust are delighted to be working in partnership with AFC’s Youth Academy and the Scottish FA North Region to launch this Coach Development Group. This innovative Programme will further develop the quantity and quality of Licence level Coaches in the Region.”

Gavin Levey, Head of Junior Academy at Aberdeen FC, highlighted the benefits for the Club’s Youth Academy.

“This is a great initiative that has been put together to help Licence level coaches share ideas and learn from others.  The Coach Development Group will also help provide our Academy coaches with additional in-service and continuous professional development opportunities along with helping us identify future coaches to work with the elite players at Aberdeen FC.”

Aberdeen FC’s Under 17’s squad were put through their paces by Neil Simpson in front of the gathering of 34 Award and Licence level Coaches at Balgownie Playing Fields, before hosting a question and answer session.

Neil Simpson said, “I am delighted to have been asked to deliver the first coaching session for the newly formed AFC coach Development group. The AFC coach Development Group will provide a regular coach in service programme which will give every member an opportunity to learn and improve, this will not only benefit Aberdeen FC but coaching in the North east of Scotland in general.”

Neil Simpson said, “I am delighted to have been asked to deliver the first coaching session for the newly formed AFC coach Development group. The AFC coach Development Group will provide a regular coach in service programme which will give every member an opportunity to learn and improve, this will not only benefit Aberdeen FC but coaching in the North east of Scotland in general.”