Premier Skills, in partnership with the Premier League, and the British Council recently hosted Phase 1 of their training program for coaches and referees at the Moses Mabhida Stadium in Durban. The program was also supported by SAFA.
The program took place over a week with coaches and referees spending their time in the classroom for the theoretical part as well as out on the fields for the practical part. Their seemed to be a lot of enthusiasm throughout the week with everybody getting involved and making the most of this opportunity. The idea is that the participants will not only get an official certificate at the end of the program but will take it further and put their new skills to test in their local communities. It wasn’t just about the rules and laws of football as the participants also learned about organizing football matches, using football to reach under privileged children and how to uplift their local communities with the use of football. The program culminated in all the participants using their recently acquired knowledge to organize a football tournament for some local kids. They had to arrange groups and teach the children some drills as well as compete in some fun football matches. The referees had to put their new skills to the test during the matches and I must admit it must have been difficult putting all the knowledge that was gained over the week into a fast paced football match that forces you to act quickly and doesn’t allow for any uncertain and delayed decisions. What a tough job they have. I was really impressed with the enthusiasm of the Premier Skills coaches and referees who managed to adapt to the local conditions and cultures and always kept everyone engaged, interested and made the training a lot of fun as well. Congrats to everyone involved and not forgetting the Moses Mabhida Stadium staff who kept everyone happy with their delicious meals and excellent service. For more corporate events filmed by OD Media go here and for photography work go here