On Saturday 4 June, Cheshire FA held our inaugural Coaching Conference at Carden Park Hotel near Chester.

The 200 coaches in attendance experienced a one day event of workshops, presentations and practical sessions dedicated to the theme Connections.

Open to coaches of all levels, the conference showed how the framework and vision that underpins The England DNA, The FA's new coaching and playing philosophy, can be applied and used to connect the grassroots game in Cheshire.

The event featured a series of new phase-specific (foundation, youth development, and professional development) workshops delivered by expert FA coaches from across the age phases. 

It also included a number of dedicated presentations delivered by a select group of specialist guest speakers, who explored all areas of the game and the Connections through the player and coaching pathways.

BBC 5 Live Presenter, Garry Richardson hosted the conference which began with a video message from England Women's Assistant Coach, Marieanne Spacey, before introducing to the stage one of England’s most gifted players, John Barnes, who took part in a fascinating Q & A session where he talked about some of his experiences on his way to becoming an iconic player. 

That was followed by an insightful keynote speech by FA Head of Grassroots Delivery, Les Howie who discussed the England DNA and how it can be implemented in grassroots football.

Attendees were able to choose three workshops to join across the day where they gained insight throughout the day from professionals within the game.

A Q & A with FA North-West Regional Coach Mentors and Developers Jack Walton, Darran Bowles and Steve Smithies rounded the day up before Cheshire FA Chief Executive, Simon Gerrard officially closed the conference. 

To see an extended photo gallery from the day please click HERE.

John Barnes, Ex-Liverpool and England player said: "It's fantastic that Cheshire FA can put on a convention like this, from a coaching perspective it's good to get more coaches involved because while it's great to be the coach of the professional clubs or even the non-league clubs, the (future) Premier League and professional players are going to come from grassroots, so grassroots coaches are extremely important."

Les Howie, FA Head of Grassroots Delivery said: "It's great to see so many grassroots coaches in attendance who are really enthusiastic, who want to learn, who want to develop their coaching skills and knowledge and hopefully they'll take what they learn from this conference back in to their clubs and help improve the quality of coaches and their players in Cheshire.

"To see 200 motivated  coaches come together under the leadership and guidance of Cheshire FA to help improve football in the county is absolutely fantastic and the county FA should be congratulated."

Alex Bedford, Cheshire FA Chief Operating Officer said: "Cheshire FA were proud to put on this event to support local coaches and we hope this is a great starting point as we look to provide more learning opportunities for them in the future.

"A huge thank you must go to all the coaches who attended the event and showed a willingness to improve not only their own standards but those of grassroots football in Cheshire as a consequence."

Cheshire FA would like to reserve special thanks to sponsors Carden Park Country Estate, MH Goals, Nike and Sportsjam for their great support of the conference.