We were delighted to welcome Pete Sturgess, FA Foundation Phase Technical Lead, to the home of Egerton FC as part of the FA Foundation Phase DNA programme. 

The evening was a mixture of theoretical and practical learning, with grassroots level 1 and 2 coaches from across the North West engaging with a variety of ideas, sessions, articles and videos centred around the FA 4 Corner Model for long term player development.

Sturgess outlined the principles of the Foundation Phase programme, before the coaches were involved in a practical session where they were able to witness the key concepts of the Foundation phase DNA, with the help of Egerton FC’s Under 11s/12s.

Following this, Sturgess and the attendees reviewed the practical session, before the floor was opened for a Q+A, where the coaches were able to ask the FA Lead about anything associated with the programme.

Sturgess hailed the success of the evening and said that he believes that workshops like these would be imperative for the prolonged development and reach of the programme.

Sturgess had this to say about the event “It was another great turnout at our Foundation Phase DNA roadshow event.

The Cheshire FA did a great job organising and facilitating tonight’s event. I’d like to say a massive thanks to all county and FA/mentoring staff who came as well as Darren Bowles, Sally Needham and Paul McGuinness who added their vast experience to the evening.

Teamwork will help get us where we want to be, so I'd like to say a huge thanks to everyone who attended.”