Counting down to Non-League first!

The first of three major coaching initiatives and firsts for Non-League to celebrate the EVO-STIK League's milestone 2017-18 campaign, the day long event at the West Riding County FA’s HQ near Leeds will be followed by the competition's first ever 'Coaching Performance Day' at the same venue in July.

The third initiative to raise future standards of excellence will see 24 ambitious coaches and managers who’ve already attained their FA Level 2 badges invited to attend a stand-alone and heavily subsidised UEFA B course at the county's FA's base this summer in the build-up to the 2018-19 season.

Kicking off with bacon and sausage baps for hungry representatives from the EVO-STIK League's 68 clubs at 9.30am and running until 4pm, Sunday's packed programme for delegates features a series of coaching and refereeing sessions and workshops, the latter hosted by Championship referee and former Premier League assistant David Coote and ex-Professional Game match observer and referees development officer Mark Haywood.

Harrogate Town's Simon Weaver is set to host one of the coaching sessions after lunch along with a specialist in sports psychology. Other experienced and respected coaches expected to attend include Steve Burr, Vill Powell and the EVO-STIK League's coaching development officer Mark Ogley who's administered and run the NPL's successful UEFA B bursary scheme since its launch with the backing of the Football Association.

With the day also counting as five hours of CPD for EVO-STIK League coaches currently studying for the FA Level 1, 2 and 3 qualifications, organisers say the event will also fulfill their annual requirements.

All three initiatives are being organised by the West Riding FA's senior football development officer Steve Dorey and he is looking forward to seeing delegates enjoying the get together and being encouraged to share their views with Q&A sessions planned throughout the day's schedule.

Clubs and coaches will also find out how to take up the UEFA B offer on Sunday and Dorey said: "The West Riding County FA are really looking forward to welcoming the coaches and managers from all the clubs in the EVO-STIK League for the inaugural 'Coach Development Day'. We’ve got a great day of content prepared to get everybody involved and, most importantly, a fantastic bit of food planned for both breakfast and lunch.

"The league committee have been incredibly helpful in making the day happen, turning an informal discussion into a full programme of coach development throughout the season. I’d particularly like to thank NPL secretary Angie Firth and coaching development officer Mark Ogley for their time, enthusiasm and commitment for getting things this far."

Hailing the NPL's continuing commitment to excellence, he added: "For a league of this level to value coaching and the development of coaches in this regard is terrific and it’ll be great to have everybody together talking about coaching for a full day."

When the initiatives were announced towards the end of January, NPL chairman Mark Harris said: “The Northern Premier League has always been proud to take a lead and even prouder during an historic season to be investing in the future of the clubs and people who make up our great competition.

“The UEFA B course in particular is a great opportunity for our coaches and managers to progress their qualifications alongside NPL colleagues. I’m looking forward to sharing the full details with everybody when we meet up for the first of these three fantastic initiatives to continue raising standards of excellence for the future while celebrating such an important season and milestone in our history.”

For more information on the West Riding FA and its work visit: www.westridingfa.com.

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