Last night Pro Coaching Academy coach Chris Collins passed his FA Youth Award with flying colours. The FA Youth Award is the culmination of the FA Youth Modules 1, 2 and 3, and Chris was assessed delivering a session to his U13s Girls Railway Institute team.

Suzanne Smith, FA County Coach Developer for North Riding and Andy Foster, FA Regional Coach Development Manager for North, were at the New Lane ground to watch and record Chris’s session.

In conversation with Pro Coaching Academy after the session Chris said ‘I am absolutely buzzing! When I started the Youth Module 1 I thought about the assessment at the end of Module 3, but it seemed such a long way off. To finally complete the course feels amazing, and makes all the hard work and time spent well worthwhile.’

When asked about the girls’ team Chris said ‘The girls tonight were amazing, they played brilliantly, listened and did everything that was asked of them, it made me look like I knew what I was doing! Seriously, I am not surprised, over the last 3 to 4 years the girls have been a delight to coach, and seeing how much they have improved, makes it all worthwhile. Winning trophies and medals is a bonus, as long as the girls are learning, progressing and smiling, then we are going in the right direction. So a huge thank you for all your hard work to Chloe J, Chloe H, Alexia, Denva, Grace, Katie, Kim, Amber, ‘Squeaky Lauren’ and of course honorary girls Ben and Sam!’

Chris would especially like to thank the parents for their support. He said ‘The fact they bring their children to training, matches, bag packing and anything else we can think of, in all weather and different days of the week, shows the level of support they give me, the team and the club. They are an extraordinary bunch and without them we have nothing!’

Not to stand still on his achievements, Chris moves on to Barnsley at the weekend for his FA Futsal Level 2 assessment. Congratulations from all at Pro Coaching Academy on your success and good luck for the weekend.