As part of Carabao’s Coach the Coaches programme, four coaches from two EFL clubs recently travelled to Thailand to deliver sessions to Thai coaches and develop their understanding and quality of coaching.
Hosted at Rajpracha Sports Resort in Pakchong Thailand, coaches from both Derby County and Millwall delivered the programme.
Derby were represented by Lauren Asquith and Josh Butler from the club’s Academy set-up.
Asquith commented: “The course was a big success with the level of engagement, enjoyment and social interaction helping to inspire the next generation of Thai coaches.
“As a club, it was a great opportunity to help develop coaches from all levels of the game in Thailand. Our primary focus was to support coaches specifically working with the Foundation Phase to go back to their clubs and make a real difference, we also introduced the holistic support required for players including nutrition and physical literacy, as well as specific interventions that can be provided during religious events which was particularly apt as it was during the month of Ramadan.
“It’s always a pleasure to represent Derby County, as a staff team we aimed to share our Academy Vision and Values whilst using the opportunity to develop ourselves personally and professionally. The cultural experiences and language barriers certainly enhanced our skillset opening our eyes to be even more inclusive and adaptable upon our return to England.”
Now in its third year, the programme aims to improve the standard of professional football across the country and develop youth talent by giving coaches the knowledge and skills to develop their grassroots teams. Demand to take part in the initiative was high with over 1,000 applicants.
Over the two-week period, 360 participants took part in the two-day course covering a range of topics including theory and practical sessions.
Sittisak Sornin, one of the coaches who participated, commented: “It was a great opportunity for grassroots coaches in Thailand to receive this European standard knowledge from top level coaches.
Kamoldist Smukochorn, Deputy Managing Director of Carabao, added: “Coach the Coaches consists of Practical and Theory lessons which are taught by high quality coaches, Teaching Thai coaches the right way to develop younger generations for free.”
The programme was a huge success with the participating Thai coaches building a network of likeminded coaches which they now call upon to discuss tactics and organise local football matches.
