Sino-U.K School Football Project
2nd International Foundation Coaching course, Shanghai.
2014-9-15
Ladies and Gentleman
On behalf of The English Football Association it is a real pleasure and privilege to be invited here today, and to Welcome you to the first International FA Coaching Foundation Course here in Shanghai, which is the second course now held in China in partnership with the Dr. Sun Xi Xian’s Youth Foundation; Sino-U.K School Football Project,
Thank you to Mr Nelson Cheng for again organising this course, and the local Shanghai Municipal Education Commission for supporting the introduction of this learning opportunity. A special thanks also to the Tongji University for hosting this course, and we look forward to using your excellent facilities.
During the last few years when I have met Nelson in England and in China, his passion and enthusiasm to introduce the game of football to Chinese education has been inspiring. With plans now in place to deliver further courses in Taiwan and Zhongshan and the building of two brand new Sino UK School Football Education Centres in both mainland China and Taiwan the pace of the project appears to be moving quickly and will provide FA Learning with a significant potential to deliver a range of courses and support for football education in Greater China, that is to say mainland China, Taiwan, Hong Kong and Macau. Without doubt today and this week must be another special time for Nelson and the project team and especially the Shanghai School Football League as we reflect on the bringing together of 72 student coaches from Shanghai to experience The International FA Coaching Foundation Award, and not only develop as teachers and coaches, but also provide a unique football opportunity for 150 children to be introduced to our game in a fun and inspirational environment here in Shanghai.
The Football Association is delighted to have been selected to be the long term partner trusted with the development of football education in china, and we hope that this week will demonstrate the professionalism and quality of teaching and resources that we can bring to china, based on both our history, and education principles. The course will be delivered in a way that will offer each student coach the chance to embrace varied teaching methods, and football activities appropriate to the students, and provide experiences and sessions that you will each be able to take back to your school or club. Our team of great coaches will engage you in your learning like never before, and I am certain, develop relationships and friendships with you, through the game of football that will serve you for years to come.
The journey with Nelson and the Foundation has taken 12 years already, beginning with the English Schools FA and we must now all work together over the next 15 years to develop a culture of football in education that will make a positive impact within China, that encourages Chinese children to enjoy our game, in the same way that they enjoy ping pong, badminton or running. The introduction of a team sport and the best playing environments is absolutely key to developing both physical reform and shaping a new community of young people prepared to work together, communicate effectively and support each other
We have witnessed over the years in England how the game of football can be such a positive influence on the community, it has transformed communities, and made them a better place. I hope that the next 7 days will provide you with a lasting legacy and platform to use the power of football to make the world a better place. On behalf of The Football Association, please can I thank every student coach for taking the time to attend this course, and also for entering it with such an open mind, and willing to learn new things. You are the people who we place trust in to take this forwards, be prepared to continue your journey, make mistakes, and learn from them. I am excited to hear about how this course will impact your work, and truly hope that this is the start of a long term partnership, of which many of you will become not only football coaches, but also become football teachers and leaders for a new generation of youth in China.
May I now introduce you to the outstanding teams of FA coaches who will work with you this week, Miss Julie Chip chase and Mr. Darren Moss, Miss Clare Daniels and Mr David Morris, and Miss Sarah Green and Mr Mark Swales who will work closely with the team from Dr. Sun Xi Xian’s Youth Foundation, Mr. Nelson Cheng, Mr William Ma, and Mr Victor Man, and Mr John Read from the English Schools FA, who unfortunately cannot be with us today.
Finally, I would like to wish everyone good luck as you begin your journey as a football coach, and I look forward to watching very closely the progress of football within the Chinese education programme and Youth Leagues and the development of thousands of young children and people who will learn to play with skill and passion and most importantly, with a large smile on their face.
Thank you
James Ashley Houchen