Inverclyde Leisure has taken on a responsibility in the development of young footballing talent within Inverclyde. The Football Development Scheme is managed by Andy McGilp, Inverclyde Leisure's Development Manager, with the day-to-day work coordinated by ex Greenock Morton and Falkirk player Craig McPherson, and his network of fully qualified coaching staff.

Much of this work is centred around creating opportunities for children to play football both within their schools, and in sports facilities, with the emphasis placed on skill development and small sided games.

The football development scheme has a number of regular coaching sessions to which boys and girls of school age are welcome to attend. The development scheme also includes a Mini Kicks session, which enables pre-school boys and girls to have their first taste of football coaching. This is done in a fun way, whilst at the same time concentrating on many of the basic motor skills which are fundamental to a child's physical development. Girls are however encouraged to attend all coaching sessions, and many do. There is a girls only session, which again concentrates on skill development and the small sided game.

In addition to the programme of coaching activity, the Football Development Scheme also co-ordinates a programme of Coach Education Courses throughout Inverclyde, to formally qualify those people who have the responsibility of nurturing the talent which exists locally amongst young boys and girls who play juvenile football leagues.

These courses are designed to encourage those people aged sixteen years and over and who are currently involved in coaching football to gain a nationally recognised qualification, and for those who are not involved to become involved.

Courses which are run locally are:

CHILDREN COACH EDUCATION PATHWAY (5 to 11 years)

LEVEL ONE
Early Touches Certificate
This 6-hour course is open to all interested parties aged 16 and over, experienced or otherwise, who work with children of primary school age. It comprises a practical session, together with 2 short video presentations, Working with Young Footballers and Basic First Aid.
*Applicants must be aged 16 or over.
Course fee: £30.00

LEVEL TWO
Coaching Young Footballers Certificate
This 12-hour course is designed to assist coaches with the planning, preparation, organisation and evaluation of their coaching sessions. It focuses on coaching style and the use of differentiation, i.e., provision of practices to suit the wide range of abilities with the primary school age group.
*Applicants must be aged 16 or over and have completed level one Early Touches Certificate course.
Course fee: £45.00

LEVEL THREE
Coaching in the Game Certificate
In both Children’s and Youth Awards’ Structures, the 12-hour Coaching in the Game Certificate Course looks at the knowledge and understanding required to help young players appreciate concepts such as width, depth and support within the small-sided game. The course is largely practical in nature and prospective coaches are required to demonstrate the ability to coach basic strategies to young players.
*Applicants must be aged 16 or over and be in possession of both level one Early Touches and level two Coaching Young Footballers Certificates.
Course fee: £45.00

YOUTH COACH EDUCATION PATHWAY (12 to 18 years)

LEVEL ONE
Development Activities Certificate
This 6-hour course is open to anyone working with players in the 12 to 18 year age range. The course comprises a practical session, together with 2 short video presentations, Youth Team Management and Physical Preparation.
*Applicants must be aged 16 or over.
Course fee: £30.00

LEVEL TWO
Coaching Youth Footballers Certificate
This 12-hour course is designed to provide youth coaches with ideas on the key issues involved in the development of youth players. It takes account of individual skill development in a variety of game related situations. Prospective coaches will be given feedback on teaching practice sessions.
*Applicants must be aged 16 or over and have completed level one Development Activities Certificate course.
Course fee: £45.00

ADULT COACH EDUCATION PATHWAY (18 years +)

LEVEL ONE
Club Coach Certificate
This 12-hour course is open to coaches who work with adult players at amateur, junior or senior club level. The course is practical in nature and looks at the basic themes of control, passing, possession, dribbling, finishing and defending, as well as the structure of training sessions. Please note the current Club Coach Certificate will remain a valid component of the proposed UKCC endorsed courses.
*Applicants must be aged 18 or over.
Course fee: £45.00