Staffordshire Football Association Announces Partnership with Stoke City for Coach Development Sessions

The Staffordshire Football Association has launched a ground-breaking partnership with Stoke City Football Club to provide a series of high-quality Coach Development sessions throughout the 2023-24 season.

This partnership, which will provide coaches in Staffordshire an unparalleled opportunity to access the insights of the Potters’ Category One academy, launched on Tuesday 1st August with a Match Observations session at Clayton Wood. 

The partnership between Staffordshire Football Association and Stoke City will enable the county’s coaches to learn from some of the best practitioners in the county, while also providing the football club with an opportunity to engage with the local community and support grassroots football in the region.

The coach development sessions will cover a range of topics, including philosophy, session planning, player development and tactical analysis. They will be open to all coaches in Staffordshire, regardless of their level of experience, and will be tailored accordingly. 

Alex Scott, Workforce & Participation Lead at Staffordshire FA, said: "We are thrilled to announce our partnership with Stoke City Football Club for coach development sessions. This partnership will provide an invaluable opportunity for coaches in Staffordshire to learn from the best in the business and develop their skills. We are committed to supporting grassroots football in the region, and this partnership is a significant step forward in achieving that goal." 

Gareth Owen, Stoke City Academy Director, said: "Stoke City is committed to supporting grassroots football and helping to develop the next generation of coaches. The Club will deliver coach development sessions during the partnership with Staffordshire FA and coaches will share their knowledge and expertise to grassroots coaches throughout the county. This partnership could have a significant impact on the development of football coaching in the region, which is exciting for both Stoke City and Staffordshire FA."