East Riding FA Grassroots Football Coaching Conference 2023

Last night we welcomed nearly 125 Coaches to the University of Hull for the East Riding FA Grassroots Football Coaching Conference.

The event which was open to all active and aspiring coaches in East Riding was the first time that the conference had been held in over five years with us welcoming coaches from every level of the game.

Guest speakers included:

Pete Sturgess is the FA National lead coach in the 5 – 11 year old Foundation Phase and works across both the grassroots and professional game. Credited with designing and delivering the FA Advanced Youth Award Pete has played an integral role in developing the England DNA at this age group.

Pete provided an update on where the Football Association are with the England DNA and what it means for grassroots football as well providing helpful advice on how coaches can improve their training sessions and match days.  

Michal Pujdak is the Assistant Head Coach at Leeds United U21’s and has tremendous experience of developing young people at clubs including Manchester United, Manchester City and Hull City.

Michal shared his journey into the professional which included how he went from coaching grassroots football in East Riding to working for some of the biggest clubs in the country. Michal also discussed why coaching is so important to him whilst also giving attendees advice on what steps they need to take if they want to work in the professional game.

Dan Kelly is the Head of Emerging Talent at Hull City Academy and holder of The FA Talent Management, Strategy & Leadership Level 4 qualification, as well as the UEFA A Licence & FA Youth Award coaching certificates and has previous coaching experience across a range of academy ages.

Dan provided an insight into talent identification and explained how grassroots football clubs in East Riding can work in harmony with the Academy.

Attendees also received an England Learning update from Football Services Officer Liz Shipp as well information about upcoming coaching workshops which are being hosted in East Riding.

East Riding FA CEO Adam Lowthorpe said; “It was a truly inspirational evening with our guest speakers providing really thought-provoking content ideas. The turnout was magnificent, and we were delighted that so many coaches from the region engaged with us.” 

For information on all our upcoming workshops please click here.

A full recording of last nights conference can be found by clicking on the links below.