The programme lasts for ten weeks and runs either as a lunchtime or after school club. Techniques such as ball manipulation, passing, shooting, heading, defending and attacking, goalkeeping and match play are all covered throughout the ten weeks. There is also a week where the children get to take ownership of the day and decide what they wish to do. The last week is always a mini World Cup Tournament which proves good fun and is an excellent way to put all the techniques coached into practice.
A key aim is to encourage a teacher or volunteer from the school to join in and get involved with the sessions. Towards the end of the ten weeks they will then have an opportunity to deliver a session to the children with the support of the coach. The reason a teacher or volunteer is encouraged to join in is to increase the chance of sustaining football within a school once we have left without getting an external company in for this. The teacher will get to watch the coach in action as well as receiving a booklet with various different sessions and guidance to help with their future sessions. The teacher or volunteer will also receive a bursary to attend a FA Level 1 Certificate in Coaching Football course which will develop the teacher or volunteer and give more ideas and support for any sessions they may look to deliver.
The programme looks to target boys and girls within an age range nominated by the school. Should any of the children want to play football outside school hours that is where the schools link with a local Charter Standard Club comes in and the aim is for these children to play affiliated football for this club.
OSHL is a great way for a school to participate in extra curriculum activities and provides children with fun, safe and progressive football coaching over a 10 week training block. The programme continues to be a success with over 30 schools positively affected each school year.
For more information on the OSHL programme or if your school would like to get involved, please contact Norfolk FA’s Community Football Coach, Adam Gusterson on 01603 704050 or email Adam.Gusterson@NorfolkFA.com