THE next generation of Mid Wales football coaches have taken their first steps into the game.

Newtown Football Club’s Latham Park has become one of the hubs of the regional game and one of several venues to host the Football Association of Wales (FAW) Football Leaders Award.

The award is recognised as the first step on the coaching ladder and has been delivered by FAW accredited coach Gareth Watkins for the past few years.

Watkins said: “The course attracts coaches from grassroots clubs across Central Wales.

“I have been delivering the course for a number of years and each year I am humbled by the amount of people who give up their time to attend the course and help out their local football clubs.

“Without these volunteers there wouldn’t be grassroots football.”

Watkins aims to provide aspiring football leaders with the skill set to deliver fun and safe coaching sessions.

“It’s very easy to stand and watch your child play sport but it takes a whole host of skills and qualities to step over the line and deliver a coaching session,” said Watkins. “I have the upmost respect for every candidate.

Watkins highlighted the progress of NPTC student Ffion Barnett who gained her level one tutor training qualification last month.

“Ffion is a great example of the talent we have in Central Wales and I’m glad she has come back to Mid Wales following higher education,” said Watkins.

Watkins reckoned the improved coaching standards had already contributed to an improved standard of football across Central Wales.

“We now have numerous coaches in Mid Wales who have successfully completed the FAW C certificate and B licence,” said Watkins. “This is not only great for those coaches but it increases the standards of coaching and, in turn, player standards in Mid Wales.

“These standards and positive role models lead the way for more coaches to move up the coaching ladder.”

Watkins highlighted the success of Berriew Football Club whose coaching network and junior set up has seen the village club achieve an FAW gold standard.

“Paul Inns and David Jones of Berriew Football Club have gained the B Licence and it’s no coincidence to see that club revel in the success of its junior section while the senior team comprises of many youth players,” added Watkins.

Meanwhile Watkins also praised the role of the Leaders Award having used it as a stepping stone to launch a successful coaching career.

Inns said: “This year I have been lucky enough to be a part of the Tier 1 Player Development Programme coaching team and took part in a day two day camp in Connahs Quay with players from clubs like Manchester City, Manchester United and Liverpool.

“The programme epitomises the success of the player and coach pathway in Wales. Grassroots clubs are the starting blocks for every coach and player.

“Here in Wales we have a very successful foundation phase which forms the base of the success we have at the very top of the game.”

Last month Inns was appointed to the coaching staff of the North Wales U15s academy in the latest chapter of his coaching career.

“I’m delighted to be given the opportunity to help coach the North Wales Academy U15 squad,” said Inns.

“To work alongside quality coaches can only be positive in terms of my own personal development and will assist me in trying to help as many young players as possible achieve their potential.”

The work being done in recruiting and training the next generation of coaches has not gone without notice.

Football Association of Wales Trust (FAWT) level one coach education manager Andy Lewis said: “The trust is hoping to raise the standards of football across Wales and improving the number and level of coaching is a key part of that.

“A lot of good work has gone on in Mid Wales over the past few years and it is pleasing to see so many people from all walks of life taking their first steps into coaching.”