Local to global

1 Jun 2018
Premier Skills 3

AFC Bournemouth visit Oman to inspire a new generation of coaches and referees with the Premier Skills programme.

Premier Skills is a global coach and referee development programme run by the Premier League and the British Council, which has helped train more than 25,000 coaches and referees in 29 countries.

More than 1.7m young people have been reached since the initiative launched in 2007 with the aim of raising the aspirations of those taking part, enhancing both their football and life skills, helping raise self-esteem, as well as providing participants with a safe place to play.

Steve Cuss, AFC Bournemouth's Head of Community Sports Trust, and his colleague Steve Batson headed to western Asia to help run a four-day course, in partnership with Premier Skills and the Oman FA.

While there, they helped to deliver the programme by providing theory and practical workshops to 20 local coaches, giving participants the knowledge and expertise to develop their own coaching skills and football delivery in their communities.

AFC Bournemouth's Steve Cuss takes a Premier Skills coaching session in western Asia

"It was a fantastic trip," Steve said. "We wanted to show how we improve and increase community engagement in the UK and how we can share that message with others around the world."

On the last day of the trip, Steve helped host a football festival for schoolchildren, who also had the chance to see the Premier League trophy.

"For me personally, the entire experience was fantastic. Premier Skills gives club community staff the opportunity to go international and showcase what we can do while also developing our own abilities.

"I've been at Bournemouth for a long time, so watching us grow and become well-established worldwide is a real honour."

Did you know?

25,000+ coaches and referees trained by Premier Skills in 29 countries

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