As Newcastle United slipped to relegation from the Premier League, the dedication and professionalism of two of their senior players shone through on the coaching field.
For striker
Michael Owen and keeper
Steve Harper were taking their Level 2 Certificate in Coaching Football Award under the guidance of the PFA’s North East Regional Coach Ian Kerr.
Owen and Harper worked with
Newcastle’s U9’s and U10’s academy players throughout the winter as Kerr put them through the award.
He says: “They both showed exceptional commitment to the course, fitting around the demands we placed on them. Returning in the evenings to coach the youngsters at the academy was a challenge at times but one they always met.”
Kerr continued: “They where both driven to gain the award and were very receptive to the ideas of coach education. Having players of that stature willing to listen and learn was a real boost.
“They have such vast playing experience that they really just needed to gain a greater understanding of the coaching methodology.”
As Owen states: “I’ve always been interested in coaching. I really enjoyed this introduction and will look to start on my UEFA B as soon as I can. The PFA were very supportive, giving me the direction and assistance to qualify at this level.”
Yet it was Owen and Harper who had to show the real desire to achieve the award. As Kerr says: “With so many tasks to complete the players took every opportunity to get the work done. On the way home from a game at
Spurs they even sat at the back of the bus completing their tasks.”
The youngsters at Newcastle United’s academy also gained a great deal out of the experience as Kerr said: “The young players really enjoyed having these premier League stars coach them. Owen and Harper had an excellent rapport with them and gave such a lot back to the academy players.”
For Harper this is just the beginning as he states: “I want to follow the pathway into coaching. I enjoyed the first course and I’m grateful for the support and flexibility offered by the PFA to help me gain this award.”
As Kerr says: “The course gave Owen and Harper a real taste for coaching and they have a genuine thirst for gaining more knowledge.”
It would seem the current generation of outstanding players are already looking to the future with the help and support of the PFA Coaching Department.
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