MORE than 100 new coaches are using their skills and knowledge to help county football clubs after attending Herefordshire FA courses last year.

And with an increase in the number of coaches, there are other benefits, too, with more clubs throughout the county working with the HFA to raise the standard of football provision throughout Herefordshire.

Many clubs and schools are now working towards achieving the FA Charter Standard, an award which provides recognition to those organisations which demonstrate a desire and willingness to meet the minimum standards required.

These include qualified coaches, child protection, codes of conduct, first aid qualifications and insurance as well as a commitment to raising the standard of football provision that they offer.

There are currently 2,500 clubs and school nationally which have achieved FA Charter Standard with six clubs and 22 schools within Herefordshire among them.

Now the HFA is seeking candidates, male or female but over the age of 16, to take part in the full course programme that they have in place for 2004.

There are six FA level 1 Certificate in Coaching Football courses, two FA level 2 CCF courses, 10 child protection and best practice workshops, 14 emergency first aid courses as well as soccer parent and charter standard development workshops.

All courses are based at the Herefordshire FA offices at Widemarsh Common in Hereford.

The next level 1 course takes place in March and the 24 places will be allocated on a 'first come first served' basis. There will be further level 1 courses in April, July, September and October while level 2 courses take place in May and August.

For details about courses, FA Charter Standard and other football development inquiries contact the HFA football development officer Paul Carpenter on 01432 342179 or email him at paul.carpenter@herefordshirefa.com