Coach education crucial for game

UEFA’s 14th Coach Educators' Course has opened in Crete with a look back at the developments that have marked the game over the past 50 years.

Memorable moments
In a special presentation, UEFA Executive Committee member and Malta Football Association president Joseph Mifsud – representing the UEFA Chief Executive and President - highlighted football's memorable moments since UEFA's foundation in 1954, and presented delegates with an overview of the many events taking place this year to celebrate the 50th birthday of European football's governing body.

Opening ceremony
Dr Mifsud's presentation was preceded by an opening ceremony involving the Hellenic Football Federation president Vassilis Gagatsis, the Heraklion FA president Nikos Giorgioglu, UEFA technical development committee chairman Dr Jozef Venglos, and Ivan Curkovic, a member of FIFA's technical development committee.

Styles and approaches
The course, which lasts all week, is focusing on club cultures, coaching schools, styles of play and different approaches to the game, with renowned coaches such as Otto Rehhagel of Greece and Switzerland's Jakob Kuhn – both preparing their respective national teams for UEFA EURO 2004™ – and eminent coaching experts gathering for talks.

Crucial sector
In addition, the event is designed to give an essential insight into current developments in the coach education sector – an area considered crucial by UEFA in the continued evolution of European football. Through practical demonstrations, discussions, presentations and interviews, the coach education fraternity is helping to ensure that the game remains in a healthy state.

Learning from others
UEFA technical director Andy Roxburgh highlighted the aims of the course on the opening day: the possibility for each European country to learn from each other, in particular from experienced technicians; the compiling of a stock of ideas and information that can be of use throughout the continent; and the establishing of valuable contacts for the future.

Greek sporting highlights
This event is seen in Greece as the curtain-raiser to a memorable sporting year in the country. Following Greece's trip to EURO 2004™, the Olympic Games will take place later this year. This week also sees the inauguration of the new 28,000-seater Pankritio Stadium in Heraklion, Crete with Wednesday's friendly between Greece and Switzerland. The stadium will host Olympic football events.

Coaches flourish
Greek football has continued to develop in encouraging fashion, culminating in the qualification of the national team for EURO 2004™. The country has joined UEFA's convention on the mutual recognition of coaching qualifications at both B and A levels, and 700 Greek coaches now have UEFA's endorsement.

Mark of recognition
"Bringing this event to Greece is a mark of recognition for the efforts undertaken so far by the Greek coach educators, and a way to further encourage them and the association to believe and to invest in the education of coaches," said UEFA's technical education manager, Frank Ludolph.