EPL coaches in city for training programme

An advanced training programme conducted by three coaches from the English Premier League began at East Bengal today.
Coaches and coordinators of the Premier Skills Kolkata Goalz programme, belonging to the nine Indian clubs, were trained at Alipore in February this year.
The same coaches are now undergoing the six-day advanced training programme led by premier skills head coach Paul Hughes, a former social inclusion manager at Reading.
Hughes is supported by Rashid Abba, community sports manager at West Ham, and Emma Sherwood, development coach of West Ham.
"The training will end with a demonstration of skills that the coaches have learnt over the course of programme, said a release from the British Council who have partnered the Premier League for the skills programme.

The programme trains sports coaches, referees and youth leaders who then return to their own communities with enhanced leadership skills and a greater understanding of the role football can play in tackling social issues.

Over the three years that Kolkata Goalz has been operational, it has taken place in 12 venues across Kolkata, covering 24 police station jurisdictions and reaching out to over 1,000 youngsters in 12-18 age group via weekly football training sessions, tournaments and English language learning.
"Kolkata Goalz is based on our own hugely successful Premier League Kicks programme, that operates right across England giving over 100,000 young people the regular chance to play football and take part in other sports and activities," Premier League chief executive Richard Scudamore said in the release.

Director of British Council East India Sujata Sen, said: "This course has given the coaches new skills... This will help them provide better support to the hundreds of children.