§ Mr. KidneyTo ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport what requirements(a) exist and (b) he plans to introduce for staff who work with junior footballers to have qualifications in (i) first aid and (ii) vocational training. [79911]
§ Mr. BanksThe football authorities are responsible for the development of football in this country. The Football Association has developed coaching courses for coaches, teachers and those connected with junior football teams. These courses include in their curricula teaching and coaching techniques and principles of play, together with first aid training. The FA lays down specific requirements for those working in Centres of Excellence and Football Academies to hold the relevant qualifications. As part of the 'Charter for Quality', the FA will be introducing at the end of 1999 a national, voluntary, kite-mark scheme of 'Chartermark' clubs to recognise clubs in junior football that meet specific conditions, including the requirement that junior managers and coaches hold FA approved first aid and coaching qualifications.