Amir Shaed, a beneficiary of the Chase football coaching programme, and his team toured the national football centre, experiencing first-hand the elite environment where England teams prepare for major matches.
Grassroots football coach Amir Shaed and his under-11 boys’ team were given a behind the scenes glimpse of elite match preparation at St. George’s Park, meeting England Men’s Head Coach Thomas Tuchel and his backroom staff as they geared up for this summer’s tournament.
As part of the visit, Amir, a beneficiary of the Chase football coaching programme, and his team toured the national football centre, experiencing first-hand the elite environment where England teams prepare for major matches.
The group joined an on-pitch training session led by FA coaches, followed by a presentation from England’s Head of Physical Performance and Nutrition, Steve Kemp, before heading into the changing rooms for a tactical masterclass delivered by Thomas Tuchel himself. The day offered the young players and their coach a rare insight into the detail, preparation and mindset demanded at the top of the game – along with practical, transferable tips they can take back to the grassroots level.
YouGov research, commissioned by Chase, has highlighted the main barriers facing aspiring coaches across the U.K., with the cost of qualifications and lack of confidence among the biggest challenges. Nearly half (44%) of respondents said financial support would make them more likely to continue their coaching journey.
The Chase football coaching programme is helping to create more inspirational coaches, like Amir, across the U.K. by providing fully funded access to introductory coaching qualifications and professional coaching bursaries for individuals where cost is a barrier. The programme supports participants across England, Northern Ireland, Scotland and Wales, helping to build a more inclusive and diverse future for the game.
Thomas Tuchel, England Men’s Head Coach, said: “I fell back in love with football when I became a coach. It’s incredibly rewarding to see players develop at all levels, so it was a pleasure to meet Amir and his team today and share insight into how we prepare for major tournaments, which they can hopefully apply in the build-up to their own big games.”
Amir Shaed, Chase football coaching programme beneficiary, said: “Visiting St. George’s Park and meeting Thomas Tuchel and the team was a once in a lifetime experience. Getting a behind the scenes look at how England prepare for the biggest games – and learning directly from the very best – has been incredible. I’m leaving with fresh inspiration, real confidence, and determination to keep pushing on in my coaching journey.”
Deborah Keay, Chief Marketing Officer at Chase, added, “At Chase, we’re committed to opening up football coaching opportunities for people from every background. By funding qualifications and creating experiences like this, the Chase football coaching programme helps aspiring coaches build skills, grow in confidence, and inspire the next generation in their communities – especially as attention turns to this summer’s tournament. Our ambition is simple: create lasting impact across the U.K. by opening up more pathways into the game.”
For more information on the Chase football coaching programme, visit: https://www.chase.co.uk/gb/en/chase-football-coaching-programme/
