February saw the first of seven scheduled Coach Development Programme (CDP) workshops, aimed at providing additional development opportunities to community club coaches throughout the region, delivered by Mick Mantelli and attended by 17 of the region’s volunteer coaches.

The workshop contained a practical session focussed on fundamental ball skills before exploring the constraints led approach to coaching method.

The second CDP workshop is being held at Gateshead Academy for Sport on Monday 14th March from 18:30-20:30 and will be focussing on Positional Specific Coaching.

The workshop will be led by First Team Head Coach Mick Mantelli.

“We are hoping to provide coaches with additional tools to develop the young players of the region.

By breaking down the key components of each playing position and exploring different ways of developing these in young players we will see a better standard of player, in future, throughout all levels of the game in the area.

The coaches have been great so far and must remember that every day is a learning day - no matter what your age.”

To register for the Coach Development Programme please email Michael.heap@newcastle-thunder.co.uk.