Back Of The Net As Local MP Supports FA Skills Programme

North Swindon MP, Justin Tomlinson, joined former England and midfielder Sir Trevor Brooking in Parliament to celebrate the success of FA Skills; the FA's flagship coaching programme for 5 to 11 year olds.

FA Skills is free to Primary Schools with funding from The FA, from the National Lottery and the government through Sport England. In 2013 FA Skills became the only programme delivered by a governing sports body to be endorsed by the Association of PE with an accreditation for supporting teachers.

Sir Trevor, who until his retirement last month was The FA's Director of Football Development, played a key role in establishing FA Skills back in 2007. FA Skills enables children to get active, learn new skills and enjoy football, both in and out of school, and is delivered by 158 full-time coaches across England.

Justin joined Sir Trevor at a Skills for the event in celebration of the programme supporting its six millionth child. Under the shadow of Big Ben three schools were put through their paces in challenging and fun sessions.

Justin Tomlinson MP said: "The FA does some absolutely fantastic work supporting the development of young people through the Skills programme. The programme isn't just about helping budding footballers of tomorrow but focuses on the importance of a health and active start to life. Children across Swindon are benefitting from this excellent programme and long may it continue!"

Sir Trevor Brooking said: "We are celebrating seven years of our Skills programme and I'm hugely proud that we have been able to offer six million places so far. It's a wonderful setting for us, and those windows that are probably very expensive to replace are just too far away for any of the kids to damage. For me it is a really exciting time to see youngsters like these here, with long lives ahead of them, knowing that sport can help them in whatever they end up doing."

For more information on the FA Skills programme, click here