The role of the coach is crucial to the development and success of our

national game: good coaching can educate and inspire players to achieve

their potential and enrich their experience at all levels.

Young or old, male or female, elite or recreational - everyone who wants

to play football should have that opportunity. You, the coach, have a

fundamental role in ensuring that experience will be memorable to all

who participate.

In Scotland, we have a rich tradition and history of coaches who are

passionate about the game, and passionate about the development of

the next generation of players. To all of you who devote time, energy

and commitment, we thank you.

The Scottish FA works relentlessly to develop and deliver a coach education

programme that will equip you with the information and direction to

support your players as they work to fulfil their ambitions, whether thatís

simply to have fun, be a better player, or to reach the top of the game.

Football is by definition a competitive sport, regardless of age group,

level of ability or the prize at stake. But, putting aside trophies and

medals, you must understand the stage of your playersí development

and ensure that Fair Play and a love of the game are cornerstones of your

coaching philosophy.

To ensure that these principles are shared across our game, the Scottish

FA has embraced the Positive Coaching Scotland programme, supported

by the Winning Scotland Foundation. This programme and partnership

will help inform our work in coach education and club development, and

will become a key part of the new player pathway.

This year we will deliver a series of new player pathway workshops to

support coaches and volunteers working at 4-a-side, 7-a-side and during

the transition to 11-a-side football. These workshops will help us to

improve the football culture in Scotland and make the environment for

our players the best it has been.

Good luck with your own development and the progress of your players

and teams.

Jim Fleeting