The SFA is keen to promote coaching at grass-roots level. Over the past four years, more than 7,000 coaches have been put through its basic Early Touches programme, which involves working with primary children.

Frank Coulston, the SFA’s assistant director of football development, says:

“It is vital that all coaches - from those who work at the important grass-roots level of the game right up to senior coaches working with professional players - receive up-to-date information and advice.”

For details of the courses, which are run by football development officers and coaches, and application forms, contact the SFA Football Development Department, Hampden Park, Glasgow G42 9AY, tel 0141 616 6000.