Continuity and growth: the evolution of Coach Education in Senegal

Held in the coastal town of Saly, the on-site component of the Pathway provided 20 coach educators with an opportunity to apply the skills and evaluate their own progress since the introduction of the programme.

The programme, a collaborative effort between FIFA and the Senegalese Football Association (FSF), is comprised of 4 different stages. The e-learning programme enables coach educators to reflect on their current practices on an individual basis; the online course takes place in an interactive online environment and participants get to share their experiences within the role. The on-site course, which took place in Saly, provided a learning environment based on adult‑learning principles, enabling coach educators to gain a better understanding of how theory can be turned into practice both on and off the pitch.

Upon visiting the course, Aliou Cissé, the FSF National Team Head Coach, reinforced the importance of continuity for the development of football in the country. FSF confirmed that the same group of 20 coach educators who initially took part in the programme in 2022 came back together in order to assess their progress and provide continuous professional development.

"The course has provided coach educators with the knowledge and skills they need to excel in their roles and functions," said Mama Sow, a seasoned coach and former National Technical Director. "By improving our understanding of the role and increasing our ability to self-assess against clearly defined and measurable competencies, we are not only improving the quality of our training, but also helping to consolidate the foundations for the continued success of football in our country."

FIFA has been at the forefront of coach education initiatives worldwide, with similar programmes successfully implemented in countries like Australia, Chile, Canada, Morocco and Japan.

Fathi emphasized the need for CAF Member Associations to continue developing local coach educators highlighting their potential to achieve remarkable results with the right resources. He expressed optimism about the growing impact of coach education in Africa, citing tangible improvements in performance at various levels.

Doudou Sarr, Regional Technical Director, stressed the significance of staying updated with the latest coaching trends. "This programme provides coach educators with the tools to inspire and develop the next generation of coaches," he said. "By nurturing the next generation of coaches, we contribute to the overall growth of Senegalese football."

As both FSF and CAF strive to enhance football development, initiatives like these are crucial in nurturing homegrown talent and elevating the confederation's footballing prowess.