Since 2013, the British Council and the Premier League have been working to empower football coaches and primary teachers in South Africa and provide them with the knowledge, skills and confidence they need to use football and sport to tackle social issues and support thousands of disadvantaged young people. 

Initially, the programme focused on football coaching and refereeing; training two cohorts of community coaches from their initial coaching instruction through to advanced coach educator training. 

In 2022, the partnership shifted its focus towards supporting primary school teachers working with children aged between 7 and 13 in delivering high-quality physical education. 

The training is designed to enhance the educators' ability to support their pupils' physical development, focusing on key areas such as fundamental movements, agility, balance, and coordination. 

Through this training, teachers are better prepared to plan and deliver an effective programme of physical education, ensuring that children not only enjoy PE but also build a strong foundation for a healthy and active life. 

This programme sits within a broader agreement with the South African Department of Basic Education, aimed at enhancing the quality of education and promoting student development across the country. The teacher training courses are all approved and accredited by the South African Council of Educators which means that teachers who participate receive points that contribute towards their formal professional development. 

The Premier Skills Physical Education programme in South Africa is structured into four distinct stages, each designed to progressively develop the skills and capabilities of participants, ultimately preparing them to become teacher trainers and to share the knowledge and skills they have developed through their participation in the programme. 

Stage 1 - Foundation Stage 

The programme begins with a comprehensive foundation stage that combines both theoretical and practical elements. This stage focuses on teaching fundamental skills, with a strong emphasis on the key components of SMILES (Safety, Maximum participation, Inclusion, Learning, Enjoyment, Success) and STEPS (Space, Task, Equipment, People, Speed). Participants are required to demonstrate their understanding through a written assessment and practical demonstration during a community festival. This initial assessment ensures that participants have a solid grasp of the basics before moving forward. 

Stage 2 - Community Phase 

Following the foundation stage, participants enter the community phase, where they are expected to apply what they have learned in their professional practice. During this phase, the teachers compile a portfolio of evidence documenting how they have implemented the skills acquired during the foundation stage. This portfolio is evaluated alongside other factors, such as their level of commitment and evidence of peer support. The assessment criteria are closely monitored to ensure they are making meaningful contributions in their schools and communities. 

Stage 3 - Advanced Course 

The third stage is an advanced course that serves as an introduction to coach education. This stage begins with a challenging task where participants are required to deliver a session to their peers, effectively being "thrown in at the deep end." Premier League coaches observe these sessions, providing critical feedback and assessment. The participants are assessed through observation of their peer-led sessions, focusing on their ability to teach and guide others. 

Stage 4 - Bespoke Course 

The final stage of the programme is the most intensive, requiring participants to plan and deliver their own sessions. This bespoke course is tailored to assess both the planning and delivery skills of the participants. They are expected to deliver activities that build on the foundation course, demonstrating their ability to effectively teach the core elements they have learned throughout the programme. This stage is crucial in evaluating the participants' readiness to take on leadership roles within their communities, as it tests their ability to independently create and execute successful training sessions. 

In South Africa, we collaborate with SuperSport and ForwardZone. 

SuperSport supports the partnership activities by providing media coverage and assisting in facilitating access to schools. SuperSport partners with schools across the country, constructing artificial pitches for those lacking adequate sports facilities. These pitches are subsequently utilised by the partnership to conduct practical sessions as part of the training courses. 

ForwardZone contributes to the project by securing access to venues and assisting in the recruitment of teachers for training, as well as young participants for the community festivals. 

The partnership in South Africa has demonstrated significant impact within the country, particularly in enhancing the career prospects of participating educators. Several teachers involved in the programme have been promoted or employed full-time as a result of their development through the project. The methodology introduced has also led to positive changes in classroom management, with teachers successfully applying the techniques to solve various challenges. Many educators have reported tangible benefits, including improved teaching practices and increased recognition within their schools, underscoring the project's role in addressing diverse needs and contributing to professional growth. 

The British Council and Premier League’s partnership remains committed to working in South Africa to help teachers and coaches make a real difference and help shape the future of young people. By nurturing essential skills and fostering a love of sport and physical activity, we are dedicated to providing the tools necessary for young people to lead healthy and active lives.