The first-ever IFAF Coaching School was held over the weekend at the French Sports Academy in Amiens, France. Approximately fifty coaches from all over the country traveled to Amiens for two days of coaching education, which included classroom and on-field instruction.
The IFAF Coaching School in France is the first in a series of coaching clinics being conducted on the IFAF Coaching Development Tour.
"This IFAF Coaching School was a historic clinic for France. We've never had a clinic like this before in our country and we would like to continue with the clinic on an annual basis", said Vincent Miraval, IFAF Technical Committee and technical advisor for the French Federation of American Football (FFFA). "Further educating youth and junior coaches in France is the key to improving the quality of American football in this country and this weekend's clinic was a big success and positive step in that direction."
DeMatha Catholic High School coach Tim Breslin kicked off the clinic with presentations on practice organization and scouting, game planning and the use of video. Coach Breslin stressed the importance of coaches giving an extra effort preparing for practice as their players will reciprocate that effort.
"The clinic in Amiens has been a great experience for me and I'm honored to be representing IFAF and USA Football. I respect the challenges each and every coach has here in France and I applaud them for their efforts. It's very gratifying as a coach to give something back to the game beyond the borders of the United States," said Breslin.
The day continued with tactical sessions being conducted simultaneously in two classrooms as the coaches presented topics on the 4-2-5 defense, short yardage and goal line defense and 3-step passing. Jim Barnes, Head Coach at Augustana College, presented the Augustana Wing-T offense, a scheme that has landed the Vikings in the top five in rushing nationally six out of the past eight seasons.
"The past two days have been inspiring for me to see the passion these coaches have for the game of football and dedication to improve themselves as coaches", said Coach Barnes. "The game of football and the qualities football instills in young men appeals to any culture, and it's evident by this weekend the game has a bright future in France".
Xavier Barbier, quarterback coach and Director of the French Sports Academy, believes the years of experience each American coach brought to the clinic will help develop him as a coach.
"Everything that is happening to me as a coach, these coaches have gone through. Many coaches in France are very young compared to the coaches in the States and the American coaches have taught me different ways to teach what I know to my players. I learned it's not what you know as a coach, but how well you transfer that information to your players. I look forward to another clinic next year", said Barbier.
Day two of the clinic included on-field drills instruction by the U.S. coaches at the Amiens Spartiates stadium, the only football specific turf field in all of France. The attendees were able to participate in drills that teach the fundamentals of the game.
Larry Legault, Head Coach, France Senior National Team, presented the quarterback technique session during the clinic and understands the value this clinic will bring to coaches at all levels of football and experience in France.
"All of the coaches in France, regardless of experience or level of coaching, were able to walk away from this clinic with tools to make them a better coach. The coaches I spoke with during the past two days are positive about this experience and we really hope to continue this clinic in the future", said Legault.
The group of U.S. coaches will remain in France until Wednesday working with the Academy players and Jr. National team coaches as they prepare for the European Jr. Championships next month. The group will travel to Leicester, England and present to British coaches at the British American Football Coaches Association (BAFCA) Convention before continuing on to Denmark and Sweden for two more IFAF Coaching Schools.