Denise Lewis Joins Fa’s Tesco Skills Scheme

Sporting icon and mum of three Denise Lewis has been unveiled by the Football Association as the latest ambassador for its FA Tesco Skills programme, which launches nationwide this summer, providing free football coaching for children throughout England.

Lewis, famous for her Olympic heptathlon triumph at the Sydney 2000 Games, will now be tasked with encouraging fellow mums to get their children involved in the nation’s favourite game over the summer holiday.

The Skills programme has been running since 2007 and, to date, the FA and Tesco has provided over 4 million child places on the programme.

Speaking of her involvement in the programme, Denise commented: ‘I’m delighted to be working with The FA to launch The FA Tesco Skills programme nationwide this summer. As a mum, it’s fantastic to see this scheme taking off up and down the country, especially when it means our children are able to get fit, enjoy the nation’s favourite game and benefit from the best quality coaching available.’

‘It’s so important that we encourage youngsters to get involved in sport in their local area, to not only get fit but also for their social development.’

The FA Tesco Skills programme is based on a unique child-centred coaching model, which follows the FA’s ‘4-corner’ coaching model, developing children socially, technically, physically and psychologically. The aim is to give young people more than just football skills but also develop life skills such as confidence, teamwork, decision making and problem solving. 

The coaching is also based on The FA Future Game with the aim of developing young players who are comfortable with a ball, creative and have good game understanding.

The sessions, which are free of charge thanks to the support of Tesco, will run throughout the summer holidays.