Premier League, British Council and National Council for Sport take coaching program to Alex Compiled by The Daily Star Egypt staff The Premier League is taking its international coaching project, "Premier Skills, to Alexandria in Egypt. Premier Skills will work with young people to help enhance their skills in football, coaching and the English language. The project, run in conjunction with the British Council, will see a series of one-week coaching initiatives take place around the globe. The first of these projects took place in Cairo this past April, supported by Egypt's National Council for Sport. Former Newcastle United defender Warren Barton and former Wimbledon midfielder Robbie Earle - who also led the Cairo trip - will run coaching sessions for local youth leaders in Alexandria. The aim is to help these youth leaders develop their own coaching skills so they can continue to run year-round football projects. The Premier League is also providing copies of their "Skill Factor training CD to aid their future development. In addition to the coaching sessions, the British Council will be providing intensive English language courses, which will demonstrate the benefits of education and continue through the British Council's language learning website go4english.com. Premier League Chief Executive Richard Scudamore said, "At home, the Premier League and our Clubs have a long-held commitment and reputation for investing in community and education programs. Given our popularity and success internationally, we felt it only right to take this approach to a wider community. "After the success of the first Premier Skills project in Cairo, I am sure this one in Alexandria will be equally valuable for those taking part. I am thrilled that we have top coaches like Robbie Earle and Warren Barton on board again. With the expertise that the British Council brings to the project, there is no doubt Premier Skills is set to make a huge impact wherever it is run. British Council Chair Lord Kinnock said, "This is a truly exciting, creative initiative. Football transcends race and language among people everywhere. By putting the British Council's experience and global network together with the Premier League's great know-how, we can reach countless young people and help to enhance their skills on the pitch, their self-development, and their understanding of other cultures.
