King's Lynn community scheme appoints football development coach mentor
King’s Lynn Community Football (KLCF) have strengthened their links in the community with the appointment of a football development coach mentor.
The long-standing scheme has brought in Darren (Biff) Bloodworth to support and assist with the King’s Lynn Elite football Programme.
Former Linnets defender Bloodworth, a popular figure in footballing circles, currently works full-time with the English Football League as a regional manager in the south east region, where he supports academies across eight EFL clubs.
He has spent the last five seasons coaching within Norwich City Academy and also delivers coach education courses for the FA.
KLCF football development officer Dan Buhlemann is excited about the appointment as the scheme looks to continue its excellent work in the West Norfolk community.
“Darren has been a keen supporter of ours for many years and several coaches who have passed through our programme have been thankful of his support during their coach education,” said Buhlemann.
“Darren, himself, holds a UEFA A License in Coaching Football and has agreed to come on board to support us working within the JPL programme (U13-U16).
“He fully understands our philosophy and our programme and is keen to help us continue to develop.
“Not only will he offer support to our coaches both on and off the pitch with guidance on how to continually develop the individuals and teams within our programme.
“We are striving to make our players the best they can be and, as a scheme, our coaches are eager to continue their own personal progress.
“All of our current JPL coaches are UEFA B qualified and are keen to improve themselves further. Having Darren’s expertise on board will only benefit them further.
Buhlemann added: “The JPL gives us so many opportunities to work on different tactics, team shapes, individual game plans, all areas that will support a player’s long term development.
“It’s much more than just going out to win a game of football. Darren will bring a wealth of knowledge and experience in these areas and we really look forward to his support and guidance around these teams.”
On their association, which stems back two decades, Bloodworth said: “Dan and I go back to the early days of when KLCF was first started.
“I’ve always been a supporter of the programme and my boys have enjoyed some great experiences within the scheme as well.
“I have enjoyed watching the programme grow over the years to where it is now and it has got the potential to become even stronger.
“The scheme is lucky enough to have some excellent coaches and facilities and recently I have had the opportunity to see first-hand some of the great work that goes on in the training sessions through my role as a coach educator.
“It is a great place for a young local footballer to learn the game and over the years it has developed some very good players and coaches.
“I look forward to working with KLCF and continuing their growth for many years to come.”
KLCF will be looking to share this experience with West Norfolk grassroots coaches in the coming months. They plan to offer opportunities for coaches to observe sessions and gain insights into session planning with its own coaches.
The elite football programme will also be looking for additional coaches to support the delivery of its sessions across various age groups. Anyone interested is asked to email klcfootball@gmail.com
