Premier League invites Brentford coach to train the trainers in Mumbai | OneFootball

As part of the Premier League’s international community work, Brentford FC Community Sports Trust were invited to join a team helping to develop the skills of grassroots coaches based in Mumbai, India.

Shaun Preddie, community football coach with the Trust, joined the Premier League’s Coach Development Programme to support its work to grow the game in India.

For nearly two decades, the Premier League and the British Council have worked together to train more than 41,000 football coaches, referees, and educators, benefitting more than 2.2 million children and young people across 29 countries.

Working with coaches from the Premier League and Newcastle United, Shaun provided expert training to 27 community coaches that had travelled from across India to take part.

The three-day programme included a showcase event at the Cooperage Football Ground in Mumbai, which was attended by UK Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer and former England striker Michael Owen.

Starmer met Shaun and the local coaches as they put their new skills into action with 80 children from the Oscar Foundation, a non-profit organisation that empowers underserved communities in India through football and education.

Shaun’s work was commended by the Premier League’s international community team, describing him as “consistently displaying professionalism, expertise, and a supportive attitude”, adding that he embraced the challenge with energy and personality to create a wholesome environment throughout the week.

"It was an honour to be invited"

We asked Shaun about his time in India and what his key takeaways were from the experience.

How did it feel to be invited to Mumbai?

"I was utterly grateful to be part of what the Premier League is doing in India. I was put forward by my manager and after being shortlisted in a few rounds by the club and Trust, I was selected by the Premier League to join the coaching team.

"To have the chance to represent Brentford and showcase the great work that we do in the UK to communities abroad was a real honour."

What skills were you teaching the coaches?

“The week was focused on upskilling coaches, raising awareness of the importance of creating a safe coaching environment for young people. The standard was already high because the attendees had worked with the Premier League before. Our role was to assist with the new Introduction to Community Coaching course, providing the skills and tools to deliver high-quality football sessions that are safe, inclusive and fun for young people and supports their personal development.

"We did a lot of work on how to challenge the players to think critically about their development. We helped the coaches get a better understanding of why certain drills are important for youth development and how to challenge them in a fun way, which is important to know if you’re introducing that technical knowledge of the game.

"But we also helped with soft transferable skills that they can use on and off the pitch, such as communication, teamwork and discipline, and how to give and receive feedback from children.”

Has it made you a better coach?

"Yes, especially working with experienced coaches from the Premier League. Andy, Adam and Carl were very open about sharing new ideas and advice on how to deal with certain situations. They’ve worked at a high level, and I was happy to be a sponge for their knowledge all week.

"I also gained a broader understanding of how delivery is approached across the wider football landscape. I particularly valued my conversations with a coach from Newcastle, who shared insights on how they are successfully integrating grassroots players into their academy structure.

"It was fascinating to learn about the strategies they’re using to bridge the gap between community-level football and elite development, and how they’re tailoring their coaching to support young players’ progression both on and off the pitch.

"Overall, the experience was incredibly enriching. It provided me with practical ideas and fresh perspectives that I’m excited to bring back and apply to my role at the Trust. I’m confident that these learnings will enhance the quality and impact of our delivery moving forward."

Why is it important for Brentford to be supporting access to football internationally?

"As a community-focused club, Brentford is committed to using the power of sport to create meaningful change in our local communities. Extending this reach to beyond the UK empowers young people and promotes positive community engagement through the universal language of football, like we do in west London.

"I was proud to represent Brentford in Mumbai and deliver the same high standards of coaching and attention to detail that we uphold at home. There are young people around the world who are passionate about football. For many, it’s more than a sport – it’s a tool for building friendships, learning life skills and developing self-confidence.

"By supporting access to football internationally, we’re helping to nurture young peoples' potential and contribute to the growth of them and their community. Brentford is growing too, and our influence as a Premier League club is huge. We’re using this to make a positive difference, and it’s great to see children in Mumbai wearing a Brentford shirt!"

Find out more about Brentford FC Community Sports Trust’s community football sessions based in west London and the surrounding boroughs.