Congratulations to Pontefract Collieries’ Chris Kirby, who has passed his Level 3 Certificate in Coaching Football, following his final grading assessment at the ground last week.

Kirby, who is Coach to the U19 Academy side, already boasts a BSC Honours Degree in Sports Coaching, and is a major player in The Colls drive to develop “The University of Football” in Pontefract. The Level 3 Certificate, which is also known as the UEFA B Licence, is the latest in a long list of professional qualifications achieved by Chris through his career, and shows a remarkable hunger for self-development as he builds a career in football.

The final assessment involved Kirby completing a coaching session with the Academy players at Beechnut Lane, while being monitored by the assessors. Chris Kirby said: “I’m really pleased to obtain my Level 3. It’s a big weight off my shoulders to have it passed. I would like to thank John Redford, the Academy players and Ponte Colls for their help, and allowing me to get involved with the club and to complete my B Licence.”

All at Pontefract Collieries would like to congratulate Chris for his achievement, and thank him for his enthusiasm and professionalism at the club since joining the team earlier in 2010. Academy Manager John Redford said, “Chris is a great lad and a terrific coach. Since joining the club he has been fantastic, and helped out in all areas. He’s got a great future in the game and will, I am sure, make a major contribution to the development of our club.”