Bombs, blood, ambushes – why football coaches train with the army

The rising sun bathes the rolling Herefordshire hillsides in a warm glow as birds chirp softly and sheep graze in the fields.

But the rural idol was shattered by the explosion, smoke and ear-splitting screams.

Six camouflaged men rush to the scene to find a soldier screaming for help as he clutches his bloody leg, half of which appears to have been blown off.

Thankfully, the blood is fake and it’s an actor – albeit an ex-soldier and amputee – and the first responders are a team of football coaches studying for their UEFA Pro Licence, the sport’s highest coaching qualification.

Former Arsenal midfielder and Wales captain Aaron Ramsey applied a tourniquet, while former Chelsea and Argentina goalkeeper Willy Caballero comforted the injured.

Also part of the group are Peterborough United boss Luke Williams and Michael Wild, who manages Colwyn Bay in the Cymru Premiership, with military-trained staff thrown together for this intensive, two-day exercise.

Described as a Football Association of Wales (FAW) Pro License course “Harvard of Football Coaching”, And Arsenal counts Premier League-winning manager Mikel Arteta among its graduates.

By now, it is globally renowned, as illustrated by this latest batch of candidates.

“The FAW coaches have earned themselves an incredible reputation in the education world,” said Michael Bradley, the former USA and Roma midfielder who now coaches the New York Red Bulls.

“I’ve had a great experience with FAW. I’ve done my B licence, my A license here, and now to have the opportunity to complete my Pro licence, it’s a great honour.”