November was a busy month with lots of creative meetings with some exceptional practitioners. The month started with a meeting with Dawn Scott and Tracy Lewis from the Women's FA. They are keen to 'question their assumptions' on the athletic development journey for the female player and this came at just the time I was delivering some workshop comments on just that subject. One critical illustration was that the female player is suffering 5 times the number of ACL ruptures than their male counterparts.

Dawn and Tracy attended the major FA In-Service course I delivered to the S&C coaches from the Football League's Centres of Excellence. Some Premiership Clubs were represented and thanks goes to Gary Phillips and Graham Hawkins for their support. We conducted theory and practical sessions on Physical Competence and subsequent interventions and the atmosphere was positive throughout.

Between these two FA commitment was a splendid time with the Norwegian FA. I was honoured to speak at their National Conference and some major commitments are underway in the whole question of Athletic Development. Much to be considered here but with sharp minds like Matiu Taingahue and Sigmund Apold-Aasen involved I am confident that the required steps will be taken.

Meeting with Ken McEwan from the Scottish Rugby Union was a real treat. Here is an ex-PE Teacher who is challenging the whole player development pathway for his sport. We met with a team of 'movers and shakers' from within the sport and arrived at a place of common interest. Further developments will take place I am sure under Ken's continued commitment and enthusiasm.

It was great to meet up with the performance team from the Melbourne Storm (Australian Rugby League Champions) in late November. Head Coach Craig Bellamy, supported by Frank Possini (Football Manager) and Troy Thomson (Sports Science) travelled around the UK seeking out 'best practice' and we managed to meet up just prior to the England v's All-Blacks Test Match at Twickenham. Whilst we managed to generally brainstorm about high performance, Craig and I couldn't help reminiscing about the Raiders Championship years when we were both at Canberra in the late 1980's. Frank and Troy were very patient!

Must mention the FA Sports Medicine In-Service Day and thank Mike Healy for giving me the chance to speak to the 130+ Physiotherapists from the Premiership and the Football League. It was a long day for them having to listen to me all-day but there were several practitioners who appeared distinctly positive to the ideas about Athletic Development and Physical Competence.

A very busy November and now December will tick down to a quick trip to Abu Dhabi to catch up with Mick McDermott (Al Ain FC Fitness guru) and to meet again with the Head of the Sports Council Mohammad Al Mahmood who was such a gracious host to Vern Gambetta, Mike Dalgleish and I in early 2008. Lots happening in Abu Dhabi across a wide front.