Thiruvananthapuram, Nov 17 (IANS): The British Council and the English Premier League will launch 'Premier Skills', a training programme for coaches and referees here Nov 24.

"The first in the series of programmes that has been charted out will begin Monday (Nov 24)," said an official to IANS who did not wish to be identified.

This is the first phase of a three-phase training programme for coaches and two-phase training programme for referees in the capital city here.

'Premier Skills' is a partnership between the British Council and the Premier League. It uses football as a tool to help develop both communities in knowledge and English language skills.

The programme will help sports coaches, referees and youth leaders to return to their own communities and develop their leadership skills.

It will also help them have a greater understanding of the role football can play in tackling other social issues.

A referee symposium will also be held.

Present on the launch would be senior coaches from the Premier League, representatives from British Council, British Deputy High Commission, Sports Authority of India (SAI), All India Football Federation (AIFF), Kerala Football Association (KFA) and Goa Football Association GFA).

The course is being jointly organised by the British Council and the Premier League in association with SAI, Lakshmibai National College of Physical Education, AIFF, KFA and GFA.