Hi all,
Welcome to the next update to our web page. Firstly, I would like to say how much I have enjoyed working with this age group, I could not wish for a better group of young players. They are a credit unto themselves in every way and I truly hope we can continue to work towards our goal in player development. As with all things, I have sometimes thought that I could do some things differently. I too am learning new things each time we meet, I am also learning new ways to achieve our goal. And this is the idea for this particular post…
What is my aim for the future?
As I mentioned before, I attend various courses initiated by the FA to improve how coaches coach grass roots football. These young players are the future of the game and the FA want to be able to give them the greatest opportunity to achieve this goal. Now saying that, football is not the be all and end all of the plan. Having fun and being involved is vital.
The FA’s new course which I have recently attended is geared specifically towards the youngest age group. And is set to work on whats called the Long Term Player Development Four corner model.
Each corner will be worked on and each outcome will add as a whole in the process of the players development.
1) The Physical Corner
This will involve Motor control development. This is the window of opportunity for neuro-muscular development, eg. Balance, coordination, speed, movement and turning ability.
2) The Technical Corner
Technical aspects develop as a player gets older. At an early age we are introducing tasks that ask our players to perform certain skills at specific times in a practice. I ask questions to reinforce this and as they grow the format stays the same but the tasks become more demanding. The main LTPD in this field will in time incorporate small sided games, spacial awareness and decision making.
3) The Psychological Corner
This is where we aim to create a positive learning environment. Praise and encouragement are key. Giving our players the confidence to overcome mistakes; If they are doing their best then they will be rewarded with encouragement and advice to complete their task to the best of their ability. Building self esteem, letting them work things through themselves and having responsibilities within the group.
4) The Social Corner
Having your child in a non-school group offers a different experience. More often than not they are meeting new people and learning new skills in a different environment. A great sense of belonging and inclusion are massive benefits. It’s quite key in the development of a player and as an individual. As we progress through the years we hope to install in our players more than just how to play football. We aim to teach good habits in fair play, respect and sportsmanship.
Football ABC’s
It’s been proven that a childs greatest window of opportunity in learning their ABC’s (Agility, Balance and coordination) is between the ages of 4 and 11. What they learn in the early years will put them in good stead for any sport in the future. The FA have taken this on from American sports scientists who have studied this at great depths and are reaping the benefits in all sports at present. We will endeavour to incorporate this in fun games and drills during training. The hardest part is this. We want them to work on hopping, jumping, running, catching and the like but we want it to be fun and football related.
It’s vital that we all work towards are goals together. As coach, players and parents we have to be on the same path. The right environment is crucial. Some things never change with young players in football. For instance in every age group I have worked with the first thing a coach will hear is “When are we playing a game?”. Now this is fine, as it’s what the players like to do the most. However, I have to think of a few issues here. The first is that do all the players get what they want from a 20 minute game with 7 or 8 players on each team? What we find here is that only the strong, early developers get something out of the game. The players who are maybe not as strong or confident as some of the others often get left out here as the game passes them by and they are left chasing shadows. It’s a fine balance as we want them also to learn the technique and theory as early as possible. I have mentioned to our players how it’s important that we learn our skills as well as play the games. If as parents we can do the same it will help us greatly. This also applies to discipline and behaviour, which I state we do not have an issue with but we want to be sure of our stance for the future. With any group of children, especially boys there will be moments when playfulness turns into a disruptive influence. Now I am not talking of a strict regime of terror! Far from it. I would just like to make sure we always keep a positive and fun learning environment.
I would like to take this opportunity to thank Aidan for his help. Already it has made a big difference. Being a teacher is sure to come handy somewhere along the line. So from us all, thank you and welcome aboard.
Thanks for taking the time to read this. Look forward to seeing you all soon.
Rich…
