Tag: CoachTalk

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Coach Talk

COACH TALK: Dennis Hortin

This week I’ve gone Nordic, I’m speaking to Swedish Coach Dennis Hortin from AIK Alvsjo. Dennis has some very forward thinking  and progressive views on player development. This possibly the longest and most informative interview I have done. I thoroughly enjoyed chatting to him.

Let’s Start >

DH: This is by far the most I’ve written in english for a good while, so I know there’s a lot of spelling and grammar fails in there, so please point me to them and perhaps suggest how I can phrase it differently if you have time.

TCD: I don’t really like to add or change your words. It’s nice to listen to non-English speaking coach. If I feel there is a need to change a word or two I will. Otherwise we keep your words. So lets start.

TCD: How did you get into coaching?

DH: I’ve been in to football since I was 6 years old, and until I was 26. everything was focused on my own journey as a footballer but from this age I slowly moved towards coaching. I don’t know why exactly or if I deliberately wanted to be a coach but since my contracts as a footballer rarely gave enough money to pay for my bills and food I had to earn more money which often ended up in additional responsibilities in a club and in most cases that was to engage in youth coaching.

I found it very interesting and the interactions with youth players quickly made me aware of that knowing the game and “teaching” (I’ll get back to the quote later) it are two very different concepts. I started to dig deeper into coaching and that eventually ended up in a great interest for learning, What learning actually is and the coaching that got me hooked.

It is very interesting and a lot more complex than what I initially thought.

I’m 34 now, so actually starting on my 10th year as a coach now in 2015. Time flies and I think it’s important to reflect on what I do and how I practice to minimise the risk of me just repeating my first year as a coach over and over.

TCD: You might talk to me about your coaching philosophy?

DH: First of all, I want to get away from tradition and market driven forces since they are rarely evidence-based.

I’m aware evidence is rarely fundamental truths, but to cite Dr Richard Bailey, “Thou shalt embrace science for it is a candle in the dark.”

Meaning that I try to guide my self with evidence, but apply it in the context of the socio-cultural aspects and challenges in the society were I practice.

So in practice, it’s an holistic approach that comes down to a bio-psycho-social (BPS) balance, game based practice design focused on deliberate play, self-determination theory (SDT), early engagement/diversification/sampling and late specialisation and promotion of multi sport activity.  Also to nurture a mindset of growth and learning and a guided discovery type of approach that also are very much in line with the UN child convention and “Idrotten Vill” (the Swedish National Association of Sports guideline “The will of sports”).

It is also a game that requires a lot of soft skills such as creativity, decision making and co-operation. These are concepts that are fundamental to the game and that technically can’t be taught, but it can be learnt. Hence why I quoted “teaching” previously. It’s all about the environment I create that provides learning opportunities for the players to develop these soft skills, and I need to back off to give them room to learn.

To me, it’s not about being on top of the players and dictate and instruct learning. The learning is their journey and I just provide an environment that allows learning and needless to say representative tasks are fundamental. Pretty much everything I do is game based.

TCD” What coaches inspire you?

DH: Coaches that aren’t stuck in tradition and that are open for debate. But mainly, I tend to follow people outside the world of football since I feel it’s so much tradition bias in what is often preached.

While I can see the excellence in coaches such as Guardiola, Bielsa, Mourinho etc, I’m not sure what they practice always aligns with youth football and learning. Their world is completely different from mine. I find much more useful inputs, discussions and interactions thru contacts on social networks. After all, there are so many excellent youth coaches out there that aren’t known to the public, and they are the ones I can get so much from. And of course people like Côté, Toms, Bailey, Kidman, Pearce, Hancock etc.

Interactions with people like mentioned above really help me improve my coaching. The ones that inspire me are not the type of coach who stands on the top of an iceberg only acknowledge and preach what is visable above the surface. It’s the ones who see what’s below that inspire me.

TCD: What is your current role at the club?

DH: I work as head of youth (boys 5-13 mainly, but are involved in 14-16 as well) as a coordinator which means that I interact with around 40 youth teams and close to 100 volunteer coaches and I’m there for them in terms of practice design, discussion regarding BPS balance in our programme, communication, promotion of the application of SDT, diverse content, the promotion of multi sport activity and planning. Most of them are parents and to me, that is excellent. Many voices in the football industry blame the “not educated” parents at youth level when player development falls short at the elite senior level. The best thing with parents are that they are there for the child, they have mature values and are open for ideas and discussions. With just a little bit of support and a few meetings a year, parents are awesome youth coaches.

I’m involved in our programme and curriculum, and also run sessions in the afternoon from 3-5 PM for children 10-16 year olds that want to play more football.

And on top of these practical responsibilities, administration and communication are important to constantly maintain and a huge part in a role like mine.

TCD: How many teams do you have at the club?

DH: As stated above, my responsibilities are at the boys 5-13, and that’s about 40 teams. But in the club, it’s almost 70 teams if boys 14+, seniors and the girls/woman side are included. We have 100 teams playing each weekend, and we’re the 9th biggest football club in terms of number of youth players in Sweden. We have around 1400 active youth players in the club. Reason why we have 100 teams playing each weekend, but only 70 teams “on paper” so to speak is that each team consist of 18-30 players which means that some teams need to register for two or three parallel series to ensure enough pitch time for all players. Ages 5-7 don’t play fixtures.

TCD: From what age do teams begin to play in organised fixtures?

DH: From 8, they play 5 vs 5. This is subject for debate imo. But with the way pitch time are dictated it’s hard to structure it in another way at the moment. I’d like the StFF (Stockholm regional FA) to remove organised fixtures at ages below 11 and promote pool play rather than the adult type of season schedules.

TCD: Talk to me about the football format in Sweden (numbers on each team at a specific ages etc)?

DH: That’s different from club to club, but in general, in the more crowded areas, I’d say 18-30 players in a team. That requires several teams playing each weekend like mentioned above. It’s common that a team of ~25 players are registered for 3 parallel mini leagues to ensure pitch time for all players. We have players in the club from 5 year olds (just play activities 18 sundays over the year), and 6 and 7 year olds that don’t take part in organised fixtures, but come together once a week to play.

Parents do the coaching, and in general there are no payed coaches below senior level but we’re moving towards hired coaches younger ages. Coaching is also considered a job here but economy and priorities are holding up the progress.

It’s hard to talk for all clubs of course but in general this is what it looks like. And in no way do I think this is a good setup from an optimal player development perspective. We definitely need change.

TCD: What pathway has your club adopted and what to you believe is the best pathway for development, when do you grade etc?

DH: In contradiction to tradition and market, we don’t split youth football in elite and recreation. We believe that they should and need to co-exist for our programme to be effective, no matter if our ultimate goal is to contribute to our society in terms of healthier people or elite level participation. We don’t grade players but from 17, when most are through puberty, we have a U17 team that participate in the top domestic league. The first age group that entered this new model was our boys born in 2001. When they reach 17, our hopes are that we can have a full team in the U17 team that competes at the top national level and a “shadow team” that run parallel with players that aren’t there yet, but that get the same opportunities as the main U17 team to perhaps challenge for a spot in our U19 team that also compete at the highest national level.

So from 17, you could say that we have two parallel pathways but with the same opportunities, and with the understanding of that trying to identify future success is risky business, even as late as at 17 or even 19. So it’s a lot about keeping players in the club for as long as possible and maintaining equal opportunities.

We also promote diverse content all year around for 6-9 year olds and during the winter for 10-12 year olds. This isn’t optimal, but for now a good way to include diverse training for those who don’t participate in other sports. As much as possible should be game based activities and coaches are encouraged to let the kids help out with planning and content. From around age 10, we include what the Swedish school of sport and health sciences label as “pedagogical rules”. No players have fixed positions before age 16. All players have equal pitch time. This isn’t the case yet for our U17, U19 and senior teams, but hopes are we’re educating good enough and many enough players to provide our U17, U19 and senior team with homegrown players and at a level good enough to allow rotation in the future.

From 13, we have teams registered at three different levels to provide diverse opposition for our players. But we don’t practice ability grouping prior to 17. All teams in an age group practice at the same time and under supervision of an age group manager, which is similar to my role but concentrated at one or two age groups. Reason why we keep all teams in each age group together from 13 is that we want to slowly bring them together for a softer transfer to our U17 team, which of course will consist of players from different teams and if they already know each other we put less stress on the players psycho-socially and the team will hopefully be up and running instantly in contradiction to what’s currently the case, which of course favours environment and learning climate as well.

This is a very brief conclusion to our model, and restricted to the boys/mens sides. I’d might add that not everyone buys in to this yet, so some teams still run traditional approaches, but we’re getting closer and closer for each year.

TCD: Across the world it seems winning has now become a priority for many coaches working in youth sport. Is this the same in Sweden?

DH: Yes I agree, but I think we need to define “winning” in terms of a motive or priority. I don’t think winning is the motive, but more a “bi-product” of the false idea that ability grouping is a must to develop future elite players and that end up in currently weaker players being left behind, ending up in selected teams winning more than non selected teams. This is the common belief and practice in Sweden. So in regards to your question and in the light of my “definition”, yes, winning seems to be important.

TCD: How has player centred coaching evolved in Sweden?

It’s getting there. We’ve had a debate over the last couple of years that are culminating right now in the light of how our senior national team drops on the FIFA rankings and how few players we have represented in the top European leagues.

The generation born in the late 60’s to early 80’s like Zlatan Ibrahimovic, Fredrik Ljungberg, Olof Mellberg, Henrik Larsson, Kim Källström, Thomas Brolin, Patrik Andersson, Stefan Schwarz, Jonas Thern is soon gone. Only Zlatan and Kim still playing of the ones I mentioned, and they are well over 30 years old, and no new players from the mid 80’s and later seem to fill their place. This has definitely added to the debate in Sweden and I think we’re about to see a lot of change. Though, policymakers and authorities perhaps don’t lead the change. It’s more of something that comes from the “people” which of course is a good thing, because it will be more accepted than if changes are dictated from the top. Same procedure as player centred coaching pretty much.

But from time to time, our national and regional FA’s propose changes. The SvFF are currently making changes to the coach education programme, and the regional FA’s that run most of the youth competitions have recently made changes that are very positive. The tradition is still a coach centred one, but the player centred approach are being practiced more and more. We’re not there yet, but as initially stated, we’re getting there.

What’s the SFA’s vision for coaching in Sweden?

The SvFF are making changes, but I’m not entirely sure they are in control. For example the LTAD model is being used and marketed as change without any obvious changes to content. It looks good to the naked eye perhaps and “makes sense” to the general public with “ages and stages”, but learning, development and progress are so much more than chronological age, it’s a very sensitive process that is effected not only by biological development, but psychological and social development as well, and many models fail to take that in to consideration. That’s why it’s so dangerous to use it. I think authorities should be expected to deliver a more thought out model.

With that said, I do think that SvFF is on the right path, even though progress is slightly slow and a bit off at times.

So I’d say that the vision is blurry, but the progress towards something is on and currently in the right direction.

What’s the one thing you would change about youth football in Sweden?

Oh, I’m not sure I can restrict myself to just one thing, but If I had the power to change things, it would be to create multi sport clubs for 5-16 year olds, and sport specific clubs shouldn’t engage players younger than 11. In that way there’s a good window for 11-16 year old players to choose to specialise, and time for a more diverse type of content that are of great value long-term. Academies should start at 17 when the majority of kids are through puberty but since it’s so hard to predict future success even as late as at 17, academies and traditional clubs should work together rather than competing at admin level to ensure a wide path to the senior game.

To support this financially, (brace yourself) I’d also like to cancel all youth national teams and youth regional teams below U19 level since I can’t see the value of a system that either give false indications to the ones who are included, or exclude players that perhaps shouldn’t have been. It provides nothing more than psychological setbacks. Hence why we don’t practice ability grouping prior to 17 and parallel to U17 and U19 will run shadow teams.

I understand this is very thought provoking, but I think that this is much in line with what evidence suggest.

On top of that I’d like to see changes in content and tradition as well, but I’ll stop here.

What advice would you give to a coach starting out?

Find your own way, and look deep and wide for input and ideas. Look beyond the sport specific content, and look in to several areas of research. Such as psychology, sociology, neuroscience, physiology and try to grasp the complexity of it all. Search for contradictions in what is preached, follow and interact with people who talk straight. This will not lead to knowledge, but it will help you grasping the complexity.

A final message if you like?

I’d like to take this opportunity to highlight some common myths in youth sports.

Early specialisation, 10000 hrs, isolated technique practice, learning styles and ability grouping are frequently preached and practiced with no evidence to support it. This is a slippery slope in my book, and any one that preach such practice as obvious or something that shouldn’t or can’t be questioned simply don’t know what they are talking about.

And finally I want to state that since youth sports and development is so complex, I don’t think there are any right answers.

However, I do think there are answers that are wrong.

-END

TCD would like to thank Dennis for contributing to the blog. Certainly one of the most informative and honest interviews I’ve had the pleasure to do.

Follow him on twitter @DHrtin

I always like to hear your opinions. Please comment below or email me info@thecoachdiary.com, if you don’t have anything to add then please forward this on to a friend.

Thanks for reading. I’m also on twitter @Coachdiary

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Coach Talk

COACHTALK: Johnny McKinstry

Johnny is qualified at the highest level in Europe and America, holding  an Academy Managers’ Licence (English FA); Premier Diploma (NSCAA); and UEFA ‘A’ Coaching Licence (IFA) as well as a range of other academic and professional qualifications.

He was Head Coach of the Sierra Leone National Men’s Football team from April 2013 – September 2014, at that time the youngest active Head Coach in international football (at only 27 years of age). He has achieved an awful lot and already has had extensive experience of coaching in Europe, North America and Africa.

TCD: Did you play football when you were younger? 

JM: Yes, growing up I played football along with a variety of other sports (Rugby, Cricket, Squash), but football was always my real passion.  Unfortunately I was not to go on to be one of the great Irish players of our generation – whilst I could play the game it was never a genuine prospect for me in terms of progressing into the professional ranks.

TCD: When did you know that you wanted a career in coaching? 

JM:  Football has always been a real passion for me and I have always felt I understood the game.  Growing up I could see patterns within the game and even as a kid playing I had opinions on how I thought my team mates and I should play, and on occasion would let the coach know those opinions.  When I accepted that the likelihood of becoming a professional player was not realistic, I was intent on having a role within the game and from a very early age, maybe around 16, I developed a firm belief that I could help make other players better.

“Football is the most accessible game in the world. A ball (or something similar) and goal posts (or something similar) and you’ve got yourself a game” – J Mc

TCD: What is your football philosophy? 

  • “Recruit & Develop of World Class People”……good people will do all within their power to not let you or their team-mates down. Therefore is we want to create a world class team, then we should invest time in recruiting and developing world class people
  • “Your Most Important Player is the one with the Ball at their Feet”……if we accept that every player can win the game for our team…to score the winning goal or to make a game changing tackle, then it will affect how we coach our athletes.  Think back to Tony Adams’ championship sealing goal for Arsenal against Everton.  Have we equipped our central defenders with the skill and composure to do that?  If that answer is no, then I think we need to ask ourselves why?
  • “Send Them to Work with a Full ToolBox”……you would not ask a mechanic to fix your car if they did not possess the correct tools in which to do so.  If we did, we would expect that something would go wrong eventually.  Yet we often rush pass the opportunity to equip our players with the correct skills (tools) in order to perform their roles on the field.  If we do this then how can we criticise when things go wrong.  We need to spend time in ensuring that all of our players are able to perform the wide range of skills required to succeed within the game
  • “They have to answer the question by themselves”……too often I see what I term ‘playstation coaches’ on the sidelines (at both junior and professional level) who constantly instruct from the bench, telling the players the decisions they should be making.  I firmly believe that we should structure our training programs to encourage decision making as often as possible.  Players must be able to play the situation they are presented with, and they often must do so within a split-second.  We have given them the tools to use, now we must give them the capacity to select when and how to use them.  This is no different that a student having worked with their teacher all year, and then sitting their examinations. Once they are to be tested, they have to do it for themselves.

The above represent some of the key components of my beliefs about the game and how to develop winning teams and world class athletes.

TCD: In your view what are the key traits of a modern coach? 

JM:  I think that the modern coach must be extremely knowledgable in so many different aspects of the game.  That is not to say that they must micro-manage all areas.  At the top level we have analysts, nutritionists, sport scientists, various forms of coaching staff.  They all have their jobs and should be allowed to do them; but the coach must have an appreciation of each area.  By doing so it better places them to make the correct decisions for their athletes.  I also believe the modern coach should be very approachable for their players. That is not to say they are ‘one of the gang’. Not at all. But players should feel comfortable communicating with the coach, and discussing ideas, because after all it is they who are playing the game.  It is important that a coach realises that players need to be part of the process.

TCD: Have you any mentors? 

JM:  Over the years I have been fortunate to take guidance from a number of experienced coaches within the game.  That is not to say they have been the recognised names that people will see in the media; but having been part of coach education in Northern Ireland, England and the USA I have crossed paths with a great numbers of coaches who have a wide variety of experiences within the game.  The great thing about meeting colleagues in such environments is that everyone is very open about sharing their experiences, and that in turn helps you to refine your own view of the game whilst at the same time putting across your own opinions.

TCD: You have travelled the world coaching, working with different cultures. How do these cultures (players) differ in terms of teaching the game? 

JM:  First of all it is important to acknowledge that there is good quality everywhere.  I have been fortunate to work with elite level young players in the UK, USA and Africa; and being honest, on a technical level there is not too much difference between the very best in my experience.  You do of course get some environmental differences.  In Africa the young players tend to be very driven.  The game means so much to them as success will not only vastly alter their own lives, but also the lives of their families and communities.  So you can imagine the work rate that is often apparent at Academy level in Africa.  On the other side of this coin, I would say that tactical understanding tends to be more developed in European and American countries.  This is largely down to players exposure to the game on TV and live.  You don’t have to go far these days to have the nuances of the game explained via football review shows with the likes of Gary Neville.  This means players come to training with a base level of understanding for you to build on.  In Africa and the worlds developing nations this education is more firmly routed on the training pitch and a key responsibility of the coach.

TCD: 4 years in what some might say is a remote part of the world must be a huge challenge, how did you end up in Africa? 

JM:  An interesting opportunity was presented to me to put it plainly.  I was working with the New York Red Bulls back in 2009 and I got a phone call from someone I knew who wanted to put me together with the people setting up a football academy in Sierra Leone.  It just peaked my interest.  I have always sought out challenges in life, and I viewed the opportunity here in Sierra Leone as just that.  I also saw it as an opportunity to have a significant impact on football in a country that I knew would be football crazy. It was definitely a good decision.

TCD: Is African football evolving and if so in what way? 

JM:  Yes, I believe it is.  One of the biggest drawbacks in Africa has often been the tactical development of the game.  Technique and fitness have never really been an issue; but through the lack of exposure to the global game through TV etc, the tactical level was somewhat lacking.  However through an increased access to watching the game from all over the planet, young players in Africa are able to see exactly what their peers in the rest of the world see.  The great teams and players  and the way the game is played.  Exposure to things like this naturally have a knock on effect of their understanding of the game.

“My ambition has always been to coach at the highest level – the Premier League, the Bundesliga, La Liga, Serie A”.

TCD: Do kids still play on the streets or is gaming etc a factor also? 

JM:  Yes, absolutely.  Football is the most accessible game in the world. A ball (or something similar) and goal posts (or something similar) and you’ve got yourself a game.  Kids do have access to computer games through local gaming centres, but this costs a small amount of money so is only an occasional thing for most.  It is very common to see people of all ages playing football in the street and on bits of waste land.

JMCK 2TCD: Not many people coach an international team at 27, how did you end up coaching Sierra Leone? 

JM:  At the time the post of National Team Coach became available I had been living and working in Sierra Leone for over three years.  I had watched the Leone Stars regularly during that period, and I had a real belief that if I could get in the room with the decision makers at that time, that I would be a strong candidate for the job.  I had my UEFA ‘A’ licence, I had worked all over the world, and I knew the game.

We arranged a meeting and in the two days leading up to it I watched the last couple of Sierra Leone games, as well as video of Tunisia (our next opponents) several times over and put together a presentation and dossier on how I would develop the team and how we would go about winning the upcoming game.  No detail was left out….it was very thorough.  Between my presentation and interview, the association decided that I was the right man for the job and two days later was invited back in to agree terms,

TCD: You left that role in September, what are you doing now? 

JM:   As I have said, my time working here in Sierra Leone extends back further than the National Team…almost 5 years now.  Since 2010 I have managed a football academy located about an hour outside the capital city of Freetown where we work with the countries best young talent between the ages of 11 and 18, offering them around 12 hours training per week as well as full time education working towards their international GCSE.  During my time with the National team I combined both the roles, so now that my time with the Sierra Leone team has come to an end I am concentrating entirely on the next generation of players once again.

TCD: You’ve achieved a lot for such a young person, what has been your best achievement to date? 

JM:  Taking Sierra Leone into the top 50 of the FIFA World rankings was a great achievement.  That set a new record high for us as a country, and on a personal note placed us above both Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland which made me smile somewhat.  I think however the moment that meant the most to me was seeing one of my young academy players here in Sierra Leone make his debut for the u20 National Team.  Having only just turned 17 we had worked together for 4 years, and he was the youngest player on the pitch that afternoon.  I felt very proud that day.  I still do.

TCD: Whats the plan for the future, how long will you stay in Africa

JM:  It’s hard to say.  A football life often entails not knowing what is around the corner.  For me, I am happy to be working with the excellent young players we have here at the Academy, but you are always keeping an eye out for potential new challenges and opportunities.  6 years ago living in New York I could not have foreseen how the next half-decade would have developed; but it has been excellent.  I hope the years to come will bring equal amounts of opportunity and enjoyment.  Wherever I go next I am sure it will be a challenge, as I seem to enjoy those….it always seems more fun when you can upset the odds.  For now, I am eager to get moving on completing the UEFA Pro Licence, and I am currently in the middle of a MSc degree in Performance Coaching. So plenty of learning going on in preparation for anything that should come along.

TCD: Whats the dream? 

JM:  My ambition has always been to coach at the highest level – the Premier League, the Bundesliga, La Liga, Serie A.  I want to achieve something in those leagues.  Not just to work in them, but to achieve success.  That is what this game is about ultimately – winning.  I believe I can develop a winning team at the highest level.  It maybe won’t come tomorrow, but I know if I can marching forward that it will come.  I just have to make sure I am ready for it.

TCD would like to thank Johnny for taking the time to speak with us. You can find out more about Johnny on his website  he’s also on twitter @johnnymckinstry

Images by Darren McKinstry

-End

I always like to hear your opinions and views. If you feel you have something to say, please comment below or email me info@thecoachdiary.com and if you don’t have anything to add, please pass this on to a friend.

As always, thanks for reading.

I’m also on twitter  @Coachdiary

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Coach Talk

COACH TALK: Pedro Dias (Sporting FC Toronto)

This week I spoke to former Sporting player Pedro Dias (CHIQUINHO). Pedro is the Technical Director at Sporting FC Academy Toronto.

Pedro a former professional footballer who retired due to injury after 15 years in the game. Pedro has been coaching for over 10 years in Portugal, the USA and Canada.

TCD: Talk to me about your love for football, when did it begin? 

PD: Since I born, I guess….lol I grow up playing soccer in my street with my friends and peers… It was a way of life, natural.

TCD: You played for Sporting Club Portugal the 2nd biggest sporting club in the world after FC Barcelona. When did start playing there? 

PD: I start my soccer career at Petrogal (U10) and then I play for Sacavenense (U14). Until I was scouted to try out at Sporting, and I made it. It was a new world for me and change my life. By that time, Sporting have the old stadium and the conditions were very different from now, but the coaches, players and staff make all the difference. It was fantastic playing beside Figo, Peixe, Porfirio.. and I have the opportunity to excel my qualities and sign as a professional Soccer Player at Sporting CP.

TCD: How did you get into coaching? 

PD: While I was playing, I decide to start my coaching education, I had 2 Acl´s operation and I start thinking in my next step. I have the passion and the drive for it, so it was a very natural process.

TCD: What is your current role at Sporting FC? 

PD: Im the Technical Director and Head Coach and I also run international programmes outside of Portugal. In my current role of Youth Technical Director and Head Coach at Sporting FC Academy, I am responsible for the day-to-day operations of a soccer academy for new/inexperienced players, as well as a competitive program consisting of 8 age groups – U8, U9, U10, U12, U13, U15, and U17.  I currently lead a technical staff of 16, in delivering the OSA’s Long Term Player Development strategy to develop young players properly and to their full potential.

In addition to my coaching responsibilities, I oversee all administrative duties for the club, including: developing technical curriculums & manuals; overseeing recruitment and on-boarding of new players; and managing internal/external communications & marketing.

TCD: What is the most important skill for a coach to have? 

PD: Patience, Passion and knowledge.

TCD: How long as SFC been in Toronto and what is the clubs philosophy? 

PD: Sporting FC is a youth soccer academy opened in 2011, operating as a non-profit organisation in Toronto, Ontario.  Our club serves the broader GTA community, and has a membership base of approximately 300 athletes ranging in age from 4 to 18 years.  Sporting FC’s motto is to “educate for life through soccer”.  This philosophy of imparting valuable life lessons through a soccer curriculum is unique to our club, and is what gives our players the confidence and conviction to succeed in soccer and in life!

TCD: What changes would you make to the grassroots game to benefit the development of children?

PD: In Canada, I would like the new LTPD, which I support could be adjusted according to whats happening right now… for example I cancel the retreat line, definitely.

TCD: Why would you remove it? 

PD: In Canada we have the retreat line from u9s to u12s. “The Retreat Line has been introduced in the Toronto Soccer Association (U11/U12) Development Leagues to allow our young players to learn and gain confidence in how to play the ball out from the back and play forward to attack, as opposed to the goalkeeper “Sending It” aimlessly down the field.” “The Retreat Line will be positioned at halfway at the U9 and U10 age levels, while at the U11 and U12 age groups the Retreat Line will be signified by off-field cones (or flags), supplied by the home team and placed 1/3 distance of the field from each end.”

My view is allowing the player 3 seconds to touch the ball, or allowing them not doing a oriented reception neither attacking the ball, the rule is not giving to the players the right tools to solve “problems” during the game. What the rule is giving is “laziness” I order they don’t attack the ball, and they let the ball be rolled in order to avoid the others players can attacking them. This is not game related. In my perspective “its a pill like pain killer” doesn’t solve the game, only create more problems on the long run. It’s not realistic.

Also, this allows some coaches to neglect the basic principals of the progression: Attacking the ball, oriented reception and decide what will be the next step.

What my players and team do is: They stay on the retreat line and don’t attack the player with ball, and do you know what opposition do? They just kick the ball away…. because they don’t have pressure and they don’t know what to do… “Kick and rush”

TCD: What concerns you most about Canadian Youth soccer?

PD: Many, the league system, the different leagues, low referee quality, low coaching quality, the winter and the indoor facilities are way too expensive, just a few aspects to change.

TCD: What age do kids move to the 11v11 (Full Size) game in Canada?

PD: They move at under 13. I agreed, because I consider this is the natural progression of the game with 7×7 on U9 to U10 and 9×9 on U11 and U12, if the coaching staff do their job properly the players should progress smoothly for the “bigger picture”. They should understand the game and they are mature enough to development and continually optimised  the routines of the 11×11 game.

TCD: Have you any mentors?

PD: Yes, Professor Rui Mâncio from Madeira Island.

TCD: What kind of player do you like working with? 

PD: Players willing to learn, and with drive to be better.

TCD: Can Canadian soccer grow as big as US soccer?

PD: Yes, definitely! But we are still little bit away…We need indoor facilities, and organize the grassroots until to build a national mens league. Long way to go.

The Coach Diary would like to thank Pedro for this interview. You can find out more about Sporting FC Toronto on their website Sporting FC Toronto.

Why not like their page on FB Sporting FC on Facebook

-End

I always like to hear your opinions and views. If you feel you have something to say, please comment below or email me info@thecoachdiary.com If, you don’t have anything to add then please forward this on to a friend. As always, thanks for reading.

I’m also on twitter  @Coachdiary

Categories
Coach Talk

CoachTalk: Ray Power

This week I spoke with Irish Coach Ray Power. Another Irish Coach making his way across the water.

Ray is a 31-year old, A Licence football coach. Although from Waterford, Ireland he is currently based in Nottingham, England.

He is currently working as an Academy Manager full-time with under-19 players at Conference/Football League level and he is also a coach education tutor for the English FA.

TCD: When did you start coaching?

RP: I came to England in 2007, following two years as a teacher in Switzerland. I had dabbled in grassroots coaching prior to arriving in England, but once here I began working in the Academy system.

Love this quote “Otherwise I’m a bit of a magpie – I pinch ideas and traits from others that I incorporate into my work”

TCD: What is your coaching style and how did you develop it?

RP: That’s a difficult question to really pin down. I suppose it has evolved through the years and I guess it is still evolving – I think it has to. My style comes from me as a person I guess. I like to create a positive environment where the focus is on the players learning, so is player-centred rather than being all about the coach. Therefore I like to use methods like Q&A and Guided Discovery where possible, as well as Skilful Neglect. If it’s optimal for player learning to be more command-like, I’ll use it, but this is very occasional.

All the work we do is based around the game. That sounds a little obvious but you would be amazed at the amount of coaching sessions where players are involved in activities that are barely football-specific! Everything involves a ball, and puts players in situations they will find themselves in come match-day.

TCD: Have you any mentors and if so, who?

RP: Loads – whether they know they are mentors or not! When I fist came to England, Steve Welsh at Boston United gave me my first opportunity to coach academy players and I learned lots from Welshy – about the game, but also about presence and manner with players. The one that comes straight to mind however is Dick Bate. Dick is now at Cardiff City but was the head tutor on my A Licence. He was so knowledgeable and immersed in the game that you felt that if you could get anywhere near his level then you were on the right track. Otherwise I’m a bit of a magpie – I pinch ideas and traits from others that I incorporate into my work.

TCD: What are the most important traits of the modern coach?

RP: I devoted a whole chapter of Making the Ball Roll to this, but the traits are virtually endless. We all know – or should know – that we as coaches are role models and teachers, but being a modern coach is that and more. First of all you need to know the game – the modern game. We need to produce players that can cope with the evolving nature of football. So, for example, rather than coaching strikers to play in a 1980s style ‘big man, little man’ system, they need to be able to play as a lone striker, be more multi-purpose – added to evolutions like false 9s, inverted forwards etc.

Coaches also need to embrace technology (this is the world of our young players), use appropriate learning and coaching styles etc.

“SKILLFUL NEGLECT” The art of knowing when to do or say NOTHING. Because YOU know that THEY know the answer and they will work it out!

TCD: What part of the game do you prefer to coach?

RP: In recent years I’ve adopted a model known as Tactical Periodisation – something we speak about in the book. This involves practices and games that are simultaneously technical, tactical and physical. Simply because the game involves exactly that – all at the same time.

Players need to be worked with in all areas – attacking, defending and transitions so I suppose if I favoured one area I wouldn’t be doing my job correctly. If they leave the system having improved across all areas then I’m satisfied.

TCD: What kind of player to you prefer to coach. A technically gifted one who lacks work rate or a good player with excellent work rate?

RP: For too long we have prized the worker over the technician. Hard working ones were praised (and rightly so!) but any tricky players get lambasted for doing too much. Obviously to be successful a player needs both. Every individual though will have different needs, and therefore a different programme of work, targets etc. As a team game you need both. Look at Jordan Henderson. He’s a decent technician but is vital to Liverpool as his work rate allows the technically gifted players like Suarez and Coutinho the freedom to express themselves.

It’s easy maybe to teach a young player to run around all day, but he’s obsolete if another player has work rate AND technique.

TCD: What’s the future of the grassroots game in the England and what changes are happening or need to happen in order to develop players with game intelligence?

RP: Youth coaching in England gets a lot of stick – and maybe justifiably so in some parts. But change is afoot. There are lots of good people leading a drive for a better standard of grassroots coaching, through coach education, mentoring and books like Making the Ball Roll.

Like I mentioned above, players need to be put in game situations. Game intelligence can only come from constantly solving real-game problems. We have a big issue in this area. Players are often put in sessions where they warm-up by running laps of the pitch, then stand in queues to either pass or shoot. There’s very little decision-making involved in unopposed ‘drills’ like these so when players are in games, they can’t solve problems once opposition are in place and a game is going on around them at 100mph. I also believe we are ‘two-touching’ the flair players and dribblers out of the game by constantly putting ALL our players in two-touch games, when they need it or whether it’s their style or not.

At youth level if we can take focus away from match results, allow players the true freedom to express themselves and place them in game situations regularly, this can only improve.

MAKING THE BALL ROLLTCD: Tell me about your book, what is it about and what inspired you to write one?

RP: When I started coaching I had to go to hundreds of different places to find what I wanted – books around technical practices, tactics, physical development – others about psychology and communication; conferences around Talent ID and goalkeeping. What I wanted was a “one-stop shop” that included it all! So I wrote it!

The book has 15 distinct chapters that relate to different aspects of youth development – and added to by some wonderful stories from youth coaches. If the reader wants further information on psychology for example, then the chapter signposts them to the best sports psychology resources available.

See chapter breakdown:

  • Chapter 1. Understanding the Argument for Development Over Results
  • Chapter 2. Understanding the Modern Youth Development Coach
  • Chapter 3. Understanding Teaching and Learning in Soccer
  • Chapter 4. Understanding Psychology in Soccer
  • Chapter 5. Understanding Communication in Soccer
  • Chapter 6. Understanding Leadership and the Team
  • Chapter 7. Understanding Age-Specific Development Needs
  • Chapter 8. Developing a Coaching Philosophy and Syllabus
  • Chapter 9. Understanding Technical Development and Skill Acquisition
  • Chapter 10. Understanding the Tactical Development of Soccer Players
  • Chapter 11. Understanding the Physical Development of Youth Soccer Players
  • Chapter 12. Understanding the Modern Goalkeeper
  • Chapter 13. Understanding Talent Identification and Assessment of Players
  • Chapter 14. Understanding Parents
  • Chapter 15. Looking in the Mirror First

Where can TCD readers get your book?

The book is available in the UK and US through amazon and via bennionkearny.com/power and The book depository website also distributes worldwide with free delivery.

-End

The Coach Diary would like to thank Ray for this interview. You can follow ray on Twitter  

Right, I’m off to buy my plane ticket to Lisbon…… Thank You UEFA!

I always like to hear your opinions and views. If you feel you have something to say and want to be the next coach on COACHTALK,  Please comment below or email me info@thecoachdiary.com If, you don’t have anything to add then please forward this on to a friend. As always, thanks for reading.

I’m also on twitter @Coachdiary

Categories
Coach Talk Irish Grassroots Football

COACHTALK: Footblogball with Jesus Enrigue Gutierrez Major ‘Guti’

This is an interview by Mark O’Sullivan with Jesus Gutierrez.

Guti is educated at the highest level within the framework of the Spanish Football Federation. He worked for 5 years at the Real Madrid academy as head coach for the U 14- U 16 teams and is currently an instructor for coach education with the Madrid Football Federation.

His brilliant book – Possession: Play football the Spanish way is an insight into the philosophy of coaching young players, dealing with the practical and theoretical side of developing game intelligence. Mark started, by asking him about his work with his various football organisations.

FOOTBLOGBALL: Can you give us a brief account of your work in Futbolconcept and as technical director in Escuela Deportiva Moratalaz?

JESUS GUTIERREZ: Together with my 4 partners we have created a company with the aim to improve the coaching. We have our own approach to teaching football, we call it “TRAINING BY CONCEPTS”. We have developed special software for coaches, including a lot of training tasks that follow our ideas. It will be available in English really soon. My position in the company is Director of the International Department.

In relation to Escuela Deportiva Moratalaz, I’m the Technical Director. We are a very humble football school here in Madrid. We work with almost 700 players in 35 teams, with ages between 4 and 5 up to senior. We have an agreement with Real Madrid, so they can have first choice with our best players. My job is coordinating the coaching, following our “Training by Concepts” philosophy and being sure that everyone is working in the way we want and according to our Model .

FOOTBLOGBALL: Research suggests that young players only retain 18% of concepts that are learned passively but 68% of what which is learned actively. This implies a more player centered approach rather than coach centered one. Can you suggest how you can achieve this using your methods?

JESUS GUTIERREZ: No doubt ! The player should be the protagonist in his own learning. The idea of the coach giving all the information to the player is not a good one. Young players must learn to make their own decisions , analyse what’s happening around them ( teammates and opponents). Simple repetition is boring for children. They come every day to training because they want to enjoy themselves, they want to play football and, sadly, there’re a lot of times when we the coaches prepare very boring exercises for them. They don´t like standing around listening to the coach and repeating a lot of drills. They just love to play. It is very simple to understand. So we offer the players a very active training. We start with a small sided game. No worries about injuries. They don´t need a hard warm up. They arrive most days by running to training. So the first thing we give them is the ball and a game. After playing 5-10 minutes, they will pay more attention to what the coach is saying. All our training tasks are in relation to games situations (concepts). So we try to work with them according to their age and to the situations they are going to experience in the real game. Our main goal is helping the players to identify these situations and choose the right decision. Them all must learn to understand the game, to decipher what’s happening at every moment.

FOOTBLOGBALL: What are the basic and essential tasks that young players should often practice?

JESUS GUTIERREZ: Technique is very important in football, of course but we don´t need to perform the same passing and control drill 100 times. I can do that on my own, after school, when I’m free, during the weekend, in my garden, with my father…I need a real coach to explain the game to me, one who helps me to read the different situations I can find myself in. So the training tasks we create and use are always in relation to the competitive game: myself, the ball, my teammates, the opponents and, most of the time the goals.A big mistake is thinking that young players are not ready to play matches until they can perform most of the technical skills. Maybe it should be the other way around. Let’s put the players into the game, let’s check their weak points and then from the training session let’s prepare an individual plan for them in order to improve in those areas that we have identified. Possession games, position games, small side games, 1 vs 1, 2 vs 2. Attacking-defending (against real opposition), matches with tactical aims,…everything around the game. Replicating what they will experience in the competitive game.

FOOTBLOGBALL: In a possession based style that is the main feature of your book, perception is one of the most vital parts in the Perception- Understanding- Decision – Action chain. The ability to constantly take in quality information, enabling the player to deliver and perform the best action for a particular moment. How do you suggest that we introduce the value of perception in our sessions at grassroots level?

Guti with kidsJESUS GUTIERREZ: Maybe the answer is really simple: put the players into the real game situation. When players are practicing a dribbling exercise with no opponent they don’t need to pay attention to anything but the ball. Every time we introduce just a light opposition in the training we are forcing the player to analyse what is happening around him. Checking over his shoulder before receiving. Passing the ball to the correct foot or to the space in front. Playing with the first touch or creating time to control and turn; dribbling and protecting the ball. Players never have to take into account all these questions when you are training without opposition. They are performing nothing in relation to perception and decision-making!!

FOOTBLOGBALL: Do you think that there is a common misunderstanding with regard to small sided games? That sometimes they don’t reflect the real game that the player experiences on match day?

JESUS GUTIERREZ: We should understand there is not just a magical tool in training. All methods have both positive and weak points. Nobody should state that small side games are not good tasks for football training, but you cannot base all your training sessions on these kind of drills. If players get used to only playing in a 15 x 15 m area and in competition they must play in a 60 x 40 m (seven a side) field they will be lost. So we need to help them to feel comfortable in the space they will finally play.

FOOTBLOGBALL: Do you think that there is a need for isolated technique training for kids when they begin playing organised football? Some coaches feel it necessary but others think that it is more important to play and learn the game first with a focus on fun.

JESUS GUTIERREZ: In my opinion, first thing is “waking” the players’ interest for the game. Having fun while training. As I explained above, let them play and then analyse their performance, detect their mistakes and help them to improve. But first is the GAME!

FOOTBLOGBALL: During some recent work I did with RCD Espanyol a topic that we discussed was balance and coordination training for kids. It was felt that kids socialise and play in a different way now . They are rarely outside climbing trees playing street football experiencing free play etc …. It was felt that there is an even greater need to work on balance and coordination and general motor development of young players when they begin with organised football. Do you agree?

JESUS GUTIERREZ: I can agree with this way of thinking. Coordination, balance, stretching. Everything is covered in order to improve the players level. But remember, don´t “steal” time from the ball to attend to all of these other questions. In our football school we place a very high importance on coordination , but players come 15-30 minutes before their training session begins. So once they put their foot on the field, we forget about everything and concentrate on the ball and the game.

FOOTBLOGBALL: Can you tell us one thing through your work that you have learnt in 2013?

JESUS GUTIERREZ: Although I defend our training methodology, every way of training has something useful that you can use. Your ideas should constantly be checked. Don´t close your eyes to other opinions. A lot of top players reached the highest level practicing with very different coaches and methods. You must be always willing to learn from others.

Follow Jesus @Susen_31 and Follow Mark @markstkhlm 

I base a lot of my training on the content of this book, the best €15 I have ever spent. I am planning to bring Jesus to Ireland in 2014; to find out more subscribe to the blog or join the Facebook Event Page 

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I always like to hear your opinions. Please comment below or email me info@thecoachdiary.com If, you don’t have anything to add then please forward this on to a friend. Thanks for reading. I’m also on twitter @Coachdiary

Categories
Academies Irish Grassroots Football World Football

COACHTALK: Anthony O’Neill

Anthony is a football coach back living in Ireland, having spent some time abroad. I caught up with him last weekend at the Multi directional Workshop with Mike Antoniades at the NDSL Development Centre. In this brilliant insight into the Ajax philosophy; Anthony talks about how they implement the methodology both in Holland and Ireland.

UntitledTCD: What got you into coaching and how long have you been doing it? 

AON: I initially got into coaching through a FAS football coaching course I attended in Galway 10 years ago. John Power, who operates a very successful soccer school of excellence called Power Soccer was my mentor on the course, and he asked if I’d like to assist with the weekly sessions in the school of excellence. One of my reasons for attending the course initially was to learn from someone like John and I’m thankful to him for introducing me to coaching. After a few weeks I began to lead sessions on my own and John then asked me to help out with the Galway Schoolboy League Kennedy Cup squad as an assistant coach. I spent 18 months with the team and to be involved with a Kennedy Cup squad as a young coach at 21 years old was a great learning experience for me personally. From that squad Daryl Horgan, Stephen Folan and Enda Curran are now playing in the League of Ireland Premier Division, several have represented Ireland at international level and Joe Shaughnessy is playing in Scotland for Aberdeen.

“Another interesting facet of the academy is that the coaches are only offered one year rolling contracts. This helps to prevent the coaches from ‘taking it easy’ and increases their work ethic, taking into account that every coach in Amsterdam has aspirations to be a coach at Ajax”

Since that initial involvement in coaching I continued to pursue further education which led me to a soccer scholarship in America. At the same time I began coaching youth soccer in the States and obtained my coaching badges alongside a degree in Sports Management. After graduating I spent 6 months coaching in Singapore before returning home to Ireland to work as the Head Coach for Coerver Coaching for almost 2 years. I spent the last year as Academy Director for Everton’s affiliation club Everton America in Connecticut and New York, where I was responsible for overseeing a development programme for Under 7s to Under 12s. In September I moved home again to start work on a new project with the Football Coaches Association of Ireland in partnership with Ajax.

TCD: What is your coaching philosophy? 

AON: My coaching philosophy is to develop confident, creative and skilful players who are encouraged to express themselves and play with a sense of freedom. For me personally, winning should not become important until senior football or at least until the latter stages of youth football. Having worked with players at the younger age of the spectrum for many years, I find that they naturally want to win games anyway, therefore my focus should be on developing the technical and tactical side of the individual player so that he has the necessary tools to perform to the best of his ability when he enters the environment of senior football. I’m not saying as coaches we should not attempt to win games, but I do believe that playing with a certain style of play that is beneficial to the long term development of the player is more important especially in youth football.

Enthusiasm is one of the most important characteristics to have as a coach when working with young players and it’s always good to offer encouragement. Using simple words like “well done” can have a big effect on a child’s confidence. It’s important to build a relationship with each individual and I try to do that with every player I coach.

ArenaTCD: You’re just back from the Ajax Academy, tell me about your trip? 

AON: First and foremost I’d have to say the best thing about the trip was having first class access to the academy. Myself and the other FCAI members who made the trip were not only allowed to watch academy training and games but also to interact with the coaching staff. We were given lectures on the Ajax vision, philosophy and style of play by Eddie van Schaick, as well as a discussion on the Ajax scouting methodology by Head Scout Ronald De Jong. Ronald explained that Ajax invests and networks with the amateur clubs within Amsterdam granting them access to the Ajax Online Academy training programme. The advantage of this is that all players are coached the same way as those in the academy, making talent easily identifiable and making the transition from amateur club to Ajax Academy an easy one, with very little difference in the style of play.

We were given little tasks to complete such as match analysis of the Under 13 & Under 15 games. We were asked to analyse the style of play as well as pick out 3 prospects on each team which we felt best fitted the profile of an Ajax player. These exercises helped with the learning process and to better understand what was discussed in the lectures.

“The youngest team at the academy is the Under 8s. They train 3 times per week with an emphasis on developing technique and game intelligence using small sided games. Initially I was a little surprised to learn that this age group play 7v7 on match day but having watched them play on the Saturday morning it soon became clear to me that they were capable of playing this format”

It was evident from viewing academy training and games and a 1st team game at the Amsterdam Arena on the Saturday night that there’s a philosophy and style of play evident throughout the club from the Under 8s right through to the 1st team. The Ajax style of play is based on playing attacking attractive football, dominance in possession and 1v1 situations, playing out from the back and full field pressure. Every team within the academy plays with this style in either a 3-4-3 or 4-3-3 formation. Similar to Barcelona and Bayern Munich, Ajax play with one holding midfielder (6) and two attacking midfielders (8) & (10) within the 4-3-3 formation, which is slightly different to playing a 4-2-3-1 formation. Having watched numerous games at various different age groups in the academy it was great to see each team attempting to play the same and believing in ‘The Ajax Way’.

In relation to training, which is all conducted at De Toekomst (The Future) across the road from the Amsterdam Arena, which in turn acts as a motivational and aspirational tool to all the kids within the academy, the focus is primarily on developing the individual. The Ajax Academy is not concerned with winning trophies at youth level but moreover producing players for the 1st team. One of the objectives each year is to produce one or two Under 19 players to play in the 1st team and 70% of the 1st team need to be academy produced players. Ajax spend €6 million per year on their academy.

Ajax has a fantastic strength and conditioning programme which is also an important part of the training for the youngest age groups within the academy. Balance, coordination and footwork are enhanced as early as possible and the club even employee judo and gymnastic coaches to work with the players. It was fascinating to watch the judo coach work with the Under 8s on their core strength as well as developing football combat to prepare the players for the physical side of the game. Attention to detail is also paid to the growth spurt of players between the ages of 12 and 16 with the workload on individual players more relaxed. The club can determine when a player is going through a growth spurt thanks to cutting edge technology from the sports science department. As players begin to exit their growth spurts, coaches then look to re-engage the player technically, physically and mentally.

Another interesting facet of the academy is that the coaches are only offered one year rolling contracts. This helps to prevent the coaches from ‘taking it easy’ and increases their work ethic, taking into account that every coach in Amsterdam has aspirations to be a coach at Ajax. The club feels that if the players are under pressure to improve and maintain their position within the academy, then so should its coaches.

TrackTrainingI found the staff at the club to be very welcoming and it was evident from spending three days immersed in the academy that the club possesses a family environment with a relaxed atmosphere whilst at the same time maintaining a very professional outlook. The majority of the coaching staff consists of ex academy players and it’s easy to bump into some of the former greats of the club who often come to watch the academy games on a Saturday morning. Some of the names involved with the club on the coaching side include 1st team manager Frank De Boer and 1st team coach Dennis Bergkamp, as well as Marc Overmars, Jaap Stam, Wim Jonk and Bryan Roy. Edwin Van Der Saar is involved on the marketing side while one of the greatest players of all time Johan Cruyff is also a big figure within the club.

I had the privilege to meet with Arnold Muhren who scored in the FA Cup final for Manchester United as well as winning the Uefa Cup with Ipswich Town under Bobby Robson. He also won the Cup Winners Cup and European Cup with Ajax and crossed the ball for the famous Marco Van Basten goal at Euro 88 which Holland went on to win. Arnold is a former youth coach at Ajax and has been to Ireland to conduct coaching seminars in partnership with the Football Coaches Association of Ireland. I’m already looking forward to the next trip in April as well as welcoming Patrick Ladru (U13-U16 Technical Manager) to Limerick and Galway that same month to conduct  the first ever Ajax coaching workshop in the west of Ireland.

TCD: Tell me about their SSG pathway and how it differs to ours? 

AON: The youngest team at the academy is the Under 8s. They train 3 times per week with an emphasis on developing technique and game intelligence using small sided games. Initially I was a little surprised to learn that this age group play 7v7 on match day but having watched them play on the Saturday morning it soon became clear to me that they were capable of playing this format.

The players were comfortable in possession and attempted to play out from the back when possible and had plenty of success in doing so. The formation used at this age group is either a 3-3 or a 2-3-1 and as with the older teams the focus is on keeping possession and taking players on in 1v1 situations. My conclusion is that at the academy level players are capable of playing 7v7 at Under 8 but games of 4v4 for example are more suitable for players of this age at amateur grassroots clubs which is the format we are moving towards in Ireland because we don’t have professional academies. It’s worth nothing that at Ajax we are talking about the best selection of Under 8s in Amsterdam all playing on the same team and we don’t currently have that situation in Ireland. One of the aims of the FCAI Player Development Programme is to get the best young players in a region as young as Under 7 training together one night per week and playing against other regions four times per year in a non-competitive small-sided games format.

Ajax U8s Playing Out From The Back

(Watch how they can pass 15/20 yards with ease, playing with a lighter ball)

Under 8’s

Another point of note is that the Under 8s play with a size 5 football that is much lighter in weight to a standard football. Even players as young as 7 years old were able to play 20-25 yard passes with proper weight which was intriguing to watch. The lighter footballs if anything encourage young players to get their head up and play a pass over a longer distance i.e. switch play because the football allows the player to technically make the pass. The result is young players passing the ball and keeping possession way beyond their years and this is mainly due to the weight of the football. On the other hand you could argue that a size 5 football is more difficult to control technically but that was not apparent at this level and we will be using these lighter weighted footballs in the Player Development Programme which incidentally also come in a size 4 for the youngest age groups. The 7v7 field did not have a penalty area which helped with the keeper joining in the play as a sweeper because he was not mentally restricted by his area. Corner kicks were taken at least 5 yards in from the corner flag and this was the same in the 11v11 set up so that the players could reach the penalty area with the kick.

Corner KickTeams progress from 7v7 to 11v11 at Under 11s and again having watched games at this age group it was evident that the players were comfortable with this format. They spend 3 years (U11-U13) playing in a 3-4-3 formation with a midfield diamond which helps with the development of 1v1s both defensively and offensively. If both teams play with a 3-4-3 formation you will notice that players are matched up in 1v1 situations all over the field. Teams then progress to using a 4-3-3 formation at Under 14 with one holding midfielder (6) and two attacking midfielders(8) & (10), similar to the Ajax 1st team as well as the current Barcelona and Bayern Munich 1st team.

The term over coaching is being used a lot in relation to kids soccer and we always hear people say, ‘let the game be the teacher’, how do Ajax coaches, coach? 

 In particular with the younger age groups which begin at Under 8, the coaching incorporates teaching the fundamentals of dribbling, receiving & passing and finishing with a heavy emphasis placed on developing creativity in 1v1 situations and the use of overloads i.e. 2v1s and 3v2s. Small-sided games are also widely used within the training sessions to develop game intelligence.

A recurring theme is that regardless of the age group, coaches only offer gentle encouragement on the sideline. The focus on match day is not the result of the game but how well the individuals in the team apply the topic of the previous week’s training which can be anything from playing out from the back to forward runs without the ball. There seems to be a great understanding between the players and the coaches of the set objectives for each game which is most often determined by the Technical Manager for a specific age group i.e. U13-U16.

In a coaching environment that facilitates development over winning, coaches are required to be as efficient as possible, providing maximum playing time in training sessions where enjoyment is the main priority; ensuring players are open to learning, whilst simultaneously removing the players from their comfort zone in order to take calculated risks. To maximise each player’s development, positions are rotated from game to game, preventing players from becoming one dimensional and instead producing talent capable of playing multiple roles at the highest level. 1st team player Daley Blind, son of Danny Blind is a great example of this as he is equally inept at playing as a holding midfielder as a left back and he was particularly outstanding in the recent win against Barcelona when he had to play both positions.

TCD: If we class success as winning in the same way Barcelona have done for many years, why can’t the Ajax formula work for Ajax in the same way it has done for Barca?  

AON: The Ajax formula is the most successful in Europe in terms of producing young players although not as successful as Barcelona in terms of winning the Champions League in recent times. I read a report recently from the International Centre for Sport Studies (CIES) which conducted a survey of Europe’s most competitive 31 leagues last year and found 69 players who had been coached at Ajax. This placed Ajax in first place ahead of Barcelona who finished fourth.

The problem Ajax encounter on almost a yearly basis is that due to not playing in one of the biggest and most lucrative leagues in Europe they struggle to hold on to their best players. I watched Ajax beat Barcelona 2-1 recently playing attacking free flowing football very similar to what we have witnessed from Barcelona themselves over the past 5 years. The majority of the Ajax team consisted of academy graduates with the average age of the side in the early twenties. I believe that if Ajax could have held on to players like Luis Suarez, Gregory van der Viel, Jan Vertonghen and Christen Eriksen allied to the current crop of young players they would indeed be challenging for the Champions League. It remains to be seen if they can hold on to the current group but in any case they will continue to produce good young talent because that’s the Ajax way.

PlayerDProgrammeTCD: Tell me about Ajax’s involvement in Ireland and how you’re getting involved? 

AON: Ajax initially set up the Ajax Online Academy to assist amateur grassroots clubs in Amsterdam and the surrounding area. The system provides access to 32 weeks of age specific training sessions from Under 7s to Under 15s as well as a player tracking system to evaluate each player and provide feedback to parents as well as other coaches within the club. As Ajax recruit the majority of their academy players from within Amsterdam itself this programme makes sense in that the coaches within the amateur grassroots clubs are able to use the Ajax coaching methodology and have access to a curriculum that coincides with Ajax’s philosophy and style of play.

Now the Ajax Online Academy has become available worldwide and is the official education partner of the Football Coaches Association of Ireland (FCAI). Through the FCAI club partnership programme clubs in Ireland can from a partnership with Ajax which entitles that club to access the Ajax Online Academy curriculum and participate on twice yearly trips to Ajax to see at first-hand how the academy operates from top to bottom.

I’m involved with the FCAI Player Development Programme which is a new initiative aimed at the development of young players aged 6-12 years old. There are currently two programmes in Dublin with further programmes planned throughout Ireland in 2014.

The Player Development Programme will operate on a regional basis. The programme is step by step in format and is developed in a non-competitive environment, which allows kids to improve consistently through their own mental and physical growth patterns, while also, crucially, enjoying the beautiful game.

Children are encouraged to continue to play and train for their club sides as part of their development. The programme will organise quarterly tournaments internally with other provinces. The tournaments are designed to give players the opportunity to play games across Ireland against those who are receiving the same footballing education.

From my experience teaching good habits and developing technique and game intelligence is best taught to players aged 8-12 years old which in Japan is called the ‘Golden Years of Learning’. Players at this age are most receptive to learning technique and gaining an insight into the game which relates to the Ajax TIPS model of recruiting players based on technique, insight, personality and speed.

The key for us is to make sure that players in these younger age groups are receiving quality age specific technical and tactical coaching similar to that at professional clubs on the continent.

TCD: How many clubs are using this method in Ireland? 

AON: Hartstown Huntstown and Cabinteely FC are the two clubs in Dublin currently using the Ajax Online Academy. Hartstown Hunstown has been using the programme for just over a year now and they had 15 coaches on the recent FCAI trip to Ajax where they learned about the Ajax vison, philosophy and style of play. The Ajax Head Scout also spoke in detail about the Ajax TIPS Model and the process involved in recruiting players for the academy.

Cabinteely FC are the latest club to become a partner of the Ajax Online Academy and the FCAI are currently speaking to numerous clubs up and down the country about potential new partnerships in 2014. I believe that this is the best education programme for amateur grassroots clubs on the market and clubs are aware of this when they see the FCAI presentation.  Not only can coaches attend Ajax coaching workshops in Ireland and travel to the Ajax Academy in Amsterdam, they also have full access to a complete age appropriate online curriculum developed by Ajax which they can use on a weekly basis at their club. This in turn will only benefit the long term development of the players.

CaboHHFC

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

TCD would like to thank Anthony for this brilliant insight into the ‘Ajax Way’. If you wish to get in touch with Anthony, you can email him at anthony@fcai.ie

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Categories
Coach Talk Irish Grassroots Football

COACHTALK: Austin Speight

I met up with Austin Speight again to find out how Coerver is going in Ireland. Austin Speight is a UEFA A qualified coach and the Ireland Director of Coerver Coaching.

He has worked at the highest level in England since age 28 as a coach & has worked with some of the games biggest names inc David Beckham, Steven Gerrard, Joe Cole, Frank Lampard and Man Uniteds latest £20m purchase from Blackburn Rovers, Phil Jones to name a few.

Austin has formerly coached at the following clubs: West Ham United (92-95); Stockport County (95-98); Manchester City (98-99); Blackburn Rovers (99-06) and Crewe Alexandra (06-07) and is currently working with some of the best British and European Soccer Academies.

TCD: How long has Coerver been operating in Ireland?

AS: Since 2009 so 4 years, Globally it has been around since 1984, 30th Anniversary 2014! We are planning a couple of big coaching events here in Ireland and our main event is in Madrid at Easter which is a global Coerver event.

TCD: Coerver seems to be accepted all over the world, do we really value ball mastery in Ireland?

AS: No there is extreme ignorance here in Ireland of coaching  generally and coaching techniques. Too much emphasis is put on winning at all costs, having leagues and results at younger ages, U12 and below is not good for development of young players or coaches. Ideally, coaches need to work individually with the player and then work with the team. Generally coaches just focus on the team and winning. Ideally, focus of U12 & below should be on development of talented players. Small sided games 4v4 etc more touches on the ball, more opportunities to defend & attack, more opportunities to score and no leagues or results.

In my experience of coaching all over Ireland both North and South very few, if any, clubs actually follow any coaching curriculum or plan. Each coach. team makes up the sessions without too much thought about technique or how to develop young players both male and female. Would you send your child to any school that didnt have a planned curriculum?

Coerver is huge across the globe especially in USA, Spain, France, Germany, Holland, Japan, Asia and Australia

“Skill is an athlete’s ability to choose and perform the right techniques at the right time, successfully, regularly and with a minimum of effort. Footballers use their skill to achieve football objectives. Skill is acquired and therefore has to be learned. Coerver Coaching has developed a strategic plan and curriculum over 30 yrs to help develop young players to reach that sort of level of ball mastery and technique & I would highly recommend this program to all young players & coaches in Northern Ireland.” Jim Magilton Elite Performance Director IFA

TCD: Where is Coerver operating in Ireland?

Cork, Waterford, we have a strong base there and we also work closely with development of coaches within the Cork Schoolboy League. We deliver monthly sessions in Cork which is open for all coaches at every club in the CSL. Eddie Doyle, the league Secretary, is a strong believer in the correct development of players and also coaches.

NDSL in Dublin with Mitch Whitty have also had Coerver in to deliver coach education programmes for the league coaches.

We have a coerver partner club program which in UK many grassroots and top professional clubs work with Coerver, such as Newcastle United, Arsenal, Stoke City etc. Here in Ireland, Shelbourne FC are one of our Partner Clubs, we have a 5 year development plan for the schoolboy section of the club which is aimed at developing both players and coaches.

Outside of this we have many Performance Academies across Ireland – we have just open 6 new ones in Northern Ireland. This is were parents pay coerver directly to improve their child by weekly coaching sessions. Basically getting pro level coaching at grassroots level and sole aim is technically developing the individual from age 5 upwards.

TCD: Are they IFA now using the Coerver programme for their underage teams?

AS: Yes the new head of Elite player development Jim Magilton is a big fan of Coerver and the results it has produced globally over 30 years. He has also been promoting Coerver to all grassroots clubs in Northern Ireland to use the system and have Coerver in at their individual clubs to develop players and equally the quality of  coaching. Not just the IFA, many of the Worlds leading clubs and National Associations use Coerver to improve their players technique.

TCD: How important is ball mastery and what age can kids start to master the ball?

AS: Its essential, if you cant master the ball- you cannot play!! The younger they start the better. Our Academy system here in Ireland and across Europe we start them at 5 years old. If you are being coached correctly on technique at 5-6 years old, how good are you going to be at 10, 12, 14 etc?? 5-6 year olds generally dont have any bad /poor playing habits, so given the correct instruction, it is amazing what they learn in a short space of time. We focus on 5-7 love of the game, 8-11 – skill Acquisition 12-16- team conversion.

Result at 12-16 you have players who can create a goal, score a goal or stop a goal.

TCD: How important is it for coaches to be working on ball mastery?

AS: Very important, players will not improve otherwise. How often when watching the Irish national team on any TV channel, the co commentator, constantly repeats the phrase “Lack of Technique” in comparison to who ever the opposition maybe.  Our 1 hour sessions with players, they literally touch the ball hundreds of times. Every session we deliver always has a ball, ball mastery – players all have a ball each.

TCD: What are your thoughts on Futsal?

AS: Futsal is good, anything that improves players touch, control, foot/ ball skills is a plus. Issue with futsal is can players transfer those skills onto grass in 11v11

TCD: I recently read about some Irish kids going to Spain to train after developing through the Coerver programme, is this true and what are the differences between an Irish kid and a Spanish kid at under age?

AS: Yes this developed from our Youth Diploma Course in Dublin with myself and Coerver Co Founder Charlie Cooke. The final part of the course, we invite some of our academy players in to play in the  final session. We had coaches attending the course from La Liga clubs and they invited one of the boys over. He has developed really well and he is now based in Madrid for next two years.

TCD: If coaches are interested in attending a Coerver course, how can they find out about the next one?

We several course throughout Ireland and we are delighted to say that our Youth Diploma Courses are always very well attended.

Next Course dates are as follows: 

Limerick Feb 22/23

Belfast March 2/9

Dublin May 17/18

Cork/Waterford TBC

We also have a new course – “Play like Spain” Which will be next Summer dates to confirmed at Tolka Park.

We can also come into any club anywhere in Ireland and deliver Coerver coach Education sessions for that club, or league. They can call our Irish Office on 042 936 6910.

If you want to find out more about Coerver Coaching check out their website www.coerver.ie or go straight to their Youtube page for some great content.

TCD would like to thank Austin for this interview.

Next Up: Mike Antoniades

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I always like to hear your opinions. Please comment below or email me info@thecoachdiary.com If, you don’t have anything to add then please forward this on to a friend. Thanks for reading.

I’m also on twitter @Coachdiary