This is sourced from http://www.footy4kids.co.uk/
Some very intersting survey results in this article.
There are many articles that suggest a team's win:loss ratio is not the correct way to measure success in youth soccer and we should measure the development of the children who play the game instead.
A coach who takes the opposing view – that I am a good coach if my team wins matches – is, in effect, saying that he is the most important person on the team and that the needs and wishes of the children who play for HIS TEAM are secondary to their own.
That may be an uncomfortable thought for the thousands of "win at all cost" coaches that prowl and growl along the touch lines every Saturday morning but there's no getting away from it: if you put winning matches at the top of your list of objectives, you are doing the children who play in your team a great disservice.
I can hear emails winging their way to me already. Emails along the lines of: "Steve... if we don't put winning at the centre of everything we do, our best players will leave the team to go to clubs that are more successful and eventually we'll have nothing!"
But if players go to other clubs, they are still playing soccer. So what are you worried about? That your team is weakened? But it's not your team. It belongs to the children who play in it and if they are still getting what they want out of soccer then your win:loss ratio is (or should be) irrelevant.
So let's consider for a moment just why our children want to play "the beautiful game".
Friday, October 29, 2010
Wednesday, October 27, 2010
School Sport Australia Under 12 Football Championship
This report is provided by NPL roving reporter, Simon Kravis. It's a bit late but don't blame Simon, I got it some time ago and seem to have lost the original somewhere on the Blogsite. Simon came to the rescue with another copy. So better later than never - it is a very comprehensive report and contains some terrific information.
School Sport Australia Under 12 Football Championship
Nelson Bay, NSW 29 Aug -3 Sep 2010
The legendary Eric Cantona once said that what he liked about English football was the passion that surrounded it and the way that it was played from end to end at a hundred miles per hour. All of these qualities were very much in evidence at this year’s School Sport Australia Under 12 Football championship, held at the Toomaree Sports Complex near Nelson Bay, just north of Newcastle in NSW between Mon 29 August and Friday 2 September. Boys and girls teams from New South Wales, Queensland, Victoria, South Australia, Northern Territory and the Australian Capital Territory took part. Boys and girls matches between the same regions followed each other in the initial stage of the competition, and a round-robin between the top and bottom three teams followed.
The qualities that so enthused Eric Cantona were most evident in the Boys competition and resulted in some enthralling games. There was no stroking the ball between defenders waiting for the other team to over-commit or make an error, no leisurely strolls of substitutes onto the field to wind down the clock, and minimal simulation or any other vices found at the higher levels of the game. Movements forward were always at top speed. Mistakes were common but as soon as they occurred the players would try to rectify them, seldom pausing for regret or frustration.
The benchmark for Under 12 boys football in Australia was set by the team from Singok Primary School in Korea in the 2008 Kanga Cup, where they would probably have won the Under 13 competition with their exceptional individual and team skills. They would have prevailed against any of the teams in the SSA competition this year, but would have had to have worked much harder – playing standards seem to be improving across the board.
Refereeing was of a high standard, with rough play quickly penalized and seldom occurring. As well as a canteen, there were coffee and fresh fruit stalls, both of which seemed to do excellent business, and smoking was banned around the pitches. Accommodation was organised individually for the ACT team but was easily available at Nelson Bay or other towns in the Port Stephens area close to the venue.
The tournament unfolded for the ACT teams as follows.
School Sport Australia Under 12 Football Championship
Nelson Bay, NSW 29 Aug -3 Sep 2010
The legendary Eric Cantona once said that what he liked about English football was the passion that surrounded it and the way that it was played from end to end at a hundred miles per hour. All of these qualities were very much in evidence at this year’s School Sport Australia Under 12 Football championship, held at the Toomaree Sports Complex near Nelson Bay, just north of Newcastle in NSW between Mon 29 August and Friday 2 September. Boys and girls teams from New South Wales, Queensland, Victoria, South Australia, Northern Territory and the Australian Capital Territory took part. Boys and girls matches between the same regions followed each other in the initial stage of the competition, and a round-robin between the top and bottom three teams followed.
The qualities that so enthused Eric Cantona were most evident in the Boys competition and resulted in some enthralling games. There was no stroking the ball between defenders waiting for the other team to over-commit or make an error, no leisurely strolls of substitutes onto the field to wind down the clock, and minimal simulation or any other vices found at the higher levels of the game. Movements forward were always at top speed. Mistakes were common but as soon as they occurred the players would try to rectify them, seldom pausing for regret or frustration.
The benchmark for Under 12 boys football in Australia was set by the team from Singok Primary School in Korea in the 2008 Kanga Cup, where they would probably have won the Under 13 competition with their exceptional individual and team skills. They would have prevailed against any of the teams in the SSA competition this year, but would have had to have worked much harder – playing standards seem to be improving across the board.
Refereeing was of a high standard, with rough play quickly penalized and seldom occurring. As well as a canteen, there were coffee and fresh fruit stalls, both of which seemed to do excellent business, and smoking was banned around the pitches. Accommodation was organised individually for the ACT team but was easily available at Nelson Bay or other towns in the Port Stephens area close to the venue.
The tournament unfolded for the ACT teams as follows.
Coaches, Coaching and Taking Responsibility For Results
My colleague in Football Eamonn Flanagan (Nearpost National radio program) drew my attention to a very "hot" interview between Craig Foster and Ange Postecoglou. I hold Foster in high regard in Football and have a similiar view of Postecoglou. I don't know either person, except through the lens of Football.
For me, this video was hard to watch. They were dealing with a important matter to hand - the development of our best players and our participation in youth world cups. Foster was right to draw a line on the performance of the Australian Youth teams Postecoglou coached. Postecoglou was right to feel aggreived, as so much impacts on the selection, preparation and campaigning of an Australian team to a World Cup, that the proposistions put by Foster were overwhelming, appeared deeply offensive and unfair. But that's not Foster's go. As I watched again, it looked to me like a hundred other Football arguements I have seen at Clubs, and at games on the sideline or in the dresing sheds or the drive home, at Junior and Senior levels over many years. There are several happening right now in several of our Premier League Clubs and just as hard. This one was on national television.
Foster continues to do wonderful work in Football and Postecoglou is coaching and resurrecting an A League team others had given up for dead and doing it well. Both are good for Football.
Then I found another Craig Foster piece concerning the hapless John Kosimna, as he imploded as Coach at Sydney FC. Not a pretty sight and again, nothing like the full story for a fantastic Football player and Coach that Kosimna was and may still be. As with the other, I admire Kosmina, but what must be happening to him in this interview is written all over Foster's face.
Nothing wrong with being held to account for results. Coaches know the buck stops with them, but they have a right to expect others in their Club / orgainsation to be corageous enough to take thier share of the blame. After all, "success has a thousand fathers".
Bring this down to our Capital Football Premier League - I can think of three Clubs at this time who have, or, are in the throws of Coaching dramas, which if not resolved will cripple their competitive endeavours in season 2011. They just don't make national television, but they do embroil their local members and its just as important as the level of football for the two interviews and for a little while it is high local drama. Though let me tell you this - if we did have vision and audio of some of the local "debates" it would make a cracking "reality series". Football is nothing if not passionate in nature at every level of the game. Sadly, turn the passion up and down goes the good judgement.
Coaching a Football team, at any level, at any age, is a hard task. It's often a thankless one, for most it is without any sort of remuneration and all too often, can reap a bitter harvest of gratuitous unpleasant criticism that can make the coach feel it's all a waste of time.
We loose a lot of Coaches, just as we loose a lot of referees. Coaches are seldom abused on the sideline during the game, but a few too many of them indulge in the same unacceptable practice toward match officials and their own players. In these latter circumstances, Clubs, players and parents are happy to see the back of the Coach.
Coaching at the junior / youth level in Football carries with it considerable responsibilities. Parents of players usually volunteer at these early ages, just so that the young players can form a team and play. No Coach, no team, no play. Junior Clubs float on the generousity of spirit of volunteers, but they can't accept a team of young players without a Coach.
Coaching Senior Football is obviously different because of the age of the players involved, the all embracing demand to produce "wins". but I wager, that if you asked any local Football Coach if they could identify with the problems of coaching at the senior level - lets say the Premier League in the ACT region, they would quickly connect with the situation.
When the Coaching responsibilities step up to the levels of the persons int he interviews (see below), we are dealing with people's chosen profession and the "business" of a Football Club, not to mention Club and National supporter expectations. The stakes are high.
By and large, Coaches of Football teams just do the job as best they can, with the players they have and with precious little support or resources. Most would dip into their own pocket each season to cover off on mising equipment and other costs.
Investing in good coaching habits and practice is returned many times over at every level of football in the region.
Punishing a Coach by laying the blame for a poor season is often not fair and disposing of a Coach during a season, often says more about the inadequacies and poor judegment of those that appointed the Coach than it does of the Coach. Clubs can be so stupid, providing unhelpful intereference, rather than help and support to a Coach under pressure to win. Parents too often collude on the sideline and simply defame a coach, but with not idea themselves how to put it right or be prepared to undertake the task. It can get very nasty. Why would a Coach come back for that next season? Often they do not. Just like Referees.
Coach education and training has been the single biggest change in Football in the ACT in the last few years. Its a product of the new National Football Curriculum and without it, the curriculum will fail to take hold. We need a lot more of it, much more than Capital Football has been able to deliver or prepared to resource. We now know to an absolute certainty that it can make a decisive difference for the good of the game. It is the most critical point of association between Capital Football and Clubs. Simple as that!
So please watch these two vidoes from the past and reflect on coaching. Nothing wrong with a genuine conflict of ideas, but no point in tearing good people apart.
For me, this video was hard to watch. They were dealing with a important matter to hand - the development of our best players and our participation in youth world cups. Foster was right to draw a line on the performance of the Australian Youth teams Postecoglou coached. Postecoglou was right to feel aggreived, as so much impacts on the selection, preparation and campaigning of an Australian team to a World Cup, that the proposistions put by Foster were overwhelming, appeared deeply offensive and unfair. But that's not Foster's go. As I watched again, it looked to me like a hundred other Football arguements I have seen at Clubs, and at games on the sideline or in the dresing sheds or the drive home, at Junior and Senior levels over many years. There are several happening right now in several of our Premier League Clubs and just as hard. This one was on national television.
Foster continues to do wonderful work in Football and Postecoglou is coaching and resurrecting an A League team others had given up for dead and doing it well. Both are good for Football.
Then I found another Craig Foster piece concerning the hapless John Kosimna, as he imploded as Coach at Sydney FC. Not a pretty sight and again, nothing like the full story for a fantastic Football player and Coach that Kosimna was and may still be. As with the other, I admire Kosmina, but what must be happening to him in this interview is written all over Foster's face.
Nothing wrong with being held to account for results. Coaches know the buck stops with them, but they have a right to expect others in their Club / orgainsation to be corageous enough to take thier share of the blame. After all, "success has a thousand fathers".
Bring this down to our Capital Football Premier League - I can think of three Clubs at this time who have, or, are in the throws of Coaching dramas, which if not resolved will cripple their competitive endeavours in season 2011. They just don't make national television, but they do embroil their local members and its just as important as the level of football for the two interviews and for a little while it is high local drama. Though let me tell you this - if we did have vision and audio of some of the local "debates" it would make a cracking "reality series". Football is nothing if not passionate in nature at every level of the game. Sadly, turn the passion up and down goes the good judgement.
Coaching a Football team, at any level, at any age, is a hard task. It's often a thankless one, for most it is without any sort of remuneration and all too often, can reap a bitter harvest of gratuitous unpleasant criticism that can make the coach feel it's all a waste of time.
We loose a lot of Coaches, just as we loose a lot of referees. Coaches are seldom abused on the sideline during the game, but a few too many of them indulge in the same unacceptable practice toward match officials and their own players. In these latter circumstances, Clubs, players and parents are happy to see the back of the Coach.
Coaching at the junior / youth level in Football carries with it considerable responsibilities. Parents of players usually volunteer at these early ages, just so that the young players can form a team and play. No Coach, no team, no play. Junior Clubs float on the generousity of spirit of volunteers, but they can't accept a team of young players without a Coach.
Coaching Senior Football is obviously different because of the age of the players involved, the all embracing demand to produce "wins". but I wager, that if you asked any local Football Coach if they could identify with the problems of coaching at the senior level - lets say the Premier League in the ACT region, they would quickly connect with the situation.
When the Coaching responsibilities step up to the levels of the persons int he interviews (see below), we are dealing with people's chosen profession and the "business" of a Football Club, not to mention Club and National supporter expectations. The stakes are high.
By and large, Coaches of Football teams just do the job as best they can, with the players they have and with precious little support or resources. Most would dip into their own pocket each season to cover off on mising equipment and other costs.
Investing in good coaching habits and practice is returned many times over at every level of football in the region.
Punishing a Coach by laying the blame for a poor season is often not fair and disposing of a Coach during a season, often says more about the inadequacies and poor judegment of those that appointed the Coach than it does of the Coach. Clubs can be so stupid, providing unhelpful intereference, rather than help and support to a Coach under pressure to win. Parents too often collude on the sideline and simply defame a coach, but with not idea themselves how to put it right or be prepared to undertake the task. It can get very nasty. Why would a Coach come back for that next season? Often they do not. Just like Referees.
Coach education and training has been the single biggest change in Football in the ACT in the last few years. Its a product of the new National Football Curriculum and without it, the curriculum will fail to take hold. We need a lot more of it, much more than Capital Football has been able to deliver or prepared to resource. We now know to an absolute certainty that it can make a decisive difference for the good of the game. It is the most critical point of association between Capital Football and Clubs. Simple as that!
So please watch these two vidoes from the past and reflect on coaching. Nothing wrong with a genuine conflict of ideas, but no point in tearing good people apart.
Tuesday, October 26, 2010
Majura FC Is On The Rise!
Majura FC has been doing a lot of thinking and planning about how to improve Football opportunities for young players and make it all a bit more "family friendly".
Then they took some direct action!
The objective - to extend the season beyond the short playing season, keep our children engaged in the sport and give them a real opportunity to develop. Well they've done it. It's going "gangbusters".
Right now, they have Coerver Coaching (easily the best individual technical coaching solution around the world) running technical development for the young players and they are getting 85 of their kids down to ANU on Thursday 5.30 - 6.30pm. How good is that? And all done by themselves.
Here is an brief outline of the program Majura FC Board has agreed to put in place for next year:
Nine months football for those who want - plus kids can always head to Coerver and HPP.
1. Coerver 6 week pre-season program at reduced/sponsored rate - starts March 1
2. Goalkeeping clinic with Paul Jones - reduced sponsored rate
3. Pre-season Mother and daughter intro clinic $25 a head
4. In-season one night per week Coerver clinic reduced/sponsored rate - on top of normal training
5. All Coaching Courses free - a first for Majura
6. Summer Sixes next season including paid administrator - and Development program. 6's will run Tuesday, Dev Thurs. and a discount thru sponsor and if you sign up for both. All Coaches and Assistants will be paid, must be licenced and take direction from our TD.
Top effort Majura FC. You need a football club on the inner Northside, take your child to Majura FC next season, matter of fact ring up Majura FC now. Why would you do anything else?
1. Coerver 6 week pre-season program at reduced/sponsored rate - starts March 1
2. Goalkeeping clinic with Paul Jones - reduced sponsored rate
3. Pre-season Mother and daughter intro clinic $25 a head
4. In-season one night per week Coerver clinic reduced/sponsored rate - on top of normal training
5. All Coaching Courses free - a first for Majura
6. Summer Sixes next season including paid administrator - and Development program. 6's will run Tuesday, Dev Thurs. and a discount thru sponsor and if you sign up for both. All Coaches and Assistants will be paid, must be licenced and take direction from our TD.
CEO Capital Football Talks About Canberra United
CEO Capital Football and CEO Canberra United are one in the same person - Heather Reid.
Women's Football is improving rapidly in the ACT region and that is just the way it should be. The pathway for talented female players goes all the way from the local junior club to the Matildas if you are good enough. Just one important difference - its only possible because the ACT players and W league clubs pay the players nothing! Can you see a male player at comparable level accepting that situation? No way!
So for all those "chaps" loitering on the sidelines and having a little whinge about the fact that the "girls game" is getting "all the priority" (as one unenlightened selfish father with a son playing good football said to me last week), just remind yourself - whatever is being done for women's football is long overdue and it isn't enough.
So much more can be done for boys /men, no doubt of it, but don't pull the roof down over women's football. Don't make women's football in the ACT region the target of your unhappiness. Women's football development is fragile. Our Women's Premier League is in its infancy. Its worth noting that the W League teams are just about all underwritten by the member federations and as expensive as that is, its nothing like the costs associated with running the men's equivalent.
We are not going to get an A League team people, so get over it. The FFA doesn't want Canberra and frankly, the likelihood that we can sustain the yearly operating costs for an A League and A League Youth team from public contributions, gate receipts or a benefactor with long arms and short pockets (and does that really work??) is not strong enough yet to make the business case viable.
So we (that is - the ACT Clubs and Capital Football) must find another way to develop and assist the boys/ men break into higher levels of football - John Mitchells' plan (see earlier podcast on this blog) is a very good idea. Best I have heard in ages. Campaign talented boys/mens teams in the NSW competitions. The Boomerangs FS club proved it can be done with their very successful participation in the NSW Futsal Supa League and very modest support, but lots of drive from a few smart football people.
Instead of some otherwise well intentioned football people seeing women's football as a threat - perhaps these critics may care to entertain the possibility that the women's solution is "the way ahead"!
The W League season is close to starting and our Canberra United has been in preparation under Coach Junna, since the end of the last game of the past season. Coach Junna is also the Head Coach ACTAS Womens Football and, together with club coaches, has maximised every playing opportunity for the talented female players and Canberra United / Matildas etc aspirants. Its made a huge difference to the women's game in the ACT and the development opportunities for young female players. Nothing happens without forward thinking, flexibility, hard work, modest amounts of resources at the right time, good communication, parents picking up all the pieces in the background every day and tip top football expertise. Canberra United has had two terrific seasons and another very good season is anticipated.
In this interview, Heather Reid talks about the Canberra United playing roster, who's in and who has departed and why. We branch off into a short discussion about the Capital Football Women's Premier League and the grand finals just past, the ACTAS programs, the Futsal factor, what happened to the Central Coast Mariners Women's W League team, the funding arrangements for W League teams and the terrific possibilities for our young female players in the USA. Terrific interview as always with Heather.
Canberra United appear to have a stronger playing roster this season. They have five games at home, four will be televised and you would be nuts not to go and watch the games. I promise you, it will be top class football. The W League season can't start soon enough!
The final section of this interview is an extract from a lengthy interview the NPL did with Ed Hollis - Head Coach of Woden Valley Womens FC. WVWFC have lifted the bar considerably in Womens Premier League football in the ACT. You will enjoy the full interview and this extract nails the Woden Valley colours to the mast right from the off! It can be done and we have lots of smart people in football in the ACT that can get it done.
Download Podcast here:
Women's Football is improving rapidly in the ACT region and that is just the way it should be. The pathway for talented female players goes all the way from the local junior club to the Matildas if you are good enough. Just one important difference - its only possible because the ACT players and W league clubs pay the players nothing! Can you see a male player at comparable level accepting that situation? No way!
So for all those "chaps" loitering on the sidelines and having a little whinge about the fact that the "girls game" is getting "all the priority" (as one unenlightened selfish father with a son playing good football said to me last week), just remind yourself - whatever is being done for women's football is long overdue and it isn't enough.
So much more can be done for boys /men, no doubt of it, but don't pull the roof down over women's football. Don't make women's football in the ACT region the target of your unhappiness. Women's football development is fragile. Our Women's Premier League is in its infancy. Its worth noting that the W League teams are just about all underwritten by the member federations and as expensive as that is, its nothing like the costs associated with running the men's equivalent.
We are not going to get an A League team people, so get over it. The FFA doesn't want Canberra and frankly, the likelihood that we can sustain the yearly operating costs for an A League and A League Youth team from public contributions, gate receipts or a benefactor with long arms and short pockets (and does that really work??) is not strong enough yet to make the business case viable.
So we (that is - the ACT Clubs and Capital Football) must find another way to develop and assist the boys/ men break into higher levels of football - John Mitchells' plan (see earlier podcast on this blog) is a very good idea. Best I have heard in ages. Campaign talented boys/mens teams in the NSW competitions. The Boomerangs FS club proved it can be done with their very successful participation in the NSW Futsal Supa League and very modest support, but lots of drive from a few smart football people.
Instead of some otherwise well intentioned football people seeing women's football as a threat - perhaps these critics may care to entertain the possibility that the women's solution is "the way ahead"!
The W League season is close to starting and our Canberra United has been in preparation under Coach Junna, since the end of the last game of the past season. Coach Junna is also the Head Coach ACTAS Womens Football and, together with club coaches, has maximised every playing opportunity for the talented female players and Canberra United / Matildas etc aspirants. Its made a huge difference to the women's game in the ACT and the development opportunities for young female players. Nothing happens without forward thinking, flexibility, hard work, modest amounts of resources at the right time, good communication, parents picking up all the pieces in the background every day and tip top football expertise. Canberra United has had two terrific seasons and another very good season is anticipated.
In this interview, Heather Reid talks about the Canberra United playing roster, who's in and who has departed and why. We branch off into a short discussion about the Capital Football Women's Premier League and the grand finals just past, the ACTAS programs, the Futsal factor, what happened to the Central Coast Mariners Women's W League team, the funding arrangements for W League teams and the terrific possibilities for our young female players in the USA. Terrific interview as always with Heather.
Canberra United appear to have a stronger playing roster this season. They have five games at home, four will be televised and you would be nuts not to go and watch the games. I promise you, it will be top class football. The W League season can't start soon enough!
The final section of this interview is an extract from a lengthy interview the NPL did with Ed Hollis - Head Coach of Woden Valley Womens FC. WVWFC have lifted the bar considerably in Womens Premier League football in the ACT. You will enjoy the full interview and this extract nails the Woden Valley colours to the mast right from the off! It can be done and we have lots of smart people in football in the ACT that can get it done.
Download Podcast here:
Monday, October 25, 2010
What Is VO2 Max?
Sourced from http://sportsmedicine.about.com/od/anatomyandphysiology/a/VO2_max.htm
What Is VO2 Max?
VO2 Max Measures Aerobic Fitness and Maximal Oxygen Uptake
By Elizabeth Quinn
VO2 max, or maximal oxygen uptake, is one factor that can determine an athlete's capacity to perform sustained exercise and is linked to aerobic endurance. VO2 max refers to the maximum amount of oxygen that an individual can utilize during intense or maximal exercise. It is measured as "milliliters of oxygen used in one minute per kilogram of body weight."
This measurement is generally considered the best indicator of an athlete's cardiovascular fitness and aerobic endurance. Theoretically, the more oxygen you can use during high level exercise, the more ATP (energy) you can produce. This is often the case with elite endurance athletes who typically have very high VO2 max values.
What Is VO2 Max?
VO2 Max Measures Aerobic Fitness and Maximal Oxygen Uptake
By Elizabeth Quinn
VO2 max, or maximal oxygen uptake, is one factor that can determine an athlete's capacity to perform sustained exercise and is linked to aerobic endurance. VO2 max refers to the maximum amount of oxygen that an individual can utilize during intense or maximal exercise. It is measured as "milliliters of oxygen used in one minute per kilogram of body weight."
This measurement is generally considered the best indicator of an athlete's cardiovascular fitness and aerobic endurance. Theoretically, the more oxygen you can use during high level exercise, the more ATP (energy) you can produce. This is often the case with elite endurance athletes who typically have very high VO2 max values.
Friday, October 22, 2010
So where is the Nearpost Local "listener" located?
The Nearpost Local is being picked up all over the world. It's a world game for sure and what happens in our region is not a lot different to a lot of other places in the world.
Here are some of the countreis that listen to the podcasts or read the NPL Blog:
Australia
United States
United Kingdom
Germany
France
Canada
Italy
Mexico
Spain
Netherlands
Various countries in the Asian region
Here are some of the countreis that listen to the podcasts or read the NPL Blog:
Australia
United States
United Kingdom
Germany
France
Canada
Italy
Mexico
Spain
Netherlands
Various countries in the Asian region
Wednesday, October 20, 2010
Some Advice For Dealing With Parental Complaints
Sourced from http://www.footy4kids.co.uk/
I coach a young Futsal team, all the boys are from the same school and the abilities vary enormously.
They are all good lads. We have only trained so far and our first game is this week. The boys are keen and train hard. Everything Ok so far - or so I thought!
Just when you think its going well, a parent gives you a ring and does a heartfelt downlaod on how unhappy her boy is at the moment and the other boy(s) criticising him because he isn't a good player, and of course - its all awful, they are not putting up with it and what am I (coach) going to do about it. Hmmmm!
I try to explain that the situation she has just recounted to me did not happen as she described it, I was there, neither her or her husband attended and in Futsal you are close enough to hear just about everything at training. She reminds me that her son is "not a very good player" and "makes lots of mistakes". I try to explain to her that while her boy is not very strong technically, in this case the weakest in the group, he trains well, is very well behaved and is getting better. I also remind her that bridging large technical deficiencies will take a lot of time and practice, much more than he will get from me in one season, so its best to reconcile herself to that now and appreciate the forward progress when it happens and keep him playing. I go on to say that while the siutation was nothing like the one she described, the thing that mattered is why and how her son feels as he does at the moment and what we can do about it. She agrees, but not happy, still feeling that her son is on the receiving end of what I suggest to her can only be described (were it true) as Bullying. Just didnl;t happen, but I know for certain that we are a long way from home on this one.
I remind her that the game is not played in silence, that the boys all make plenty of mistakes in training and will make plenty every game, and that they do express their exasperation with themselves and about each other when they are playing or training. Players have expectations of each other. In my view it is withing reasonable bounds. No good though, she is back on how awful things were at training for her son.
I try in vain to tell her that what was said to her son by other players at training was not significant nor unusual nor more so than the others. I feel I have failed to make my point. This is not what this parent wants to hear - but what do they want? I ask her or her husband to come to training as observe it for themsleves - other parents do when time permits! No response.
I take another tack. I say that if she can accept that the level of commentary directed at her son by any other player (and in total) was neither unreasonable nor excessive, then what we are dealing with is her son's concern that he feels he is not as competent as other players. Its how he sees it at the moment. If he feels this way, we must deal with it, but deriding the other boy(s) and suggesting that my coaching allowed or enabled it to happen, is both incorrect and in this case unhelpful.
The parent responds by saying that he son had a dreadful football season and in her view, "for all the same reasons". Hmmm! There is some baggage here. Ok I say to myself, lets get this to a place where I can assist the boy, because the thought that he will feel misreable during the Futsal season is not acceptable.
I also remind her that the more experienced players are "competitive". I coach to "develop", and leave the "winning" to them when they play. I make the point that these young players are all very hard trainers and play the way they train. I close by saying that this is a team environment and her boy has joined a group of lads who, while they are certain not to the best team, will be competitive and their experience in the game so far has taught them what is needed to "win". I say to her that this is healthy, there is nothing wrong with a good work ethic and we must ensure her son becomes part of that environment and not allow himself to be cast as a "victim" because he feels he is not as comnpetent as other players.
As I listened to this concerned parent, I remind myself that the father of this lad was a serial pest on the sideline in football this season past. I had a coaching support role from the school in football and dealt with the team and coach the boy had this season. I recall (to myself only), how I had to reprimand the father for "inappropraite coaching" on the sideline (several times) and on one occassion for abusing a young refs assistant because he felt the offisde call was wrong. I can only imagine the talk on the drive home. I wonder to myself if this father (or indeed the mother) has ever asked himself how his son feels about his conduct. I know the answer is no, my experience is they never do. I can think all this but can't say it to this concerned parent (mother) on the phone.
The discussion ended amicably, but I feel certain that it will surface again.
Obviously the boy is distressed because he feels he is not as good a player as some of the others. I can do some things to make him feel more at ease. I know I can speak to two of the experienced players (very responsible boys) and enlist them to assist him feel good about his contribution as the season unfolds. Peer group support works well if done well. I can make some adjustments without appearing over concerned to the other boys. I reckon the boy is strong enough to go past this problem, he never misses training, works hard in training and never complains at training and that all counts for a lot. It will take time and I don't want him to stop playing. As to the parents, well, that's a work in progress. Sometimes its like that!
So I rang a couple of coaches I know and did a bit of reading. It doesn't matter how many times over thte years you encounter this kind of situation involving parents, its always difficult and worrying. You can never be complacent. But it can take the gloss off coaching and that's just not fair to all the other young players. Here is something I found that is useful.
Some Advice For Dealing With Parental Complaints
Almost every parent occasionally disagrees with your decisions as a coach (whether or not you hear about it). Usually, the parent is simply putting the interests of the child first - and seeing things from the child's point of view. Most parents don't complain, and are more likely to leave the team if they are unhappy with how things are handled. So, it is good to have parents who will bother to give you feedback (even if it can be painful to hear). Most of the time, this feedback is well-intentioned - and the parent simply wants an explanation for what has happened or wants to offer some suggestions about alternate ways to do things. Most of the time, this advice is well-intentioned (and the parent had no desire whatsoever to take over the team - or to try to order you around).
I coach a young Futsal team, all the boys are from the same school and the abilities vary enormously.
They are all good lads. We have only trained so far and our first game is this week. The boys are keen and train hard. Everything Ok so far - or so I thought!
Just when you think its going well, a parent gives you a ring and does a heartfelt downlaod on how unhappy her boy is at the moment and the other boy(s) criticising him because he isn't a good player, and of course - its all awful, they are not putting up with it and what am I (coach) going to do about it. Hmmmm!
I try to explain that the situation she has just recounted to me did not happen as she described it, I was there, neither her or her husband attended and in Futsal you are close enough to hear just about everything at training. She reminds me that her son is "not a very good player" and "makes lots of mistakes". I try to explain to her that while her boy is not very strong technically, in this case the weakest in the group, he trains well, is very well behaved and is getting better. I also remind her that bridging large technical deficiencies will take a lot of time and practice, much more than he will get from me in one season, so its best to reconcile herself to that now and appreciate the forward progress when it happens and keep him playing. I go on to say that while the siutation was nothing like the one she described, the thing that mattered is why and how her son feels as he does at the moment and what we can do about it. She agrees, but not happy, still feeling that her son is on the receiving end of what I suggest to her can only be described (were it true) as Bullying. Just didnl;t happen, but I know for certain that we are a long way from home on this one.
I remind her that the game is not played in silence, that the boys all make plenty of mistakes in training and will make plenty every game, and that they do express their exasperation with themselves and about each other when they are playing or training. Players have expectations of each other. In my view it is withing reasonable bounds. No good though, she is back on how awful things were at training for her son.
I try in vain to tell her that what was said to her son by other players at training was not significant nor unusual nor more so than the others. I feel I have failed to make my point. This is not what this parent wants to hear - but what do they want? I ask her or her husband to come to training as observe it for themsleves - other parents do when time permits! No response.
I take another tack. I say that if she can accept that the level of commentary directed at her son by any other player (and in total) was neither unreasonable nor excessive, then what we are dealing with is her son's concern that he feels he is not as competent as other players. Its how he sees it at the moment. If he feels this way, we must deal with it, but deriding the other boy(s) and suggesting that my coaching allowed or enabled it to happen, is both incorrect and in this case unhelpful.
The parent responds by saying that he son had a dreadful football season and in her view, "for all the same reasons". Hmmm! There is some baggage here. Ok I say to myself, lets get this to a place where I can assist the boy, because the thought that he will feel misreable during the Futsal season is not acceptable.
I also remind her that the more experienced players are "competitive". I coach to "develop", and leave the "winning" to them when they play. I make the point that these young players are all very hard trainers and play the way they train. I close by saying that this is a team environment and her boy has joined a group of lads who, while they are certain not to the best team, will be competitive and their experience in the game so far has taught them what is needed to "win". I say to her that this is healthy, there is nothing wrong with a good work ethic and we must ensure her son becomes part of that environment and not allow himself to be cast as a "victim" because he feels he is not as comnpetent as other players.
As I listened to this concerned parent, I remind myself that the father of this lad was a serial pest on the sideline in football this season past. I had a coaching support role from the school in football and dealt with the team and coach the boy had this season. I recall (to myself only), how I had to reprimand the father for "inappropraite coaching" on the sideline (several times) and on one occassion for abusing a young refs assistant because he felt the offisde call was wrong. I can only imagine the talk on the drive home. I wonder to myself if this father (or indeed the mother) has ever asked himself how his son feels about his conduct. I know the answer is no, my experience is they never do. I can think all this but can't say it to this concerned parent (mother) on the phone.
The discussion ended amicably, but I feel certain that it will surface again.
Obviously the boy is distressed because he feels he is not as good a player as some of the others. I can do some things to make him feel more at ease. I know I can speak to two of the experienced players (very responsible boys) and enlist them to assist him feel good about his contribution as the season unfolds. Peer group support works well if done well. I can make some adjustments without appearing over concerned to the other boys. I reckon the boy is strong enough to go past this problem, he never misses training, works hard in training and never complains at training and that all counts for a lot. It will take time and I don't want him to stop playing. As to the parents, well, that's a work in progress. Sometimes its like that!
So I rang a couple of coaches I know and did a bit of reading. It doesn't matter how many times over thte years you encounter this kind of situation involving parents, its always difficult and worrying. You can never be complacent. But it can take the gloss off coaching and that's just not fair to all the other young players. Here is something I found that is useful.
Some Advice For Dealing With Parental Complaints
Almost every parent occasionally disagrees with your decisions as a coach (whether or not you hear about it). Usually, the parent is simply putting the interests of the child first - and seeing things from the child's point of view. Most parents don't complain, and are more likely to leave the team if they are unhappy with how things are handled. So, it is good to have parents who will bother to give you feedback (even if it can be painful to hear). Most of the time, this feedback is well-intentioned - and the parent simply wants an explanation for what has happened or wants to offer some suggestions about alternate ways to do things. Most of the time, this advice is well-intentioned (and the parent had no desire whatsoever to take over the team - or to try to order you around).
Tuesday, October 19, 2010
Classic Aussie Futsal Final - Mens Nationals 2009
Sourced from http://futsal4all.com/futsal-videos/
Get in the Futsal grove and watch the Final. Terrific match. No shortage of Australian reps in this one.
2009 FFA Futsal Nationals : Open Mens Grand Final from Futsal4All on Vimeo.
Get in the Futsal grove and watch the Final. Terrific match. No shortage of Australian reps in this one.
2009 FFA Futsal Nationals : Open Mens Grand Final from Futsal4All on Vimeo.
Viking World Champs to be Streamed Live
Sourced from http://futsal4all.com/
Another jump forward for Futsal on the web
After testing the system at the Australasian School Futsal Championships the Live Streaming Crew will be in Kuala Lumpur from October 26th streaming games from the 2010 Vikings World Futsal Championships.Games will be streamed at www.futsaltv.org and when the draw becomes available you will be able to follow the Kiwi’s live.NZFA CEO Paul Wadsworth has been involved in the setting up of Futsal TV and was in Brisbane for it’s lauch earlier this month. “The streaming now means our futsal fans and supporters can just go online and watch all the games”. “The only limitation is the upload speed of the internet connection in Kuala Lumpur but have been informed all is good, I expect large numbers from NZ to follow the men and women”.
5500 tuned in to watch the Australasian School Championships and it is expected many thousand more from around the world will take the chance to follow the games online.
To view the games go to http://www.futsaltv.org/
Another jump forward for Futsal on the web
After testing the system at the Australasian School Futsal Championships the Live Streaming Crew will be in Kuala Lumpur from October 26th streaming games from the 2010 Vikings World Futsal Championships.Games will be streamed at www.futsaltv.org and when the draw becomes available you will be able to follow the Kiwi’s live.NZFA CEO Paul Wadsworth has been involved in the setting up of Futsal TV and was in Brisbane for it’s lauch earlier this month. “The streaming now means our futsal fans and supporters can just go online and watch all the games”. “The only limitation is the upload speed of the internet connection in Kuala Lumpur but have been informed all is good, I expect large numbers from NZ to follow the men and women”.
5500 tuned in to watch the Australasian School Championships and it is expected many thousand more from around the world will take the chance to follow the games online.
To view the games go to http://www.futsaltv.org/
Futsal - The Tricks! Gotta Love it!
Lots of good control of the ball under the sole of the foot. Tricks and flicks. More of it the better.
The LARS Procedure For Ruptured Anterior Cruciate Ligaments (ACL)
This was sourced from Sports Injury Doctor [sports-perform@nce.sports-performance.com]and Chris Mallac at http://rehabtrainer.com.au/
There is a new fad that has hit the orthopedic wards in Australia and it’s called the LARS procedure. Recently, some key and prominent professional Australian Rules Footballers (AFL) have successfully undergone LARS procedures for ruptured Anterior Cruciate Ligaments (ACL) and have returned to full competitive sport well within 4 months post operatively. Usually the best case scenario with the traditional ACL reconstruction, which uses a hamstring or patella tendon graft, is 6-7 months although most take more like 9 months. So what is all this fuss about?
The Anterior Cruciate Ligament
The Anterior Cruciate Ligament (ACL) is an internal knee ligament responsible primarily for stability of the knee, particularly in rotation. It also prevents the tibia (shin bone) from sliding forward in relation to the femur (thigh bone).
The ACL is common to rupture in sporting endeavours either by direct contact to the outside of the knee (e.g. being tackled awkwardly in Rugby) or more commonly from twisting it e.g. like a side step in field/court sports.
When ruptured they will not naturally heal and so require surgical reconstruction. Failure to do so will not only prevent the athlete from ever having a properly functioning knee again but will also likely result in the early onset of arthritis. Surgeons are divided on what they use to reconstruct the ACL but commonly hamstring or patella tendons are used.
"Because the surgeon does not need to use any of your own ligaments, he effectively avoids creating another injury – either to the hamstring or the patella tendon."
What is a LARS?
LARS stands for “Ligament Augmentation and Reconstruction System”. This is a synthetic ligament the surgeon can insert into the knee that directly mimics the normal anatomy of the ACL. The design of the LARS artificial ligament has an inner longitudinal core that allows fibres of the injured ACL to naturally grow along this internal synthetic scaffold of a ligament. The unfortunate patient who has just ruptured their ACL will need to have a remaining ‘stump’ of ligament left which can be attached to the bone. Preferably the stump is still attached to the femur.
What is the benefit?
Well here is the exciting thing. Because the surgeon does not need to use any of your own ligaments, he effectively avoids creating another injury – either to the hamstring or the patella tendon. The main benefits are that:
So, will we see an increase incidence of knee arthritis in these LARS knees in 5-10 years time? .
There is a new fad that has hit the orthopedic wards in Australia and it’s called the LARS procedure. Recently, some key and prominent professional Australian Rules Footballers (AFL) have successfully undergone LARS procedures for ruptured Anterior Cruciate Ligaments (ACL) and have returned to full competitive sport well within 4 months post operatively. Usually the best case scenario with the traditional ACL reconstruction, which uses a hamstring or patella tendon graft, is 6-7 months although most take more like 9 months. So what is all this fuss about?
"Because the surgeon does not need to use any of your own ligaments, he effectively avoids creating another injury – either to the hamstring or the patella tendon."
What is a LARS?
What is the benefit?
- Athletes return to sport much quicker
- No muscle wastage post-operatively
- No lack in strength post operatively
- Less pain and swelling post operatively
- So what are the drawbacks?
Well the procedures are reasonably new in terms of being used on athletes so no one really knows. Researchers have not yet had a chance to fully assess long term complications with the LARS so questions such as “Do they breakdown after a period of time?” “And if so, how easy is it to redo a conventional reconstruction?” remain unanswered.
The biggest criticism that surgeons make is that the amount of bone that has to be drilled away to allow the LARS graft to be inserted is large. This will make any future surgery on that knee very difficult if they should unfortunately have a LARS which fails.
Furthermore, the ‘behaviour’ of the athlete post operatively may lead to early onset arthritis. If the athlete has a mindset that they can start running 6 weeks post operatively (as most of them can), then what damage are they doing to the other structures in the knee that were also damaged at the same time, such as articular cartilage, meniscus and bone bruising. The usual knee recon waits until 14-16 weeks post op to start light running, so this allows the damaged structures to heal somewhat in that time period. So, will we see an increase incidence of knee arthritis in these LARS knees in 5-10 years time? .
Monday, October 18, 2010
How to Build a Player, The Post Match Talk by a Junior Football Coach, Young Players Going Overseas, An Australian Football Story and What is a Loyal Club Supporter?
This program is broadcast on 2xxfm (98.3mhz) on the Australian Community Radio Network, Tuesday at 7:00PM.
This program is an interesting, informative and amusing mix of interviews.
First is Arson Wenger talking about how you build a football player. Now this short piece might stand as the most succinct and accurate description of player development ever made by a Coach. It's impossible to not to reflect on the age group that covers our Summer 20s (17 to 20 years), for it is an age group that is particularly important to Wenger.
Then we move on to three short extracts from the FA Respect campaign. In this section, a parent coach has just finished a blistering post match speech to his young players. You hear the observations of the young player (his son), an FA Coach education official and an FA Club Welfare officer. This is important stuff! Its hard to criticise parents and others who stump up for a junior coaching gig each season - but we really do have to get it right or we will kill off our children's enjoyment of the game.
It's timely to remind parents and young players that the FFA and FIFA have strict rules governing the transfer of players under the age of 18 years of age to play with overseas clubs. This ABC interview with the FFA CEO covers on off on the issue. If you are told otherwise, ring Capital Football (Technical Director or the FFA). Its a jungle out there - be very careful.
Finally, something that will definitely engage your interest in Football, taken from the book - "Why England Lose: And other curious phenomena explained" by Simon Kuper and Stefan Szymanski. This is a terrific read and a good football reference book for the bookshelf "in the pool room'! I've selected two extracts that will tickle your fancy - An Account of the Socceroos under Gus Hiddick, and, an interesting piece of analysis on Football Spectator Loyalty (very topical in our A league). Its a first rate piece of work.
Download the Podcast here;
This program is an interesting, informative and amusing mix of interviews.
First is Arson Wenger talking about how you build a football player. Now this short piece might stand as the most succinct and accurate description of player development ever made by a Coach. It's impossible to not to reflect on the age group that covers our Summer 20s (17 to 20 years), for it is an age group that is particularly important to Wenger.
Then we move on to three short extracts from the FA Respect campaign. In this section, a parent coach has just finished a blistering post match speech to his young players. You hear the observations of the young player (his son), an FA Coach education official and an FA Club Welfare officer. This is important stuff! Its hard to criticise parents and others who stump up for a junior coaching gig each season - but we really do have to get it right or we will kill off our children's enjoyment of the game.
It's timely to remind parents and young players that the FFA and FIFA have strict rules governing the transfer of players under the age of 18 years of age to play with overseas clubs. This ABC interview with the FFA CEO covers on off on the issue. If you are told otherwise, ring Capital Football (Technical Director or the FFA). Its a jungle out there - be very careful.
Finally, something that will definitely engage your interest in Football, taken from the book - "Why England Lose: And other curious phenomena explained" by Simon Kuper and Stefan Szymanski. This is a terrific read and a good football reference book for the bookshelf "in the pool room'! I've selected two extracts that will tickle your fancy - An Account of the Socceroos under Gus Hiddick, and, an interesting piece of analysis on Football Spectator Loyalty (very topical in our A league). Its a first rate piece of work.
Download the Podcast here;
Saturday, October 16, 2010
Football and Tertiary Education Go Together
We often see the path for the talented player to be entry to professional Football. Its not the only way ahead in Football, nor necessarily the most productive across the whole of life.
The opportunites provided to talented Football players to play to a high standard and gain an Undergraduate education (College in the USA) are very real in the USA. The Football programs on offer at some Colleges in the USA are absolutely outstanding. Nor does it close the door on professional football after university studies are completed. We have nothing like these programs in Australia.
Here is an interview with long term Head Coach of the prestigious Yale College Football program. Fascinating!
The opportunites provided to talented Football players to play to a high standard and gain an Undergraduate education (College in the USA) are very real in the USA. The Football programs on offer at some Colleges in the USA are absolutely outstanding. Nor does it close the door on professional football after university studies are completed. We have nothing like these programs in Australia.
Here is an interview with long term Head Coach of the prestigious Yale College Football program. Fascinating!
Introducing 1-2-3 Defending
Sourced from http://www.footy4kids.co.uk/123defending.htm
Introducing 1-2-3 defending
With young players, the hardest, and in my opinion, the most important single aspect to get across is that the closest person to the opponent with the football DOES NOT have the responsibility to win the ball! Once defenders understand this, about 90% of diving in is eliminated and the attackers job becomes much harder.
It also reinforces the next most important concept: that somebody had BETTER be moving to cover the space behind the closest defender! That is the player who will, most often, wind up winning the ball.
You can demonstrate this quite easily by selecting the best defensive soccer player on the team, placing that player isolated out on the pitch, point to a goal for him or her to defend, and then tell them to "get the ball" from you. Then, simply dribble up to the player, push the ball past, into space, and run onto it. If you can get the defender to step towards you, you can do this quite easily. Ask the team why this was so easy. Now ask how you can prevent it from happening.
Somebody should come up with having a teammate behind the pressuring defender.
Now repeat the demonstration with another opponent who has been instructed to cover the space. Also ask the closest (pressuring) defender to not win the ball unless a mistake is made by the attacker. Run it again and you should see a huge improvement.
Closest person to the opponent with the ball (the first defender) applies the PRESSURE
•YOUR JOB IS TO SLOW THE ATTACK, NOT WIN THE BALL
•Slow the attacker down
• Apply just enough pressure to get the attackers head down
•Make the attack predictable and push the attack to the least dangerous part of the field
•Only attempt to win the ball if the attacker makes a mistake and you are sure to win it. BE PATIENT!
Tips for the first defender
Introducing 1-2-3 defending
With young players, the hardest, and in my opinion, the most important single aspect to get across is that the closest person to the opponent with the football DOES NOT have the responsibility to win the ball! Once defenders understand this, about 90% of diving in is eliminated and the attackers job becomes much harder.
It also reinforces the next most important concept: that somebody had BETTER be moving to cover the space behind the closest defender! That is the player who will, most often, wind up winning the ball.
You can demonstrate this quite easily by selecting the best defensive soccer player on the team, placing that player isolated out on the pitch, point to a goal for him or her to defend, and then tell them to "get the ball" from you. Then, simply dribble up to the player, push the ball past, into space, and run onto it. If you can get the defender to step towards you, you can do this quite easily. Ask the team why this was so easy. Now ask how you can prevent it from happening.
Somebody should come up with having a teammate behind the pressuring defender.
Now repeat the demonstration with another opponent who has been instructed to cover the space. Also ask the closest (pressuring) defender to not win the ball unless a mistake is made by the attacker. Run it again and you should see a huge improvement.
Closest person to the opponent with the ball (the first defender) applies the PRESSURE
•YOUR JOB IS TO SLOW THE ATTACK, NOT WIN THE BALL
•Slow the attacker down
• Apply just enough pressure to get the attackers head down
•Make the attack predictable and push the attack to the least dangerous part of the field
•Only attempt to win the ball if the attacker makes a mistake and you are sure to win it. BE PATIENT!
Tips for the first defender
Thursday, October 14, 2010
The Omaha Legends Coaching Philosophy
This was sourced from http://www.omahalegends.com/default/legends-coaching-philosophy.html
Description of Legends Coaching Philosophy
A weakness of most coaches is that they pay scant attention to the leadership component of developing very young and adolescent players. Over time coaches usually develop reasonably astute tactical ability. They are “little commanders” moving men and weapons into different positions to create match-ups of superiority or hide areas of weakness. They have attended tactically focused coaching courses and read numerous books and magazine articles on strategic teaching and methods. These courses have convinced them that the best way to get success is to use what technical skills and leadership ability their players already have to steal the win against the next opponent. They have wrongly convinced themselves that finding the best way to arrange and use the troops to win is the main purpose of good coaching. Kids love to play and create. They will spend hours setting up their toys and constructing imaginary scenarios. The natural tendency to be diverse, creative and adventurous is often stifled by the coach who sees the game from a rigid, organizational, win-oriented, perspective. The inexperienced young player wants to learn and grow. She needs to be encouraged to experiment. She desires the ball and wants to be taught to do amazing creative things with it. The last thing she wants to do is share it with a teammate. The normal child desires fun through the satisfaction of the need for active play. This involves great movement and lots of contact with the ball in a creative, free spirited manner. However, most coaches ask their players to play a position. They first try to give their team structure. Young kids don’t want or need positional structure in their games. It takes away from the things they see as most enjoyable, i.e. ball contact, movement and play. Therefore, it takes away part of their motivation and enjoyment. Control freaks need not apply for coaching job.
Modern knowledge of soccer tactics and systems has allowed us to manipulate statistical results and control players in restrictive ways to their detriment. This is a fact that becomes clearer each day as creative development dies and our players fail to achieve their potential. Indeed by disconnecting us from creative license traditional win/profit oriented coaching has led us into actions so inharmonious with developmental reality that, if we stay the course, a character and creative ability catastrophe seems inevitable for our players. Win oriented coaching methods, far from telling the truth about how we develop talent and character are myths meant to feed our fading fantasy of ego based coach power and control. If we dare to move beyond our fear of losing to practice coaching as a form of maximizing potential and creative character development we might abandon our illusion of control and enter into a partnership with parents in developing truly brilliant humans with spectacular soccer abilities and character.
Description of Legends Coaching Philosophy
A weakness of most coaches is that they pay scant attention to the leadership component of developing very young and adolescent players. Over time coaches usually develop reasonably astute tactical ability. They are “little commanders” moving men and weapons into different positions to create match-ups of superiority or hide areas of weakness. They have attended tactically focused coaching courses and read numerous books and magazine articles on strategic teaching and methods. These courses have convinced them that the best way to get success is to use what technical skills and leadership ability their players already have to steal the win against the next opponent. They have wrongly convinced themselves that finding the best way to arrange and use the troops to win is the main purpose of good coaching. Kids love to play and create. They will spend hours setting up their toys and constructing imaginary scenarios. The natural tendency to be diverse, creative and adventurous is often stifled by the coach who sees the game from a rigid, organizational, win-oriented, perspective. The inexperienced young player wants to learn and grow. She needs to be encouraged to experiment. She desires the ball and wants to be taught to do amazing creative things with it. The last thing she wants to do is share it with a teammate. The normal child desires fun through the satisfaction of the need for active play. This involves great movement and lots of contact with the ball in a creative, free spirited manner. However, most coaches ask their players to play a position. They first try to give their team structure. Young kids don’t want or need positional structure in their games. It takes away from the things they see as most enjoyable, i.e. ball contact, movement and play. Therefore, it takes away part of their motivation and enjoyment. Control freaks need not apply for coaching job.
Modern knowledge of soccer tactics and systems has allowed us to manipulate statistical results and control players in restrictive ways to their detriment. This is a fact that becomes clearer each day as creative development dies and our players fail to achieve their potential. Indeed by disconnecting us from creative license traditional win/profit oriented coaching has led us into actions so inharmonious with developmental reality that, if we stay the course, a character and creative ability catastrophe seems inevitable for our players. Win oriented coaching methods, far from telling the truth about how we develop talent and character are myths meant to feed our fading fantasy of ego based coach power and control. If we dare to move beyond our fear of losing to practice coaching as a form of maximizing potential and creative character development we might abandon our illusion of control and enter into a partnership with parents in developing truly brilliant humans with spectacular soccer abilities and character.
Win at All Costs – Going Away?
This item was sourced from http://www.worldclasscoaching.com/blog/?cat=24
Win at All Costs – Going Away?
Posted by Mike Saif on August 30th, 2010
An article by guest blogger, Andy Barney. Barney is the president of Legends Soccer Club and Happy feet and is the coach behind the two best-selling DVDs, Legendary 1v1 Moves and TRAINING Legendary 1v1 Moves.
In the next few decades I believe that competitive youth sports will ditch its “win at all costs” ethos. This will be replaced by methods with love at the core of all teaching and player interaction.
The youth sports paradigm has been gradually changing and trending towards fairness, respect and equitable treatment of children. Positive progress has been slow but we are incrementally changing and adopting youth soccer coaching methods that enhance similar values to those of loving families. It is good for siblings and teammates to compete intensely if the process is the crucial area of focus. This is where honorable, skillful, caring, supportive development is as important as battling, competing and improvising to learn and grow.
Rather than developing a tribal mentality where the outcome, e.g. victory, justifies the means; we need to foster a family approach where the journey and personal growth, as opposed to the weekly victory, is paramount.
In great family cultures the leaders (mothers and fathers) serve their children by providing them experiences and opportunities to maximize and optimize their potential. This loving, kind, caring and supportive, but challenging and demanding role, is the one that will be most beneficial for players.
This may be controversial in competitive sport but shouldn’t the central components of family love be extended to teams? If we do so children enjoy a fairer, more ethical, respectful, optimizing and maximizing experience.
The love and fairness at the center of the Legends approach has made it possible to develop intensely competitive and successful players who have been fully able to transfer their talents into a fulfilled life.
Our primary purpose is to develop every one of our players into a brave, creative leader. Our individual creative individual approach focuses on equal playing time, diverse creative development and the ability to play many different roles, (including those of the quick creative passer and intense aggressive defender). We have proven that our creative risk philosophy develops exceptional players and lifetime leaders.
It may be counter intuitive in a competitive sport but the central component of what we do is love.
Win at All Costs – Going Away?
Posted by Mike Saif on August 30th, 2010
An article by guest blogger, Andy Barney. Barney is the president of Legends Soccer Club and Happy feet and is the coach behind the two best-selling DVDs, Legendary 1v1 Moves and TRAINING Legendary 1v1 Moves.
In the next few decades I believe that competitive youth sports will ditch its “win at all costs” ethos. This will be replaced by methods with love at the core of all teaching and player interaction.
The youth sports paradigm has been gradually changing and trending towards fairness, respect and equitable treatment of children. Positive progress has been slow but we are incrementally changing and adopting youth soccer coaching methods that enhance similar values to those of loving families. It is good for siblings and teammates to compete intensely if the process is the crucial area of focus. This is where honorable, skillful, caring, supportive development is as important as battling, competing and improvising to learn and grow.
Rather than developing a tribal mentality where the outcome, e.g. victory, justifies the means; we need to foster a family approach where the journey and personal growth, as opposed to the weekly victory, is paramount.
In great family cultures the leaders (mothers and fathers) serve their children by providing them experiences and opportunities to maximize and optimize their potential. This loving, kind, caring and supportive, but challenging and demanding role, is the one that will be most beneficial for players.
This may be controversial in competitive sport but shouldn’t the central components of family love be extended to teams? If we do so children enjoy a fairer, more ethical, respectful, optimizing and maximizing experience.
The love and fairness at the center of the Legends approach has made it possible to develop intensely competitive and successful players who have been fully able to transfer their talents into a fulfilled life.
Our primary purpose is to develop every one of our players into a brave, creative leader. Our individual creative individual approach focuses on equal playing time, diverse creative development and the ability to play many different roles, (including those of the quick creative passer and intense aggressive defender). We have proven that our creative risk philosophy develops exceptional players and lifetime leaders.
It may be counter intuitive in a competitive sport but the central component of what we do is love.
Rotating Positions - Is that Part of "Development" ?
This is a big issue in junior and youth football. Its seems to me that young players get rusted on to positions, for who knows what reasons. Coahes are all too often reluctant to rotate players during and/ or from game to game. I wonder why? I also wonder how many times the Coaches of our NYC teams rotated their players around various positions, before and during the NYC?
This was sourced from http://www.worldclasscoaching.com/blog/?cat=24
Rotating Positions
Posted by tommura on September 15th, 2010
Do you continue to rotate player through the different positions as they get older? What is ‘older’?
I have always made sure to give my players experiences in a number of different positions during the season. Sometimes in positions that they weren’t well suited to but I wanted them to have a chance to play forward, for example. Moving the best players around the field is easier since you don’t have to worry about exposing them to more pressure than they are capable of dealing with. By doing this there have been times that we lost games that we could have won if we would have played everyone in their strongest position. But if the most important job we have as youth coaches is player development, should it matter if our team loses because we were rotating players?
In competitive/premier teams in this area it’s been my experience that coaches rarely rotate their players because thy don’t want to risk losing a game. They are afraid that this might cause their players to tryout for the other team next summer. If it was only about helping players to improve then I think most coaches would agree that it’s best to rotate their players. But when parents hold the purse strings then the coach has to keep them happy for fear of losing them. This is an unfortunate reality for most teams playing competitive soccer I’m afraid.
What can be done about it? I’ve always tried to educate the parents on my teams so that they understand why rotating positions is in the long term interest of their child even if it means that doing so will make it harder for us to win a game in the short term. Some have understood the rational and supported it while other couldn’t get past the fact that this is ‘competitive’ soccer. They think this means that we should be doing everything we can to win the game. I believe that the players are still doing their best to win the game but now the kid that is always a defender is getting the chance to score the winning goal.
If we agree that players should rotate positions when they are younger, at what age is it appropriate, or even beneficial, to have kids play in positions that fit their strengths and benefit the team? I have usually waited to do this until they are 14 or 15, depending on the team. I still think there’s a place for rotating players of this age because there is no telling where they might be asked to play for their high school or ODP team so wide range of experiences will help them adapt.
I’m sure Wayne Rooney didn’t spend much time playing in the back as a youth player. There’s also a case to be made for developing the specific skills needed for a certain position but I believe that the vast majority of our players are better served by having a broad range of experiences and skill sets.
This was sourced from http://www.worldclasscoaching.com/blog/?cat=24
Rotating Positions
Posted by tommura on September 15th, 2010
Do you continue to rotate player through the different positions as they get older? What is ‘older’?
I have always made sure to give my players experiences in a number of different positions during the season. Sometimes in positions that they weren’t well suited to but I wanted them to have a chance to play forward, for example. Moving the best players around the field is easier since you don’t have to worry about exposing them to more pressure than they are capable of dealing with. By doing this there have been times that we lost games that we could have won if we would have played everyone in their strongest position. But if the most important job we have as youth coaches is player development, should it matter if our team loses because we were rotating players?
In competitive/premier teams in this area it’s been my experience that coaches rarely rotate their players because thy don’t want to risk losing a game. They are afraid that this might cause their players to tryout for the other team next summer. If it was only about helping players to improve then I think most coaches would agree that it’s best to rotate their players. But when parents hold the purse strings then the coach has to keep them happy for fear of losing them. This is an unfortunate reality for most teams playing competitive soccer I’m afraid.
What can be done about it? I’ve always tried to educate the parents on my teams so that they understand why rotating positions is in the long term interest of their child even if it means that doing so will make it harder for us to win a game in the short term. Some have understood the rational and supported it while other couldn’t get past the fact that this is ‘competitive’ soccer. They think this means that we should be doing everything we can to win the game. I believe that the players are still doing their best to win the game but now the kid that is always a defender is getting the chance to score the winning goal.
If we agree that players should rotate positions when they are younger, at what age is it appropriate, or even beneficial, to have kids play in positions that fit their strengths and benefit the team? I have usually waited to do this until they are 14 or 15, depending on the team. I still think there’s a place for rotating players of this age because there is no telling where they might be asked to play for their high school or ODP team so wide range of experiences will help them adapt.
I’m sure Wayne Rooney didn’t spend much time playing in the back as a youth player. There’s also a case to be made for developing the specific skills needed for a certain position but I believe that the vast majority of our players are better served by having a broad range of experiences and skill sets.
Wednesday, October 13, 2010
Take the pressure off
Sourced from http://www.footy4kids.co.uk/
There is a direct relationship between pressure, anxiety and performance. Pressure increases anxiety and heightened anxiety lowers performance. The more pressure, the more anxious your players become and the more their performance suffers.
This scenario is known as "choking" and it affects everyone involved in sport, not just youngsters – we've all seen great golfers miss the 3ft putt they need to win a tournament and top soccer players blast a vital penalty over the bar.
How much harder, then, is it for young children to perform to their potential when they are put under pressure?
There are four types of pressure your players have to deal with on match days:
1) Peer pressure
Children can be less than supportive of team mates who make mistakes. Very often, quite cutting remarks are made after an attacker misses an open goal or a goalkeeper fumbles a simple catch.
The knowledge that there are players in the team (I call them "snipers") who are quick to criticise mistakes will raise anxiety levels among the rest of the players significantly.
If you have "snipers" in your team you have to take action. Stress to your players everyone makes mistakes. The best soccer players in the world, their parents and even you, the coach, don't always get it right and team players never criticise a team mate.
Lead by example: don't criticise a player who makes a mistake in training or in a match. Publicly congratulate them for trying to do whatever it was they were attempting and privately ask them if they can think of a way they could have done it better.
Making mistakes is part of the learning process. No mistakes = no learning.
2) Parental pressure
Parental expectation is a huge influence on a child's performance. I've seen talented players freeze up completely when their dad or mum is on the touch line, even if they are only watching quietly.
While it's not easy for a coach to remove the pressure some parents put on their children to perform, we can explain to parents they should support their child regardless of how well they perform and that all you expect (and all they should expect) is that their child tries their best.
Win or lose, parents should give their child a big hug, lots of praise and let them know how much they appreciate their hard work and sportsmanship.
3) Coach pressure
The pressure a coach can unconsciously exert on a child should not be underestimated.
Your players know that you want the team to do well, they have a part to play and you are watching them. What they also have to know is that you want players to take risks and you will praise them in front of their friends if they try something new or difficult.
And remember to smile! A coach who smiles a lot and has fun with their players will get the best out of them by generating a pressure-free environment for them to play in.
4) Internal pressure
We all have a "little voice" in our heads that berates us (often very harshly) when we make a mistake or do something wrong.
For our players, fear of the little voice in their head saying "you're stupid" or "you're useless at shooting" is enough to stop them from even trying to use their skills on match day.
Also, a child's internal dialogue can set them unachievable goals. Pressure from a child's peers, parents and coaches to do well can result in their little voice telling them: "I have to be good at everything, I mustn't let my friends/parents/coach down, I must not fail."
Not surprisingly, a child who has this sort of faulty internal dialogue going on in her head is not going to risk trying anything that could set it off.
So we have to change this dialogue to a more reasonable: "I am allowed to fail. My friends/coach/parents just want me to try my best, that's all."
We can do this by consistently reinforcing the fact that they are not stupid, that they are not useless at shooting (or anything else) and that we really only want them to try hard.
If you can influence a child's internal dialogue in this way it will have a really positive impact on many aspects of their life, not just on the pitch.
Conclusion
An understanding of the way pressure can affect performance is vital if you are going to get the best out of your players.
Deal with the "snipers" and educate your parents. Remain positive and cheerful in all your dealings with your players – no matter what the situation – and you will stop your players choking on match days.
There is a direct relationship between pressure, anxiety and performance. Pressure increases anxiety and heightened anxiety lowers performance. The more pressure, the more anxious your players become and the more their performance suffers.
This scenario is known as "choking" and it affects everyone involved in sport, not just youngsters – we've all seen great golfers miss the 3ft putt they need to win a tournament and top soccer players blast a vital penalty over the bar.
How much harder, then, is it for young children to perform to their potential when they are put under pressure?
There are four types of pressure your players have to deal with on match days:
1) Peer pressure
Children can be less than supportive of team mates who make mistakes. Very often, quite cutting remarks are made after an attacker misses an open goal or a goalkeeper fumbles a simple catch.
The knowledge that there are players in the team (I call them "snipers") who are quick to criticise mistakes will raise anxiety levels among the rest of the players significantly.
If you have "snipers" in your team you have to take action. Stress to your players everyone makes mistakes. The best soccer players in the world, their parents and even you, the coach, don't always get it right and team players never criticise a team mate.
Lead by example: don't criticise a player who makes a mistake in training or in a match. Publicly congratulate them for trying to do whatever it was they were attempting and privately ask them if they can think of a way they could have done it better.
Making mistakes is part of the learning process. No mistakes = no learning.
2) Parental pressure
Parental expectation is a huge influence on a child's performance. I've seen talented players freeze up completely when their dad or mum is on the touch line, even if they are only watching quietly.
While it's not easy for a coach to remove the pressure some parents put on their children to perform, we can explain to parents they should support their child regardless of how well they perform and that all you expect (and all they should expect) is that their child tries their best.
Win or lose, parents should give their child a big hug, lots of praise and let them know how much they appreciate their hard work and sportsmanship.
3) Coach pressure
The pressure a coach can unconsciously exert on a child should not be underestimated.
Your players know that you want the team to do well, they have a part to play and you are watching them. What they also have to know is that you want players to take risks and you will praise them in front of their friends if they try something new or difficult.
And remember to smile! A coach who smiles a lot and has fun with their players will get the best out of them by generating a pressure-free environment for them to play in.
4) Internal pressure
We all have a "little voice" in our heads that berates us (often very harshly) when we make a mistake or do something wrong.
For our players, fear of the little voice in their head saying "you're stupid" or "you're useless at shooting" is enough to stop them from even trying to use their skills on match day.
Also, a child's internal dialogue can set them unachievable goals. Pressure from a child's peers, parents and coaches to do well can result in their little voice telling them: "I have to be good at everything, I mustn't let my friends/parents/coach down, I must not fail."
Not surprisingly, a child who has this sort of faulty internal dialogue going on in her head is not going to risk trying anything that could set it off.
So we have to change this dialogue to a more reasonable: "I am allowed to fail. My friends/coach/parents just want me to try my best, that's all."
We can do this by consistently reinforcing the fact that they are not stupid, that they are not useless at shooting (or anything else) and that we really only want them to try hard.
If you can influence a child's internal dialogue in this way it will have a really positive impact on many aspects of their life, not just on the pitch.
Conclusion
An understanding of the way pressure can affect performance is vital if you are going to get the best out of your players.
Deal with the "snipers" and educate your parents. Remain positive and cheerful in all your dealings with your players – no matter what the situation – and you will stop your players choking on match days.
Tuesday, October 12, 2010
Football NSW Launches The Club Accreditation Academy System (CAAS)
Football NSW is not letting the grass grow under their feet when it comes to the development of talented youth players. They have decided to outsource some of their high performance program development activities to suitably accredited Clubs. Very smart on so many fronts! First Project 22 and now CAAS.
This is not the same as the FFA's National Club Accreditation Scheme (NCAS) - we have yet to hear about that in the ACT. Meanwhile, NSW gets further ahead.
This news itme was sourced from the Football NSW website. Please read on...
Club Accreditation Academy System established at Football NSW
07.10.10 19:39
Football NSW has embarked on a new system titled ‘Club Accreditation Academy System’ or simply known as CAAS in the further development of the game in the NSW state beginning with the NSW Premier League.
Football NSW has for many years reviewed elite player development both here and around the world, with the aim of improving the everyday environment for the elite youth player.
The Club Academy Accreditation System (CAAS) will be a partnership between Football NSW and six (6) Premier Youth League Clubs who best meet the requirements of the application for accreditation.
The Club Academy Accreditation System (CAAS) agreement is based on the key areas of youth development based on Football Federations Australia’s National Curriculum, with the aim of “Making Australia a leader in the world game”.
The Club Academy Accreditation System (CAAS) agreement also unites State and in turn National Team coaches directly with the Club’s Academy. One of the Clubs responsibilities will be to identify and develop players and coaches for future State Teams.
Each Academy will be evaluated by the Football NSW High Performance Manager or Unit staff member equivalent throughout each year. The Youth Academy club will receive two formal evaluations in over 50 categories each year.
The Academy will be asked to focus on identifying and developing the next generation of elite coaches. These coaches will in turn have the opportunity to be involved in State titles squad, state Team squads.
Football NSW wishes to advise that the following NSW Premier League Clubs have gained Club Academy Accreditation (CAAS) status for season 2011.
· Blacktown City Football Club
· Manly United Football Club
· Marconi Football Club
· Sutherland Sharks Football Club
· Sydney Olympic Football Club
· Sydney United Football Club
In a major initiative towards improving standards in player development, these Clubs will adhere to the National Football Curriculum (NFC) and will work closely with Football NSW elite player pathways.
This accreditation process has been the first step in what will be a ongoing effort in offering assistance and support for Clubs.
Football NSW believes that all Club Academies should, in time, be accredited and similarly commited to lifting playing standards at all levels.
This is not the same as the FFA's National Club Accreditation Scheme (NCAS) - we have yet to hear about that in the ACT. Meanwhile, NSW gets further ahead.
This news itme was sourced from the Football NSW website. Please read on...
Club Accreditation Academy System established at Football NSW
07.10.10 19:39
Football NSW has embarked on a new system titled ‘Club Accreditation Academy System’ or simply known as CAAS in the further development of the game in the NSW state beginning with the NSW Premier League.
Football NSW has for many years reviewed elite player development both here and around the world, with the aim of improving the everyday environment for the elite youth player.
The Club Academy Accreditation System (CAAS) will be a partnership between Football NSW and six (6) Premier Youth League Clubs who best meet the requirements of the application for accreditation.
The Club Academy Accreditation System (CAAS) agreement is based on the key areas of youth development based on Football Federations Australia’s National Curriculum, with the aim of “Making Australia a leader in the world game”.
The Club Academy Accreditation System (CAAS) agreement also unites State and in turn National Team coaches directly with the Club’s Academy. One of the Clubs responsibilities will be to identify and develop players and coaches for future State Teams.
Each Academy will be evaluated by the Football NSW High Performance Manager or Unit staff member equivalent throughout each year. The Youth Academy club will receive two formal evaluations in over 50 categories each year.
The Academy will be asked to focus on identifying and developing the next generation of elite coaches. These coaches will in turn have the opportunity to be involved in State titles squad, state Team squads.
Football NSW wishes to advise that the following NSW Premier League Clubs have gained Club Academy Accreditation (CAAS) status for season 2011.
· Blacktown City Football Club
· Manly United Football Club
· Marconi Football Club
· Sutherland Sharks Football Club
· Sydney Olympic Football Club
· Sydney United Football Club
In a major initiative towards improving standards in player development, these Clubs will adhere to the National Football Curriculum (NFC) and will work closely with Football NSW elite player pathways.
This accreditation process has been the first step in what will be a ongoing effort in offering assistance and support for Clubs.
Football NSW believes that all Club Academies should, in time, be accredited and similarly commited to lifting playing standards at all levels.
CANBERRA UNITED SQUAD for Season 2010/2011
The Westfield W-League Season Three is not far away and it can't come soon enough!
The Canberra United Squad has been settled by Coach Ray Junna and is as follows:
1. Lydia Williams (gk)
2. Caitlin Cooper
3. Lyndsay Glohe
4. Michelle Heyman
5. Kahlia Hogg
6. Caitlin Munoz
7. Ellie Brush
8. Tseng Shu-O
9. Grace Gill
10. Emily Van Egmond
11. Cian Maciejewski
14. Ashleigh Sykes
15. Sally Shipard
16. Ellyse Perry
17. Nicole Sykes
19. Jennifer Bisset
20. Jocelyn Mara (gk)
Plus three to be named
The Canberra United Squad has been settled by Coach Ray Junna and is as follows:
1. Lydia Williams (gk)
2. Caitlin Cooper
3. Lyndsay Glohe
4. Michelle Heyman
5. Kahlia Hogg
6. Caitlin Munoz
7. Ellie Brush
8. Tseng Shu-O
9. Grace Gill
10. Emily Van Egmond
11. Cian Maciejewski
14. Ashleigh Sykes
15. Sally Shipard
16. Ellyse Perry
17. Nicole Sykes
19. Jennifer Bisset
20. Jocelyn Mara (gk)
Plus three to be named
Interview With John Mitchell Part 2 - "The Four Horsemen of the Apocalypse" and the ANU U20 Elite Program
This program will be broadcast on 2xxfm (98.3mhz), Tuesday 12 october 2010 at 7:00PM, across the Australian Community Radio Network.
In Part 2 of our latest series of interviews with John Mitchell, we continue to examine the "vacant space" in football development terms (and in fact in the ACT), which gave rise to the ANU Under 20 Elite Program in our Premier League. John speaks of his "Four Horsemen of the Apocalypse" which finished off the program in 2010. John is very candid, some of what he has to say will resonate with other clubs, some might become uncomfortable for a second or two, some will provoke debate or disagreement and just as often, give pause for reflection. This is a very local football story, a very personal story, but it says a lot about football beyond our regional boundaries.
John's idea about how to use the A League for Canberra funds, develop players in the 17-20 age group, compete at the A League Youth level and perhaps establish a solid case for an A league team in Canberra, is the best I have heard in the last year - in fact its the only coherent plan I have heard this year, that didn't sound like everything that had been said before and been rejected by the FFA. You make up your mind.
Download the Podcast here:
In Part 2 of our latest series of interviews with John Mitchell, we continue to examine the "vacant space" in football development terms (and in fact in the ACT), which gave rise to the ANU Under 20 Elite Program in our Premier League. John speaks of his "Four Horsemen of the Apocalypse" which finished off the program in 2010. John is very candid, some of what he has to say will resonate with other clubs, some might become uncomfortable for a second or two, some will provoke debate or disagreement and just as often, give pause for reflection. This is a very local football story, a very personal story, but it says a lot about football beyond our regional boundaries.
John's idea about how to use the A League for Canberra funds, develop players in the 17-20 age group, compete at the A League Youth level and perhaps establish a solid case for an A league team in Canberra, is the best I have heard in the last year - in fact its the only coherent plan I have heard this year, that didn't sound like everything that had been said before and been rejected by the FFA. You make up your mind.
Download the Podcast here:
Sunday, October 10, 2010
Football Federation Australia Member Federation Charter
The FFA has released the Football Federation Australia Member Federation Charter!
Go to http://www.a-league.com.au/site/_content/document/00001941-source.pdf for the full text of the Charter.
So why is this document important to us here in the ACT region and what it is about?
Most of our discussion locally around football can be generally grouped into the three general headings - Referees, development of talented players and development of the game (in the ACT).
This Charter sets out the who is responsible for what, and, who does what, between the governing body in Australia for Football (FFA) and the member Federations (in our case Capital Football). The Charter, in its various parts, covers off on all three areas of discussion. I guess you could say that it hammers a peg in the ground on the "who does what and who is responsible for it" front in Football. When anyone at Capital Football or the FFA talks on any of three heading mentioned previously, just keep in the back of your mind, who has agreed to do what and hold them all to account.
I have taken the following pertinent extracts to illustrate and inform. Let's take a close look at Schedule 1 of this Charter, the very important subject of Football Development:
Background
1.3 Each Member Federation has responsibility within its region for the:
(a) conduct, development, strategic direction and promotion of football; and
(b) implementation of FFA strategies, policies, programs and regulations for the playing, development and promotion of football in Australia.
2.2 This Charter is intended to cover all areas in which FFA and the Member Federations interact with each other and the detailed provisions of the Charter are set out in these Schedules:
(a) Schedule 1 – Football Development;
(b) Schedule 2 – Interaction with A-League Clubs;
(c) Schedule 3 – Women’s Football;
(d) Schedule 4 – Commercial Activities;
(e) Schedule 5 – Events;
(f) Schedule 6 – Marketing;
(g) Schedule 7 – Government;
(h) Schedule 8 - Media and Communications.
Schedule 1 – Football Development
1 FOOTBALL DEVELOPMENT
1.1 In November 2007 FFA released the National Football Development Plan.
1.2 The purpose of this Charter in relation to football development is to facilitate the implementation of the National Football Development Plan at state member level.
1.3 The purpose of football development is to:
(a) improve the overall technical standard of the Australian player base;
(b) design and oversee the delivery of the best participation experience in Australian sport;
(c) identify, attract and retain more and better athletes particularly in the 12-16 age group;
(d) convert football participants to life-long fans of the Australian game;
(e) attract and retain more volunteers to the sport of football;
(f) increase the number of accredited coaches and referees; and
(g) ensure that facilities keep pace with demand.
1.4 Football development falls into two categories:
(a) Game Development; and
(b) Talented Player Development.
please read on
Go to http://www.a-league.com.au/site/_content/document/00001941-source.pdf for the full text of the Charter.
So why is this document important to us here in the ACT region and what it is about?
Most of our discussion locally around football can be generally grouped into the three general headings - Referees, development of talented players and development of the game (in the ACT).
This Charter sets out the who is responsible for what, and, who does what, between the governing body in Australia for Football (FFA) and the member Federations (in our case Capital Football). The Charter, in its various parts, covers off on all three areas of discussion. I guess you could say that it hammers a peg in the ground on the "who does what and who is responsible for it" front in Football. When anyone at Capital Football or the FFA talks on any of three heading mentioned previously, just keep in the back of your mind, who has agreed to do what and hold them all to account.
I have taken the following pertinent extracts to illustrate and inform. Let's take a close look at Schedule 1 of this Charter, the very important subject of Football Development:
Background
1.3 Each Member Federation has responsibility within its region for the:
(a) conduct, development, strategic direction and promotion of football; and
(b) implementation of FFA strategies, policies, programs and regulations for the playing, development and promotion of football in Australia.
2.2 This Charter is intended to cover all areas in which FFA and the Member Federations interact with each other and the detailed provisions of the Charter are set out in these Schedules:
(a) Schedule 1 – Football Development;
(b) Schedule 2 – Interaction with A-League Clubs;
(c) Schedule 3 – Women’s Football;
(d) Schedule 4 – Commercial Activities;
(e) Schedule 5 – Events;
(f) Schedule 6 – Marketing;
(g) Schedule 7 – Government;
(h) Schedule 8 - Media and Communications.
Schedule 1 – Football Development
1 FOOTBALL DEVELOPMENT
1.1 In November 2007 FFA released the National Football Development Plan.
1.2 The purpose of this Charter in relation to football development is to facilitate the implementation of the National Football Development Plan at state member level.
1.3 The purpose of football development is to:
(a) improve the overall technical standard of the Australian player base;
(b) design and oversee the delivery of the best participation experience in Australian sport;
(c) identify, attract and retain more and better athletes particularly in the 12-16 age group;
(d) convert football participants to life-long fans of the Australian game;
(e) attract and retain more volunteers to the sport of football;
(f) increase the number of accredited coaches and referees; and
(g) ensure that facilities keep pace with demand.
1.4 Football development falls into two categories:
(a) Game Development; and
(b) Talented Player Development.
please read on
Saturday, October 9, 2010
NATIONAL YOUTH CHAMPIONSHIPS FOR BOYS POINTS TABLES -UNDER 14 AND UNDER 15
A very alert NPL follower has pointed out to me that I have misrepresented the situation with regard to the final standing of the ACT teams that recently contested the Under 14 and Under 15 Boys National Youth Cahmpionshisps.
And so I have! Thankyou and my apologies. I was being far to cryptic for my own good and in doing so led you astray. I'll fix that.
The ACT Under 14 team competed in Group B and came second. On that basis, you can list the ACT as having come in 8th place overall (there were a total of 12 teams). To move to Group A the ACT needed to secure first place in Group B. To be frank, this is better than I thought it would be a year ago and they came close to breaking into Group A. I have admired the hard work of the Coach, the players and time given by the supporting parents. So for myself, well done, they made a lot of progress and the objective for the NYC in 2011 is once again, to break into Group A. The nucleus of this group are well preared to campaign at the Under 15 level in 2011.
Now take this a step further in this age group ; your vision goes to the nucleus of the group that might contest the 2011 NYC - the 2010 Under 13 Boys. The first indicator is the qaulity of the ACT performance at the Under 13 NYC this year. Given the less than exhilarating preformance of our Under 13 Boys at the 2010 NYC (firmly stuck in Group B), 2011 NYC could be a big task, but of course, a year is long time in youth development. This group have also been retained as a HPP playing squad in the U14 Open local competition during the 2010 season. Has their progress been monitored by Capital Football (in a fornmal sense), are they proceeding on a detailed whole of year periodised program, have new players been identified and included, and so on and so on. The sort of thing that happens in a high performance environment. Hmmm! My concern here would be that if we do what we have always done, we will get what we have always got.
Now, the Under 15 Boys result. The ACT came last in Group A. See my previous post for comments on this result. The first objetive in the Group A is to stay in Group A. The results were painfully close and the unfortunate outcome for the ACT is that we drop out of Group A into Group B, while Queensland Country (first in Group B) take our place. This was the hard hit from this campaign for the ACT Under 15s. The ACT objective for the NYC in 2011 is to return to Group A. It's a hard road in this age group, that's for sure and it just got harder.
The NPL follower who drew my shortcoming to my attention, believes these outcomes are not good enough. I agree. That said, I have no doubt that the boys gave their best and I find it hard to be critical of our teams in these circumstances. But it's fair to ask a simple question - can we do better and if so how? If your answer is "no", then explain "why".
I have the feeling, speaking to the other States on various occasions, that they are getting ahead of the ACT in the "development stakes". I do not wish to imply that we are not not making progress, we are, I firmly beleive that, but the problem is that its not the full story. It's not just about the fact that we are smaller Football player / talent catchment area. That's a given! Some are quick to point out that in the past we were well up the list and now we are not. Good point. But the analysis can't stop there. Have we just got worse, fallen behind or have the others got better or, all of the above? I ask myself a variation on this question every time I see results at the NYC in recent times.
We have a review of our High Performance Program in progress at the moment. It's being conducted by Ron Smith (see previous NPL interviews on this Blog). Not much on the Football front will get past his notice and perhaps we will not necessarily like what we hear on some matters (and that's not to be read as a criticism of Capital Football) - but to quote Ron, when faced with decision around talented development - "Are you serious". Such a damn good question!
Consider some issues / factors which may impact on these NYC outcomes and give pausew to reflect on talent development in the ACT- somewhere between the number of players available at age; the number of players undertaking high performance training run by Capital Football; the ability to recognise emerging talent at age and be inclusive of it; the quality of coaching at the junior and PL 16 levels; the quality of HPP coaching; the resources made qvailable to HPP coaches, the availability of whole of year / pgram periodised programs; the resources made available to HPP coaches; does our High Performance structure / process represent best practice (by comparision to the States that are succeeding at the NYC); the cost imposed of families to support the HPP and additional cost associated with the NYC; are we giving ACTAS the sort of players it wants to be competitive (now remember their results at the 2010 NTC was excellent); with no established pathway beyond ACTAS (leave aside AIS) for talented players (boys) - is their less incentive going forward than their should be; does our smaller player base mean that we are likely to get greater variations in the standard of talented player cohorts; just to name a few - lies the truth of our situation.
I have concluded that the ACT has got itself squarely stuck in Group B at the NYC (across the age groups). That said, I think we have got better, while some other States have got a lot better faster! We are running faster and falling behind. We need to run smarter! (The notable exception in 2010 was ACTAS at the NTC. Makes you think.)
A further general observation; I doubt our HPP has the level of techncial detail or organisational sophistiation of say the Football NSW Project 22 or perhaps Football West. What does that say and what are we prepared to do about it? It would be a mistake to think that those at Capital Football with the responsibility do not comprehend these matters. They do. And everything comes at a price. Nevertheless, we are where we are.
The full picture for the NYC for the Under 14 and Under 15 Boys is as follows:
And so I have! Thankyou and my apologies. I was being far to cryptic for my own good and in doing so led you astray. I'll fix that.
The ACT Under 14 team competed in Group B and came second. On that basis, you can list the ACT as having come in 8th place overall (there were a total of 12 teams). To move to Group A the ACT needed to secure first place in Group B. To be frank, this is better than I thought it would be a year ago and they came close to breaking into Group A. I have admired the hard work of the Coach, the players and time given by the supporting parents. So for myself, well done, they made a lot of progress and the objective for the NYC in 2011 is once again, to break into Group A. The nucleus of this group are well preared to campaign at the Under 15 level in 2011.
Now take this a step further in this age group ; your vision goes to the nucleus of the group that might contest the 2011 NYC - the 2010 Under 13 Boys. The first indicator is the qaulity of the ACT performance at the Under 13 NYC this year. Given the less than exhilarating preformance of our Under 13 Boys at the 2010 NYC (firmly stuck in Group B), 2011 NYC could be a big task, but of course, a year is long time in youth development. This group have also been retained as a HPP playing squad in the U14 Open local competition during the 2010 season. Has their progress been monitored by Capital Football (in a fornmal sense), are they proceeding on a detailed whole of year periodised program, have new players been identified and included, and so on and so on. The sort of thing that happens in a high performance environment. Hmmm! My concern here would be that if we do what we have always done, we will get what we have always got.
Now, the Under 15 Boys result. The ACT came last in Group A. See my previous post for comments on this result. The first objetive in the Group A is to stay in Group A. The results were painfully close and the unfortunate outcome for the ACT is that we drop out of Group A into Group B, while Queensland Country (first in Group B) take our place. This was the hard hit from this campaign for the ACT Under 15s. The ACT objective for the NYC in 2011 is to return to Group A. It's a hard road in this age group, that's for sure and it just got harder.
The NPL follower who drew my shortcoming to my attention, believes these outcomes are not good enough. I agree. That said, I have no doubt that the boys gave their best and I find it hard to be critical of our teams in these circumstances. But it's fair to ask a simple question - can we do better and if so how? If your answer is "no", then explain "why".
I have the feeling, speaking to the other States on various occasions, that they are getting ahead of the ACT in the "development stakes". I do not wish to imply that we are not not making progress, we are, I firmly beleive that, but the problem is that its not the full story. It's not just about the fact that we are smaller Football player / talent catchment area. That's a given! Some are quick to point out that in the past we were well up the list and now we are not. Good point. But the analysis can't stop there. Have we just got worse, fallen behind or have the others got better or, all of the above? I ask myself a variation on this question every time I see results at the NYC in recent times.
We have a review of our High Performance Program in progress at the moment. It's being conducted by Ron Smith (see previous NPL interviews on this Blog). Not much on the Football front will get past his notice and perhaps we will not necessarily like what we hear on some matters (and that's not to be read as a criticism of Capital Football) - but to quote Ron, when faced with decision around talented development - "Are you serious". Such a damn good question!
Consider some issues / factors which may impact on these NYC outcomes and give pausew to reflect on talent development in the ACT- somewhere between the number of players available at age; the number of players undertaking high performance training run by Capital Football; the ability to recognise emerging talent at age and be inclusive of it; the quality of coaching at the junior and PL 16 levels; the quality of HPP coaching; the resources made qvailable to HPP coaches, the availability of whole of year / pgram periodised programs; the resources made available to HPP coaches; does our High Performance structure / process represent best practice (by comparision to the States that are succeeding at the NYC); the cost imposed of families to support the HPP and additional cost associated with the NYC; are we giving ACTAS the sort of players it wants to be competitive (now remember their results at the 2010 NTC was excellent); with no established pathway beyond ACTAS (leave aside AIS) for talented players (boys) - is their less incentive going forward than their should be; does our smaller player base mean that we are likely to get greater variations in the standard of talented player cohorts; just to name a few - lies the truth of our situation.
I have concluded that the ACT has got itself squarely stuck in Group B at the NYC (across the age groups). That said, I think we have got better, while some other States have got a lot better faster! We are running faster and falling behind. We need to run smarter! (The notable exception in 2010 was ACTAS at the NTC. Makes you think.)
A further general observation; I doubt our HPP has the level of techncial detail or organisational sophistiation of say the Football NSW Project 22 or perhaps Football West. What does that say and what are we prepared to do about it? It would be a mistake to think that those at Capital Football with the responsibility do not comprehend these matters. They do. And everything comes at a price. Nevertheless, we are where we are.
The full picture for the NYC for the Under 14 and Under 15 Boys is as follows:
Wednesday, October 6, 2010
What's Happened to the Summer 20s and the Premier League Clubs????
At the conclusion of the 2009 season, Capital Football proposed and facilitated the running of an absolutely wonderful initiative for the off season between 2009 and 2010 - the Summer 20s. It was to be a short , sharp competition that concluded before Christmas, giving a little time for a break before serious Premier League pre-season training and selection commenced at Club level. It was a resounding success, a terrific first attempt.
So what happened the second time around?
This was so important, as our season is limited to approximately 18 games in regular competition, comprising two rounds. Not a long season. Not long enough to sustain development of talented players or those with aspirations to be competitive for "Youth League" selection at an A league Club. Not the full answer but an important, achievable, managable contribution.
The "vacant space" in our Football development in the ACT region, for all those post the ACTAS upper age cut off and those that don't get selected for the AIS (and lets face it, that's the vast majority), is notable for its lack of developmental opportunities. Premier League Clubs are the only substantial outlet for development and that has limitations, since Clubs play to win, train far less frequently than is necessary to sustain player development, have variable coaching standards (though this has shown a marked improvement) and in many cases lack the resources to do it, even if they would like to do it.
Most of our Premier League Clubs operate on the "smell of oily rag"! Aside from two Clubs (Belconnen United and CFC) most of the rest just make ends meet. If you don;t already know, then I will tell something I know to a moral certainty - Its a struggle every season just to stay in the competition and meet all the pre-requisites required by the Capital Football to service the licence they hold to compete. Onlt two CLubs have a licenced Club, their own Ground, offer the best remuneration to players (its not massive in the ACT but it's something) and its therefore, no surprise they dominate. A few Clubs fall short in the basic requirements of the licence arrangements and again, not surprisingly they live on the end of PL existence, reliant as most are on a small cadre of volunteers, who at the end of the regular season are tired of football and looking for a break. This is Club life every season for most of us. If you accept this simple analysis, it follows that its a "no brainer" to conclude that campaigning the Summer 20s is likely to be a difficult task for some PL Clubs to accomplish. Conclusion - they will need help.
So here is a question :
What measures did Capital Football take in advance of the end of the 2010 season to ensure that the PL Clubs were encouraged to participate and their respective problems accommodated with solutions that enabled them to field a team to play in the Summer 20s?
Good question? Well here is another!
Why is it that the draw for the Summer 20s reveals that only four PL Clubs will field teams to play in the Summer 20's? (One of the competing Clubs is providing two teams and its not a Club with money!!!)
The Summer 20s was a solid and commendable response by Capital Football to provide an opportunity for those players (predominantly from the Premier League Clubs) under the age of 20 years, to continue to play and develop their Football. Ask all the coaches from the Clubs that participated - they were also coaching in some fashion in this year's PL season. They will attest to its worth.
There was every reason to anticipate that this program would be more heavily subscribed in its second year. It is not!
Indeed, this should have been a tip top priority for Capital Football and an integral component of the Capital Football High Performance regime. If you have any doubt about how the principal staff at Capital Football felt about the Summer 20s, just go back to interviews on this Blog. They gave it a ringing endorsement and they had a right to be proud of their intiative. Note to self - Why does the Summer 20s have less support than last season?
A further question:
Why did the remainder of the PL Clubs fail to field teams in the Summer 20s and did the PL Clubs communicate their intentions to Capital Football insufficent time for Capital Football to contemplate how they might be encouraged or assisted to particpate?
And another question:
Are the Clubs that are not participating saying they do not support this off season development program; do they lack the finances to underwrite a team (even on a cost recovery basis from the players), do they lack commitment form the playing roster, do they lack the coaching staff to support the team, do they lack the other volunteer staff to support the team, do they believe their players have had too much football, do they need help from Capital Football, are they spending their precious off season time holding "focus groups" and other MBA management twaddle "realigning" their Club's future, or, all of the above?"
And finally;
Does this worry Capital Football and if it does, what do they intend to do about it?
My first and prevailing reaction to the lack of support for the Summer 20s:
Talk about shooting yourself in the bloody foot!
If you have a talented player, get them to one of the Clubs that is participating in the Summer 20s for season 2011. Why would you do anything else?
Is there anyone out there who would like to be interviewed on this subject and provide some coherent and plausible explanation for this situation? I'll travel to your location to do the interview!
Here is a quick audit of the PL Clubs, just for the record as it were. I've included the draw, get to the games because those that are playing will thrill you as they did in the last Summer 20s.
So what happened the second time around?
This was so important, as our season is limited to approximately 18 games in regular competition, comprising two rounds. Not a long season. Not long enough to sustain development of talented players or those with aspirations to be competitive for "Youth League" selection at an A league Club. Not the full answer but an important, achievable, managable contribution.
The "vacant space" in our Football development in the ACT region, for all those post the ACTAS upper age cut off and those that don't get selected for the AIS (and lets face it, that's the vast majority), is notable for its lack of developmental opportunities. Premier League Clubs are the only substantial outlet for development and that has limitations, since Clubs play to win, train far less frequently than is necessary to sustain player development, have variable coaching standards (though this has shown a marked improvement) and in many cases lack the resources to do it, even if they would like to do it.
Most of our Premier League Clubs operate on the "smell of oily rag"! Aside from two Clubs (Belconnen United and CFC) most of the rest just make ends meet. If you don;t already know, then I will tell something I know to a moral certainty - Its a struggle every season just to stay in the competition and meet all the pre-requisites required by the Capital Football to service the licence they hold to compete. Onlt two CLubs have a licenced Club, their own Ground, offer the best remuneration to players (its not massive in the ACT but it's something) and its therefore, no surprise they dominate. A few Clubs fall short in the basic requirements of the licence arrangements and again, not surprisingly they live on the end of PL existence, reliant as most are on a small cadre of volunteers, who at the end of the regular season are tired of football and looking for a break. This is Club life every season for most of us. If you accept this simple analysis, it follows that its a "no brainer" to conclude that campaigning the Summer 20s is likely to be a difficult task for some PL Clubs to accomplish. Conclusion - they will need help.
So here is a question :
What measures did Capital Football take in advance of the end of the 2010 season to ensure that the PL Clubs were encouraged to participate and their respective problems accommodated with solutions that enabled them to field a team to play in the Summer 20s?
Good question? Well here is another!
Why is it that the draw for the Summer 20s reveals that only four PL Clubs will field teams to play in the Summer 20's? (One of the competing Clubs is providing two teams and its not a Club with money!!!)
The Summer 20s was a solid and commendable response by Capital Football to provide an opportunity for those players (predominantly from the Premier League Clubs) under the age of 20 years, to continue to play and develop their Football. Ask all the coaches from the Clubs that participated - they were also coaching in some fashion in this year's PL season. They will attest to its worth.
There was every reason to anticipate that this program would be more heavily subscribed in its second year. It is not!
Indeed, this should have been a tip top priority for Capital Football and an integral component of the Capital Football High Performance regime. If you have any doubt about how the principal staff at Capital Football felt about the Summer 20s, just go back to interviews on this Blog. They gave it a ringing endorsement and they had a right to be proud of their intiative. Note to self - Why does the Summer 20s have less support than last season?
A further question:
Why did the remainder of the PL Clubs fail to field teams in the Summer 20s and did the PL Clubs communicate their intentions to Capital Football insufficent time for Capital Football to contemplate how they might be encouraged or assisted to particpate?
And another question:
Are the Clubs that are not participating saying they do not support this off season development program; do they lack the finances to underwrite a team (even on a cost recovery basis from the players), do they lack commitment form the playing roster, do they lack the coaching staff to support the team, do they lack the other volunteer staff to support the team, do they believe their players have had too much football, do they need help from Capital Football, are they spending their precious off season time holding "focus groups" and other MBA management twaddle "realigning" their Club's future, or, all of the above?"
And finally;
Does this worry Capital Football and if it does, what do they intend to do about it?
My first and prevailing reaction to the lack of support for the Summer 20s:
Talk about shooting yourself in the bloody foot!
If you have a talented player, get them to one of the Clubs that is participating in the Summer 20s for season 2011. Why would you do anything else?
Is there anyone out there who would like to be interviewed on this subject and provide some coherent and plausible explanation for this situation? I'll travel to your location to do the interview!
Here is a quick audit of the PL Clubs, just for the record as it were. I've included the draw, get to the games because those that are playing will thrill you as they did in the last Summer 20s.
Tuesday, October 5, 2010
FFA Boys National Youth Championship 2010 - FINAL TABLES
As you may be aware, the ACT representative teams for the Under 14 and Under 15 Boys have been competing at the National Youth Championships in the last week.
ACT Under 14 Boys
The ACT Under 14 Boys have had an outstanding NYC, finishing second to NSW. This concludes a long campaign by the Coach and Assistant Coach, Manager, parents and Players. Go back to the most recent NPL interview with Ian Shaw (Technical Director Capital Football) to hear about the process used to prepare these young players. A fitting reward for so much hard work and willingness to persist by this little football community. We look forward to seeing them all int he Premier League Under 16 (or higher is some cases) in season 2011. We will speak to their coach soon.
Pos Team P W D L F A Pts
1 NSW Country 5 4 1 0 9 2 13
2 Capital Football 5 3 1 1 6 2 10
3 Victoria Country 5 1 3 1 4 3 6
4 Queensland Country 5 2 0 3 9 10 6
5 Tasmania 5 2 0 3 7 8 6
6 Northern Territory 5 0 1 4 4 14 1
ACT Under 15 Boys
The ACT Under 15 Boys appear to have had a very difficult campaign. This is a highly competitive age group across the nation. Regrettably we were placed last, but I note that they played three draws, which implies two things - a loss of six points which cost them dearly in a short competition, and, the margin between last and second was a mere five points. The NSW Metro performance is poor by their standards, while the Football West winning performance should come as no surprise to anyone (the core of this team is most likely the oustanding U13 team of two seasons ago and had six Australian U13 selections among its number) Goal difference is interesting. It will be interesting to here how things went from the Coach, but the gap between second and last seems small, while the gap between Football West and everyone else appears substantial.
Pos Team P W D L F A Pts
1 Football West 5 4 1 0 12 6 13
2 Victoria Metro 5 2 2 1 6 3 8
3 Northern NSW 5 1 3 1 3 3 6
4 NSW Metro 5 2 0 3 8 11 6
5 South Australia 5 1 1 3 5 9 4
6 Capital Football 5 0 3 2 5 7 3
ACT Under 14 Boys
The ACT Under 14 Boys have had an outstanding NYC, finishing second to NSW. This concludes a long campaign by the Coach and Assistant Coach, Manager, parents and Players. Go back to the most recent NPL interview with Ian Shaw (Technical Director Capital Football) to hear about the process used to prepare these young players. A fitting reward for so much hard work and willingness to persist by this little football community. We look forward to seeing them all int he Premier League Under 16 (or higher is some cases) in season 2011. We will speak to their coach soon.
Pos Team P W D L F A Pts
1 NSW Country 5 4 1 0 9 2 13
2 Capital Football 5 3 1 1 6 2 10
3 Victoria Country 5 1 3 1 4 3 6
4 Queensland Country 5 2 0 3 9 10 6
5 Tasmania 5 2 0 3 7 8 6
6 Northern Territory 5 0 1 4 4 14 1
ACT Under 15 Boys
The ACT Under 15 Boys appear to have had a very difficult campaign. This is a highly competitive age group across the nation. Regrettably we were placed last, but I note that they played three draws, which implies two things - a loss of six points which cost them dearly in a short competition, and, the margin between last and second was a mere five points. The NSW Metro performance is poor by their standards, while the Football West winning performance should come as no surprise to anyone (the core of this team is most likely the oustanding U13 team of two seasons ago and had six Australian U13 selections among its number) Goal difference is interesting. It will be interesting to here how things went from the Coach, but the gap between second and last seems small, while the gap between Football West and everyone else appears substantial.
Pos Team P W D L F A Pts
1 Football West 5 4 1 0 12 6 13
2 Victoria Metro 5 2 2 1 6 3 8
3 Northern NSW 5 1 3 1 3 3 6
4 NSW Metro 5 2 0 3 8 11 6
5 South Australia 5 1 1 3 5 9 4
6 Capital Football 5 0 3 2 5 7 3
John Mitchell Speaks on the ANU Under 20 Elite Program and the Way Ahead
John Mitchell decided he would do something about the lack of developmental opportunities of young Football players Under 20 years in the ACT: post ACTAS and those who had not been selected for the AIS, or not made the jump into professional football after the AIS, or had not gained selection in and A League Youth Team.
This cohort of young players roughly covers the ages from 17 to 20 years of age. It was (and still is for that matter) as John has described it, "a tragic vacant space" (in terms of talented player development).
Capital football has introduced some modest initiatives to fill this space - an Under 17 HPP Summer squad and the Mens Summer 20's competition. The latter has been woefully under-subscribed by Premier League Clubs in 2010 (only five teams in 2010 and two from one Club - WVFC), which seems to reinforce John's observations on the current developmental environment in the ACT in this age bracket. The SUmmer 20s was (in 2009 and is (2010) a first rate initiative by CAPital Football, but what do you do if the PL clubs just don;t support it. What does it say about PL CLub attitudes to youth player development. In my view, quite a lot and little of it praiseworthy!
It is this second echelon of players, the ones who did not make it through first time around, that so often conceals a rich vien of talent - if only they could continue to be developed. Without it, not much happens. Such a waste! John Mitchell attempted to redress this situation through the ANU PL club. For that he gets full marks! But it was as he says "slim pickings" and as it turned out, a very hard road to travel. But then, it wasn;t really "club football" as the rest of the PL Clubs would see it to be.
John makes it very clear what it really means to coach to develop, as opposed to coach to win in the Club Premier League environment. Nevertheless, he has had his wins and positively influenced others in Football.
The ANUFC have withdrawn from the Premier League and with it has gone the ANU Under 20 Elite Program (and John Mitchell - for now). A really good idea that lasted two years. Its not been an easy two years, beset with difficulties, that started in late 2009 and continued into 2010, perhaps a few too many than was reasonable to expect, given the nature of the program.
John talks candidly of his experiences, with his customary sense of innovation and far sightedness, illustrating a remarkably good solution for the development of players between 17 to 20 in the ACT and linking the desire for an A league team in Canberra. You see he hasn't really given up on youth development. Just a bit battered and bruised. If that gives his detractors comfort, it is an unworthy thought.
John Mitchell challenges you to think, but it is hard not to miss the frustration and weariness of a passionate Football Coach, who for now, has reached his limit of endurance.
So sit back, cup of tea to hand and listen to Part 1 of this fascinating interview.
Download the Podcast here:
This cohort of young players roughly covers the ages from 17 to 20 years of age. It was (and still is for that matter) as John has described it, "a tragic vacant space" (in terms of talented player development).
Capital football has introduced some modest initiatives to fill this space - an Under 17 HPP Summer squad and the Mens Summer 20's competition. The latter has been woefully under-subscribed by Premier League Clubs in 2010 (only five teams in 2010 and two from one Club - WVFC), which seems to reinforce John's observations on the current developmental environment in the ACT in this age bracket. The SUmmer 20s was (in 2009 and is (2010) a first rate initiative by CAPital Football, but what do you do if the PL clubs just don;t support it. What does it say about PL CLub attitudes to youth player development. In my view, quite a lot and little of it praiseworthy!
It is this second echelon of players, the ones who did not make it through first time around, that so often conceals a rich vien of talent - if only they could continue to be developed. Without it, not much happens. Such a waste! John Mitchell attempted to redress this situation through the ANU PL club. For that he gets full marks! But it was as he says "slim pickings" and as it turned out, a very hard road to travel. But then, it wasn;t really "club football" as the rest of the PL Clubs would see it to be.
John makes it very clear what it really means to coach to develop, as opposed to coach to win in the Club Premier League environment. Nevertheless, he has had his wins and positively influenced others in Football.
The ANUFC have withdrawn from the Premier League and with it has gone the ANU Under 20 Elite Program (and John Mitchell - for now). A really good idea that lasted two years. Its not been an easy two years, beset with difficulties, that started in late 2009 and continued into 2010, perhaps a few too many than was reasonable to expect, given the nature of the program.
John talks candidly of his experiences, with his customary sense of innovation and far sightedness, illustrating a remarkably good solution for the development of players between 17 to 20 in the ACT and linking the desire for an A league team in Canberra. You see he hasn't really given up on youth development. Just a bit battered and bruised. If that gives his detractors comfort, it is an unworthy thought.
John Mitchell challenges you to think, but it is hard not to miss the frustration and weariness of a passionate Football Coach, who for now, has reached his limit of endurance.
So sit back, cup of tea to hand and listen to Part 1 of this fascinating interview.
Download the Podcast here:
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