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The ANUFC have withdrawn from the Premier League and with it has gone the ANU Under 20 Elite Program (and John Mitchell - for now).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:
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