In the autobiography of Manfred Ewald “ Ich war der sport” (English: “I was the Sport”) he explains how huge arenas, gymnasiums, rinks and Sports colleges were built by the State. Academic programs in sport science, sport medicine, coaching techniques and other related activities were launched.
In June 1986, between 80.000 and 100.000 young elite players prepared to try out for acceptance into one of 15 sports colleges in the country. Those colleges were built in major metropolitan areas to cater logistically for any top athlete in the country. The testing we had to go through was so thorough that any fault , be it technical, physical or medical would prevent you from achieving your dream of entering one of these colleges.
Out of 10.000 local hopefuls, only the 6 best would be picked to become part of a football class, who would then be nurtured academically, technically and physically to play football at highest level.
I performed the following tests:
– 4v2 performance analysys (how to move create angels use of skills (striking the ball, 1st Touch)
– Dribble test
– Passing test
– 1st Touch test
– Agility test
– Juggle test
– Headers test
– Endurance test
– Flexibility test
– Medical test
– Game performance analysis
I was lucky to score highest in all categories and be selected for the football School. With that step, my football career was about to start. Everyday I would get to play football. I was the happiest kid on earth.
This is what my weekly schedule looked like:
Monday: School/1x Training Session
Tuesday: School/2x Training Sessions
Wednesday: School game
Thursday: School/2x Training Sessions
Friday: School/1x Training
Saturday: Game
Sunday: Off
How good is that! I lived the dream!
Imagine if you were able to be part of something like that.
When I met Paul Chapman, founder of the new International Football college and he shared his philosophy, my heart started beating rapidly. I could not believe that someone I had never met before in the football circle was sharing with me something that I experienced 27 years previously. I could not sleep for days out of pure excitement.
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