I love the process football teaches of becoming a team. The ‘forming, storming, norming and performing’ * stages are intriguing, as a group of individuals come together to strive towards a common goal. What happens then, in youth development, when the aim is to improve the individual while … [Read more...] about Becoming a Team
Football
Brain development update
In an earlier blog I spoke about the benefits of Futsal as a development tool for young footballers. In that blog, I briefly mentioned Daniel Coyles’ The Talent Code, the idea of ‘deep practice’ and the effect hours of constant repetition have on the neurological development of an athlete. Coyle … [Read more...] about Brain development update
Performance Diagnostic Begins
Last week we started establishing the IFS Performance Analysis Diagnostic. This is a battery of testing we are using to precisely define strengths and weaknesses to include in our annual development plan to ensure top class development training. Tests include running with the ball, first touch, … [Read more...] about Performance Diagnostic Begins
The IFS cookbook
The IFS Cookbook This week, I was very pleased to be able to get our IFS cookbook uploaded onto the students’ ipads and set the first working project from it. Diet, and the subsequent education of our students about their dietary needs is an important part of our football program. For any … [Read more...] about The IFS cookbook
IFS vs Hunter Sports High
Last Friday Paul drove our team of U15s up to Hunter Sports High School in Gateshead, an old hunting ground of mine and a few of our players. I was proud to be in the ‘blue’ corner and take on our old peers. To save on time, we had our team talk on the bus and the lads practically ran onto the … [Read more...] about IFS vs Hunter Sports High
Nobody Else But You Part 2
Last week I asked a series of questions with the intention of getting our young players to think about exactly what it takes to ‘make it’ as a professional footballer. Since beginning in January it's been a long learning process to get up to speed with the requirements of a young professional, … [Read more...] about Nobody Else But You Part 2