NEWS - AUGUST: SUMMER RESIDENTIALS

For the 3rd year running FDS held their summer residential at Grendon Hall. The first half of the week saw the coaches welcome Development Centre players to the facility with the 2nd half of the week seeing a large number of the Academy players coming to train.

The residential provided the coaches with much food for thought on the players within the programme and through the experience should provide both players and coaches alike a marker for the coming months ahead within the two tiers.

The main components of the residential learning experience are essentially the same for the development centre players and Academy players, but the delivery and attention to detail on the subjects touched on differs from the two groups

The subjects the coaches work on with the players are diet, rest and professional standards, along with a number of talks on what it takes to reach the elite level of sport. The time away also gives the coaches the chance to talk on a 1 on 1 basis with the players, which is not always possible in normal environment of sessions. Understanding the individual player is essential though if the coaches are to get the best out the players in the future.

Within the whirlwind of the residential experience the boys learn in many different ways and at different times. The true value of a residential experience may not be during the three days away, but a change in attitude during the following months, a better understanding of their diet or a greater understanding of the value of good rest.

The goals and targets also differ from group to group at the residential. For the younger players just coming away experiencing things for themselves will be of huge benefit to them, while the older players having probably already been away with FDS and having more experience, these boys need a different challenge. For this summers residential the importance of lifestyle, dedication and ensuring the players understand the significance of their homework, were all key areas the coaches focused on. Time will tell whether these messages were successful.