NEWS - APRIL: TOUR INFORMATION

With the formation of the FDS Academy and the continued growth of the Development Centre programme, the enthusiasm and demand for tours continues to be extremely popular. Moving forward, the coaching staff at FDS realise the importance of taking the boys away whether it be in the UK or across Europe and have been working tirelessly to make 2007 a very active touring year.

The importance of the tours is to increase the contact time with the coaches, with the boys working on habits that will help them reach their potential in the game. These habits are not confined to the on the pitch learning opportunities. Of equal importance is developing an understanding with the players the many lifestyle skills, that will enable them to hopefully play at an elite level as they progress with their football.

Detailed below are the up coming tours:

Easter Open, Holland
FDS are taking three squads to the Easter Open this year, following the enjoyable trip the organisation had there last year. The Squads are a mixture of Development Centre and Academy players, with the U9's including a number of U8's within the squad. This tour will also see FDS take a large backroom staff to the tournament, which will help develop not only the players understanding of tour but also the coaches.

Tamme Cup, Estonia
A mixture of U10 and U11 Academy players will be making the trip to Estonia. A tournament FDS were invited to on the back of a successful Brondby Cup last Summer.

Kokkola Cup, Finland
Following a recommendation from a respected coach in the game, FDS will be taking their U9 Academy squad to this tournament.

Brondby Cup, Denmark
Following on from the positive experience FDS had last year at this tournament, this tour has been opened up to all the Development Centre players in the 95 year group and 97 year group. An overwhelming response has seen both squads fully subscribed, however if players are still interested they are advised to contact Howard. If there are enough players wishing to go, a further team will be entered. Please ring 01933 318413 if you are interested in accompanying this touring party.

The home based initiatives see FDS visit Grendon Hall in June for the weekend, along with having a week long residential at this venue in August.

FDS are also in the early stages of setting up a tour for the Autumn so the year really is packed with some great opportunities for our Development Centre and Academy players.