NEWS - MAY: CREATING A LEARNING CULTURE

For the younger players within the development Centre programme, the aim is for them to push on towards becoming U8 Academy players. In achieving this goal the boys have to show they are developing their technique and an attitude to help them learn as much as they can while with the FDS coaches.

The FDS coaches believe firmly that the younger players need the best coaches so we ensure that they are given the time and expertise needed to help the boys develop as young players.

To become an elite player requires individuals to learn many different aspects of football and the earlier they can learn them the easier it is to implement as the coaches do not have to undo any poor habits before they can progress.

Sound practice from an early age helps the players develop good habits which will be the foundation to them progressing as they mature. The message of practicing these fundamental skills cannot be repeated enough as only by retention of these basic skills and techniques are skills firmly acquired.

Looking at the current FDS U8's it is no surprise that we have an abundance of exceptionally skillful players who are developing their fundamental skills. For the large majority of the U8's they have been within the FDS system for a number of years, with a couple having been at Development Centre since the age of four. The massive amounts of time the coaches have spent with the boys means the foundations are there for a bright future for the boys in the game, and also the quality of players moving through the FDS programme for the foreseeable future.