The beautiful game will deeply miss your contributions, just as so many of us will, Faustine Nalugwa Kiyingi.
Rest in peace, Faustine. 🙏
Our thoughts are with you, @SheMaroonsFC.
There is a concerning trend.
(And it's hindering player development)
Recently I had a conversation with a fellow professional coaching peer of 15 years and this question arose:
"Where are the coaches today who just want to improve players?"
I got it.
On the surface you might think, "Well every coach does."
Are there coaches who want to? Ofcourse.
But increasingly, when I am speak with younger coaches, the first thing they talk about is developing either a...
• Philosohy
• Game model or
• System of play
The truth is this.
Your game model is only as good as:
1. The players who you have
2. The players who want to do it
You have to start by
→ Knowing thier dreams
→ Knowing the individual
→ Knowing their strengths
→ Knowing their challenges
→ Knowing what they care about
→ Knowing why they come to training
...before any game model.
When I started coaching at 21, my aim was simple.
I want to help make the dreams of young players come true.
See when you focus more on your game model, you can miss the detail in what the individual needs.
Try this.
When designing your session plan, start by writing down an experience, achievement, or challenge each player has had that week.
E.g.
• New sibling born
• Starting driving lessons
• Duke of Edinburgh Award
It will make a greater difference that you think.
And remember.
1st Team football is very different to development football.
Have you noticed this trend?