The Norfolk & Suffolk Youth League was one of the first youth Football leagues in the country to be awarded the FA Charter Standard. The ‘Working with teams’ event was organised by Suffolk FA in support of the league and was open to NSYL clubs from both Norfolk and Suffolk.
Braving the elements, over 70 people; coaches, managers, mums, dads, along with league officials attended the event and were rewarded with a thought provoking 2 hours from FA Regional Coaching Development Manager Peter Trevivian.
Working with 2 local NSYL U12 teams, Waveney and Gorleston Rangers, he took them through what a typical Match day experience from Arrival – in the dressing room – Warm-ups, the match - End of Game – cool/down/departure.
Over a short presentation he shared the following key observations on how to enhance player development within clubs:
1) Over Season Players get equal game time.
2) players have opportunity to play other positions.
3) Substitutes – Vary from week to week
4) Changes agreed prior to the game, affected only by injury.
5) Look to develop trust, respect, enjoyment and take away the fear of failure around the match situation
Following a torrential downpour Peter was able to put into practice the discussions held inside. Taking both sets of players through a matchday warmup: as individuals – without the ball, as a unit – with the ball, and also as a team - position specific warmups. This was followed by a game consisting of 3 periods of 10 minutes, at the end of each period there was a brief break for teams to discuss areas for improvement before playing once more.
Was there any shouting at players from the side – No. Did the players have ownership – Yes. Was there enjoyment – Yes. Was there improvement as individuals and as a team – definitely.
Suffolk FA would like thank Peter Trevivian, Sean Plantten, Peter Hannant and Kevin Oldman for their support in organising this event.
For more information on Charter Standard Leagues or the Charter Standard process in general, please contact the Suffolk FA Football Development Team on 01449 616606 or info@suffolkfa.com.