Good things come to those who work..

'You've got a heart as loud as lions, so why let your voice be tamed?' 

A song lyric which perfectly sums up the person I was 2 years ago. Confident minded on the inside, but following a 'dinosaurs' opinion on the outside. By using 'baits' the lion is starting to come out, camps, events and opportunities; where an opinion is necessary. 

'Now we're finally finding our voices.' 

Through opportunities to strive, improve and a want to develop personally I have been able to progress through this voluntary journey of mine. Understanding what coaching is about and how my actions are making an impact. Coaching isn't just about learning to be comfortable in possession of a football, but being comfortable within ourselves as people. 

Last season I was a grassroots coach of an U11s girls side, which I thoroughly enjoyed and didn't think things could get much better. I couldn't have been more wrong. As previously mentioned, I've worked in a number of coaching environments this season, with so many players. I'd like to think I've had a positive impact on them, no matter how big or small. Whether its putting a smile on someone's face for a minute, teaching a new skill or being a role model. 

Through these opportunities I have been able to have a positive influence on the other staff who I have been working with. My hard work, time and dedication hasn't gone unnoticed. In the past few weeks I've had some phenomenal messages and requests,if you like, which have made everything worth while. 

The offering of opportunities which I never imagined possible. So firstly, one which I have previously written about. If all goes to plan I will be returning to Lancashire FAs Girls Player Development Centre next season, to work with the team in what i hope is a more 'hands on' kind of role. This shows that within the small number of weeks I was with the PDC this year, I made a positive impact and contribution on the players and in the eyes of the other coaches. I loved the evenings I spent there, the environment created to coach and play in was incredible and one which I hope can be created again next season. I'm looking forwards to being there from beginning to end, not jumping on the bandwagon as the programme came to a close. 

Through the FA Coach Scholarship Programme I have worked with my mentor and helped support her on a couple of girls festival events with the FA Tesco Skills Programme. These festivals have been a great success, so much so that a girls only skills programme has been put together to run weekly from this summer. This is a huge stride forwards for the FA and girls football in Lancashire, also providing a feeder system for the PDC and Academies. The best news, I've been asked to support the new sessions which are being set up, along side my mentor (How flipping well exciting?!!). To some people this might be, just another coaching thing. But I see this as a massive stepping stone in my football futures journey, and life journey in general. A mile away from when I got into coaching, not just an observant spectator but actually fully involved in shaping a young person's footballing adventure. 

As all good things come in 3s.. Towards the end of this season I started to become involved with the Lancashire Schools FA u14s girls side. As I became involved, the team were reaching the final stages of a national ESFA tournament. The girls reached the finals, played at Hillsborough, and were crowned National Champions! Another adventure which I was a part of and loved every single minute, even if I nearly threw up during the semi-finals, it was that tense!

Since the win, plans are starting to be put in place for next season. My name has placed as a permanent fixture within the management team for the U14s for next season, meaning I get to do it all over again, but this time from the trials, right the way through.... Hopefully being crowned champions again at the end. 

Next season is going to be unreal, the clubs I've worked with this season have all asked me to return and help out again next season. So my weeks are going to be very busy!! I've got plenty to look forward to over the summer and especially the coming weeks, Scholarship CPD, Team16 and the National Youth Futsal Festival in Birmingham at the end of June! 

I keep sitting and daydreaming about the coming months, wondering if I have made all of this up. 

Good things come to those who wait.. Or is it those who work hard and make them happen? 

 'Put it in all of the papers, i'm not afraid, they can read all about it.'

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eFXRQKYFbXE

Less is More

We're nearing the end of the season, and my first year of university is practically over. I've tried to balance my volunteering with uni work, and for a first attempt I don't think I've done a bad job. A few grades are left to come in, but I'm looking at a first for the year overall.. can't have done too badly!

This season has been different, I've been a part of fewer events in terms of setting them up and then delivering them compared to last season. However, the events I have been a part of have been on a regional and national scale. So I've done less, but in another way it's more.The 'smallest' event I've been a part of this season (so far) has been the Shropshire FA Football Futures County Camp, and I was as an ambassador, leading young leaders. There has also been the Lancashire FA Young Volunteers event, again where I supported the event, I didn't go as a participant. I think that in itself shows how far I have come over the last 3 seasons, genuinely gutted that I couldn't get up to Durham to see their Football Futures Camp.. but there is always next year!!

And then my 2 national events of the season so far, working with ISFA all season, working nationally; travelling around the country to work on a tournament. Not just a one day event, being able to see it through from one region to another and then the finals. Returning to the National Young Coaches Academy as a mentor, unbelievable experience to work with so many young coaches, delivering sessions not just standing around listening. Just seeing how much work goes into events of this size is phenomenal.

So 4 events which have been spread across my season, I guess not being within the sports environment every day makes a difference, I'm not a full part of what is going on locally, but maybe that's my choice. It's your own choice to walk away and not be involved. I hope that this isn't the end of my season, I'm putting off working at home to wait for any opportunities that might come up, last season I missed out on too much through working every weekend. I think that I have gotten the balance right this year, with volunteering and uni work. One which I hope to carry through to next year.

But looking at the coaching side, I've been in 6 different coaching situations, with 3 teams, The FA Tesco Skills Programme, Lancs' Player Development Centre and the Lancashire Schools teams. Each and everyone has/is a different environment, thrown up different challenges, and filled up my week. On a typical week, my only free day has been a Friday, with coaching  every other day. Fitting in events, going home and work around them. I've even had to move my uni timetable around to allow myself time to coach.

Considering I have finished my first year, near enough, I could go home and enjoy a very long summer, but I have decided to stay in Preston for a while longer to continue coaching and making the most of the what is around me. So far I've had another top season on the FA Coach Scholarship Programme, every morning I wake up and read my programme goals and I truly believe I'm getting closer everyday.. I might not be there yet but I'm closer than I was yesterday. I've been able to work with different coaches of different standards, pick up new skills and edit my own coaching style.

On reflection, I've had a very productive season in Preston, sure there have been occasions where things haven't pulled off, but that is just an incentive to work harder and go again for the next chance.

A word of advice to young leaders - opportunities are there to be earned. If you have been unsuccessful in something, ask yourself what you need to do to make sure that you have a better chance next time. Facing rejection is a part of life and whilst it's not a nice feeling it's something you will almost definitely face again.. it's a part of growing up. Instead of sitting there feeling sorry for yourself and thinking you've been hard done by, turn a negative into a positive and work hard at improving your skills and experiences so that when you are successful you can be safe in the knowledge you earned it and really deserve it. The world is a competitive place and everything you are learning now - the good and the bad, is helping you prepare for the future so embrace it, learn from it and make the most of it.
Tina Reed, Durham FA.

I set a goal following my Youth Award, Module 2 - to be more successful as a volunteer than last season. I think I've blown that out of the water. Having a want to do better, work harder and get to where I want to be. I feel like I've worked harder this season, trying to keep my uni work up to the highest level I can, creating time to put my coaching and volunteering in. Things can only get better, sure I can't predict the future and I will need a new goal for next season.. but I will keep plugging away and trying to get the chance at as many opportunities as possible.

And for anyone who doesn't know, the dream: I want to be able to walk up to Wembley stadium everyday and know that I will spend my time working on the Football Futures Programme on a national scale.

I'm very grateful or every opportunity which has been offered out, those which I have prospered from and those which I was not successful. I know that the future will hold success as well as failure, but its not failure unless is choose to give up. My 3 years on the Football Futures Programme (so far) have been something which I couldn't even dream of; sometimes I sit a re-read my blog and wonder if it's really me who has been achieving these things!

One opportunity leads into another, I have the thought of coaching with ISFA, next seasons player development centre and a Lancashire youth management team to mull over and prepare for. At the minute, I have no regrets, and rightly so.. but I haven't found what my legacy is going to be? Or if I have I can't see it.

Football Futures isn't about the awards at the end of the season, but those rewarding moments we get all season long.

Although he won't like it.. Dad, this one is yours - my biggest supporter. The person who stands by my side through every success and failure. Your morals and beliefs have become mine, the ones I lead my life by and try to teach others. The person who I can't wait to tell about the emails I get, the opportunities I hit and miss. Thank you for believing in me, I hope I'm making you proud. Without you, I would have given up at the first hurdle, now look at me, the hurdles get a bit taller so that I can jump a bit higher. I'm shooting for the moon.

I don't want this to end just yet
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5qwQ6blG3j4

ISFA U11s, 7-a-side National Tournament

So that's it, the national tournament is over. The finals have been completed, and we had a top day at St. George's Park on Monday 29th April. I've seen 6 or the regional heats and the finals, time has flown, sitting in The Hilton Hotel restaurant was a long away away from the Sainsbury Cafe where I had my initial interview last August.

Arriving at St. George's Park on Sunday 28th April was exciting. Waiting for Sean to arrive, wondering what the finals day would be like. A number of the teams had arrived early to stay over as well, so kids were rushing about the hotel lobby, some wet after leaving the swimming pool other patiently waiting for dinner. After receiving my key I could have a snoop around my room for the night. A room in the Hilton all to myself, Ipod in the docks ready for the night, T.V. for Match of the Day. I was overwhelmed by the place, the functioning of the sink taps threw me off for a first. Knowing this was the beginning got me even more exciting.

Before dinner we went to have a look at the pitches, with bowling greens all around this was the perfect venue for the finals. But then came our first major problem. Only 4 pitches has been set out, we needed and had planned for 6. Huge problem, literally hours before we were due to kick off the finals. An occurrence which we could do nothing about until the morning, but it certainly set the mood for dinner.

Anyway, not a lot could put me off my fish and chips for tea, might sound common to you, but the cube of chips and large battered fish was sublime. The fudge cake for pudding also can't be knocked, I knew that I was going to bed very happy. Unfortunately the pitch problem did take over the talk of the table, a lot of panic which left Mark unable to function a pen to sign for dinner. A show of how he felt over the matter, 2 years of planning and work for an error of this size to arrive.

Back to the rooms we went to prepare for the morning. On went my Ipod and the T.V, even that gave me a shock.. little did I know the bathroom had speakers which were louder that the TV! Alarms set, here was me hoping it would be easy to wake up!

Waking up for breakfast, still nervous to find out if the pitch problem had been solved. The sun was sneaking through the curtains, and I was hungry. Great news as I arrived downstairs, we had 6 pitches for the day! We could breathe easy and enjoy breakfast!

So, 8.45am, we were outside setting up the score centre and putting any last minute cones and signs in place. Teams and supporters soon arrived all excited with the hope of being national champions. Parents were caught taking numerous photos of the facilities, the 150 umbro shirts and their team in front of the famous St. George's Park sign. Referees at the ready, players on the pitch.. time to kick off!

180 players, 18 teams, 7 referees, 4 coordinators, all ready to go! Despite the wind, the tournament ran smoothly, no problems cropped up. Parents were constantly gathering around the score board eagerly waiting to see what the league tables read. It was pleasing to see everything come together, watching kids play with smiles on their faces, and enjoying the competition. My early predictions turned out to be correct with St. Edmund's and RGS The Grange playing out the finals! Both had qualified on penalties in their semi finals, non were needed in the final at RGS The Grange clinched the title with a 1-0 victory.

A thrilling tournament, and a great end with 2 top teams battling hard. I did manage to see the winning goal before walking into a pitch sign. But keeping up with fashion I was busy closing down pitches as the final was being played.

It was a great feeling of pride and fulfilment after talking to parents and spectators, their views were all positive. Knowing that I played a big role within the delivery team which had put on a very successful tournament, not just the finals day but all season.
Hearing the words 'We couldn't have done it without you' is quite special. Remember this is a national tournament, my first experience of working hands on, working to a high standard and wanting to push myself to exceed expectations.

Sure there have been issues and barriers along the way, but to get to where you want to be you have to jump the hurdles. The 5am starts, learning how to use the London tubes, fighting respect barriers, missing trains, missing uni lectures and exams, returning home late it's all been worth the results. It has all led up to St. George's, I've had great fun in everything. Everything which I can do, I've done. I've tried every role there is, ended up wet through, but this side to football has it's benefits. By me getting soaked, referees don't have to trek around giving in score cards.. so the tournaments run smoothly. Working hard to have everything set up so that I can watch some of the games, missing the final stages to close down pitches for the earliest finishes.

I hope to work with ISFA again in the not so distant future. But for now, I've had an amazing season working with Sean and Mark. The decision I made to ask for extended time to apply was a top decision, one that I will never regret.

Thank you to Mark Dickson and Sean Smith for having me on board, I've loved every minute and I hope I have lived up to your expectations. And to the Football Futures Programme, without that programme I wouldn't have been able to apply for the placement and put the skills which I have learnt and developed over the last 2 years to the test.

Roll on the next adventure. ISFA journey = complete!

Take a look around.

All of my blogs so far have been specific to events which I have attended, not really specific upon what I spend a lot of time doing, which is coaching. This season has been 'weird' and I'm sure that isn't the correct term to use. I think it's a season where I've have had different roles within different teams, all of which beneficial in some way. Whether that's picking out traits I want to avoid or spotting areas which I need to push on with to create and maintain success.

The term weird is quite loose, I've been in 5-6 different coaching environments this season each one has been completely different, whether that is because of the coaches stood around me, the impact I'm trying to have or the environment. This blog is aimed at the environment which we as coaches create and how important that is to success.

I'm sure if you read anything around the Youth Modules one of the first key points is developing the environment. Creating a scene where players can experiment, trial new skills and know that they aren't making mistakes but in fact developing as players. Be able to build an atmosphere filled with fun and creativity - if that's being creative with the sessions you put on, in coaching- finding ways to gain attention retain it and most importantly allowing players to be creative.

Something which has really started to bother me this season is standing next to another coach or watching other coaches who make every decision for their players. Shoot, pass, turn, quick throw, cross it, tackle, run, work harder. Why are they being told every move? Sure from a few foot higher we can see the game differently and where the space is, but by commanding every move, where is the players' metal development? Later on in the game or their playing career they will always look for that guidance on what to do. I'm not saying be quiet, maybe use different cues, 'look up' instead of 'pass it to Billy.' Watch the game from their level, can they even see that pass? Do they need to pass? This environment we are creating isn't beneficial for the players and their development.

"Let the game be the teacher." Again don't take it too literal and walk away after throwing a ball in. Who are you helping by doing that? Allow mistakes, cause to us losing the ball is an error, but what if the ball was lost due to players trying to pass the ball around, or attempting a turn and not quite getting it spot on. Surely that just provides a platform for the player to know what they've done wrong, but they can have another go even if the next time we see a similar error, they might feel closer to success.

As coaches we can't feel the game, I'm sure we like to think we can. When that ball drops allow the player to decide if to take a touch, shoot or header the ball. Why scream shoot at them and see a child panic and then deflate after missing the goal. Find the positives, ask the players to give feedback, what can they see happening? With winning blinkers on, what have you as a coach missed? This way the players get to have their say, which more often than not is eye opening. Their feelings and thoughts cannot be by-passed, it's their game after all.

Getting back on track after that rant... This season has provided me with opportunities to work with some phenomenal coaches and people, who are very good at being enthused from the first minute it the last. When players arrive at a session, the coach is the first person they see, that enthusiasm, banter, up-lifting emotions is the perfect start to getting players into the session.

From the first session I spent with Lancashire's Girls Player Development Centre I pin pointed the positive atmosphere as something which had been missing from other environments which either I had been in or tried to create. Their positive and fun filled environment allows players to develop and get the support they need without feeling like their mistakes are being judged. A lot of this is created by the coaches who put on the sessions. Having that level of energy is priceless, to then be able to put that into sessions and enthuse players is at another level. One which I'm aiming at, by moving around my sessions and constantly talking I can keep energy levels high and show my players that my attention is fully on them, I'm not standing and judging them.

This environment, it's down for us to build and allow our players in to. Piece it around your philosophy/ aims to have fun and be safe. Allow creativity, but also know when to coach. Attempting to build a fortress is great if you've got the bricks, but there aren't many kids who like to play football indoors.

I've learnt that by sticking to my beliefs and having an open mind, I can relax. I'm not a tense boss like figure, scared of offering opinions because someone else might not agree. If I enjoy myself, it will hopefully rub off onto the players I'm working with, adding to the positive and fun session.

A quote used by players, 'the only person you can control on the pitch is yourself' this works for coaches, you can only control yourself, but by controlling yourself correctly you can affect players and they way in which they control themselves.

It's more than grass and cones, the positive environment starts with us. The coaches.

National Camp Feedback & All Things ISFA

This is a bit of an ironic moment, waiting for one blog, and then two come along in quick succession!

Last week I received my National Camp feedback. From the blog I wrote about the Camp, I hope you can see how much I took from the week. The time I spent reading my feedback brought back all the memories from the week, highs, lows and all! Just thought I would share some of the feedback which I got.

After going through my FFCamp blog, it's very understandable to see how my feedback fits in. "From looking through Sarah's reflective log it was evident that Sarah was keen to learn but at times trying to get Sarah not to reflect and actually enjoy the week before it passed her by." Reflecting is something which I do too often, learning how to control this will become a personal goal. Instead of writing trillions of notes, I should be switched on and enjoying what's happening. This doesn't mean, enjoy everything and take nothing. I need to find a balance of reflecting after events, and only during when it's necessary. "Life can only be understood backwards; but it must be lived forwards." Kierkegaard

It's quite fulfilling reading some one else's thoughts on the week, and nice to see what they have noticed. Something I had to learn was when to share ideas and when to hold back. It was difficult, but it was something which I understood and developed as the week went on. I think that this situation, so when I held back, was when I started to over-reflect within sessions. If I was talking or actively involved then I started to try and understand other people and their way of leading. Probably should have been listening to them fully, but when you sit back you get a better view of the bigger picture. 

In terms of future development, I really enjoyed the futsal module at Camp, the way in which it can really aid young, old, elite, grassroots or anyone to develop skills and then transfer in football. I have already acted upon this by completing the beginners guide to Futsal course, which was insightful and opened up another world of opportunities to throw into my own coaching.

Something I was made aware of is how people learn and like to be coached. Obviously you can't adhere to everyone needs all of the time. But during camp I saw how and when to work with individuals and groups to get the best results. I'd like to think this is something I'm quite good at, recognising different learning style and understanding individuals. It's something which has been reinforced at camps and on courses, until you understand an individual, what every you are coaching will be irrelevant. 

National Camp was top, top week. Feedback should be taken in the right way, reflecting is something which I do far to often, having it pointed out isn't bad thing, it just makes you aware that other people have noticed it. :)



Onto the second part of this blog.. In an earlier post I said that I have a voluntary role with ISFA (Independent Schools Football Association) as an event coordinator on the National U11s, 7 a-side tournament. I have now finished all of my regional heats, I've travelled to London twice, been down by Brighton, to Leeds, Bolton and Derbyshire. Now only the National finals await for me at St.George's Park at the end of April.

I've had great fun travelling around the country, seeing some of the sites.. The Olympic Park being a highlight. But looking back on the regional heats, they have come and gone very quickly, I can remember being nervous about the first heat in September and only last week was I getting up at 4.00am to go to Leeds. There have been so many highs and lows, having 3 of us setting up and running each heat has opened my eyes to what really goes on for a tournament to run. If a problem comes up you have to work as and present yourself as if nothing happened. There was an incident at Chigwell where a referee didn't turn up, we had to re-arrange ourselves and carry on like nothing had happened.

I've seen some amazing football being played, and quite possibly the longest penalty shoot out ever in the finals at Leeds. Had some really nice cookies in Derby, chicken in Chigwell and sandwiches at Charterhouse. I don't want to see a respect barrier for a while after having a half an hour wrestle with one, its a good job the sun was out otherwise that could have been a day ruined!

The beauty of my role is that most of my work is done before and after the event, so I get to see things all pull together as games are being played. Although I haven't done a lot in setting up the tournament, it's very fulfilling seeing kids enjoy themselves and playing good football.

It's been a dream scenario, spending full days in football, going home feeling like I've done a good job. Talks over dinner have all been 100% about football, and that is all I'm ever talking about! The downside now is that it is all nearly over. I've learnt a lot over the 6 regional heats, about myself, football development and how to manage tournaments. There have been times when there were only 2 of us running the event. I've been in difficult positions, running the score centre and trying to work out teams going through under pressure, train trouble trying to get around the country, weather being British. But if you can come out of it all with a smile on your face, knowing people have had a good time and gone home happy then you know a good job has been done.

For the time being, thank you Sean Smith and Mark Dickson at ISFA for offering me the opportunity, roll on April and the national finals at St. George's Park!

This photo was taken in Bolton with the tournament in full flow!

Lancashire FA Young Volunteers Camp 2013

22nd February 2013, Lancashire FA, The County Ground. Thinking i was on time I entered the Sir Tom Finney Suite to 36+ young leaders all listening to the opening of the Camp. A few familiar faces dotted around the room meant that I didn't feel to embarrassed, whilst being waved over by my partner in crime for the day, Mike Nadal (Girls & Disability FDO).

As with the Shropshire county camp I had been asked to support the event and help where possible. A weird feeling to be leading young leaders, as a young leader. the day had been broken down into 3 sessions; coaching disabled footballers, refereeing and skills coaching. For this to work the young leaders were also split into 3 groups, Real Madrid, Barcelona and Malaga. I was with team Malaga; there was myself, Mike and Owen Coyle (Lancashire FA Apprentice) supporting the group.

Iain Kay (Education FDO) finished off the introductions and opened up the camp. Some key messages; enjoy it and take everything away that you can. Young volunteers had been nominated for the camp, so they had already shown signs of promise to become more involved as a volunteer. You only get out what you put in, the more you put into the camp, the more you will get out of it.

'If you stand on the side now, you will always stand on the side.' Steve Daley.

Our first session of the day, coaching disabled footballers, was delivered by Steve Daley, the current England Partially sighted captain who has 117 caps to his name and 6 world cup/championship appearances. Clearly there was no better man to deliver the module.

The session's key topic was, 'Can you deliver sessions which allow everyone to join in?' When putting sessions together it is easy to assume player's ability and plan for the best. But what if this doesn't work? or you have a problem, such as a player with a disability? As a coach you have to plan for the worst, be able to have back up plans. Prepare for the worst, but expect the best.

Communication is the key skill in any sport, but it's pivotal in disability sport. Communication is the route to portraying messages. If you cant deliver your message correctly then you will never get success. 90% of communication is non-verbal. You need to maximise what you are saying verbally in the minimal time. This doesn't mean only give out parts of your messages. Everyone learns differently, know your players and how they learn best. Communicate efficiently to get the best results.

Back to the session topic, the group were taken outside for a to look at the inclusive challenge in a practical view. Looking at making games inclusive. What modifications can be made to allow everyone to take part, to challenge the strugglers and strivers. Possibly using different equipment, for example different sized balls. Throwing them as well as kicking them, in the air and on the floor. A very insightful session for the young leaders, showing what challenges they might have to face in the future, and also how to deal with them.

Following lunch was our second session, refereeing. An interactive seminar lead by Steve Stuart and Eddie Wolstenholme. Starting off with an ice-breaker, very much like blind date to get know on-another. So moving onto the session itself, a few questions were asked of the young leaders, what are the do's and don'ts, highs and lows of being a referee? What is it like to be a professional referee? A question which brought out a number of answers, what is the general perception of referees?

-Depends on which team you support came out as an answer, as a referee you can only ever please one team.

-Referees apparently haven't played the game, according to newspapers, this meaning they don't understand the game. This is probably more of an issue with the advantage law, knowing when to play on or bring the play back.

-They get a lot of bad press, when watching Match of the Day, you only really see referees when they make a bad decision. They say the best referees are the ones you don't notice, most of the time you don't notice them and they don't get the credit they deserve for putting up with bad behaviour, or even when they have a good game.

Is this bad press unfair? A great example, would you scream at your striker if they missed from 5 yards out? Probably not, so why do coaches go crazy when a referee makes a mistake?

We then moved onto a quiz, the Laws of Association Football, being honest I think me and Mike should never attempt to referee again as we scored 3/10. Luckily most of the young leaders did a lot better than us.Questions including, How many people can participate in the restart method of a dropped ball? Team A are about to take a corner when a defender from Team B punches an opponent, what do you do? A player scores a goal without his boot on, do you give a goal? All of the questions were teasing, and tested us all, showing that we don't really know the laws of the game!

A second quiz took place, looking at decision making and consistency. The young leaders had to watch clips of match incidents and then decide if they would give a red card, yellow card or something else. This time the dream team scored, 12/18!! Some horrendous tackles were shown, after making our decisions the referee's decisions were shown and then UEFA's decisions. Some very surprising results!

The final quiz related to the disciplinary action and incidents of football with Lancashire over the 2011/12 season. We had to guess the right answer... I got 5/5. Some very surprising stats, 18,277 discipline cases were dealt with. 2,256 red cards, 14,949 yellow cards and 24 players received over 10 cautions that season. crazy stuff.

The final session of the day, skills coaching, delivered by Chris Hurst. Considering the wonderful Lancashire cold weather came out, the young leaders did a great job of diving right into the session. To begin with Chris lead a session, which started off very basic and then built up to include a football and become relatively complex. This session was the 'Great Escape' drill which is a part of the FA Youth Award Module 1. This game focuses on the basic movements within football [ABC's] moving in different directions, using different movements and finding innovative ways to get around the grid. Next step, try to get out of the grid via the gates, still using these basic movements, not just running out - cause that is well boring! The next step was to bring in guards who would tag people as they tried to escape. The final part was to introduce a ball, so everyone moving around the grid and then trying to escape without being tug.

The challenge for our young leaders was, using the same grid, develop your own session. There were different themes for the groups to adhere to, passing, individual development and game related. Those who had the challenge of involving passing split the players into 2 team and asked them to pass the ball around the grid. To begin with the 2 teams stayed in 1 half of the grid, they were soon asked to mingle and move around. The progression was to pass the ball and then leave the grid. Only after you have left and the re-entered can the player touch the ball again.

The second group has individual development, their game was based around the 'king of the ring' concept. The adaptations were to have a safe zone on each side of the grid, but you could only stay there for a limited time. Also, to stop players from standing around on the outside of the grid if their ball had been kicked out, they could come back into the game if they dribbled around a series of cones which were a part of the outer grid.

The third and final group were looking at a game related game. They re-arranged a few of the cones to make goals, and set up a directional attacking drill. Within the grid, 1v1s, 3v3s or even under loads/overloads were used. The progressions were the change in players in each phase of the drill.

The final part of the day, was a round up by Iain Kay. Introducing the Football Futures Programme and Apprentice Programme which is run by the County FA.

A very successful day on all accounts. I hope that the young leaders took all that they could from the day, and carry it through into their clubs and for their own personal development. 'There was no point in going and not remembering any of it.' A great comment from a young leader following the day, fingers crossed others went away feeling the same!

Thank you Lancashire FA for inviting me to the event and allowing me to support and be around some amazing young leaders. The future appears to be in good hands.

Shropshire FA, Football Futures County Camp

9.00am, the 18th February 2013. 4 Experienced young leaders and Eve Bailey (Shropshire FA FDO) assembled at Shrewsbury Sports Village to run through the last preparations and plans for the day. Ice breakers at the ready, the event was very close to beginning.

10am and the Camp attendees started arriving, with little knowledge of the day they were quiet and seemed unenthusiastic. Taking the initiative I rounded up the young leaders and got them playing the 'tap-tap game' which involved over lapping your hands on a table with the person next to you and then hitting your hands on the table in a circuit, failing to do this and you must take a hand away. What's thought would liven up the young leaders didn't work, but it lead into the start of the event.

A few more ice breakers to get going in the sports hall, involving dancing, creating silly sentences and attempting to stand up whilst linked up to other leaders' backs. Activities to get people talking and mingling with other young leaders attending the camp.

The first session of the day was delivered by Shropshire's Referee Development Officer, Sean Dipple. The topic being refereeing and respect, including a small part on futsal. To start with, what skills do you think a referee should have? A teasing question to open the session which stumped a few of our young leaders. Another way to put it, if you were playing a game of football, what would you expect of the referee?
Ideas about communication, discipline, confidence and decision making. Key skills in a number of situation not just when refereeing. Another question for the young leaders, pick your top 3 skills which would be vital in an outside environment such as applying for a job.

Continuing on the refereeing front, how difficult is it to be a referee at the top level of football? Remember they only get 1 view or an incident, not the 6/7 views we get at home. A series of videos were played to the young leaders and they had to decide what decision they would give if they were the referee. Clips including a Dirk Kuyt tackle, Cristiano Ronaldo penalty decision and Ashley Young handball were shown. At full speed they were all tough decisions to call. My view is that if you can justify your decision then it cannot be questioned.

A couple of questions which came up during the session to think about prior to taking a referee's course; do you really want to referee? Should you only take the course if you want to take things further and pursue a career in refereeing?

Onto Respect. A huge problem within our game today. There is a lack for respect for referees, players and everyone else involved, especially at grassroots level. As a latest part of the Respect Campaign, cards have been given out with requests from players for spectators behaviour. 8 requests including positive support, allow the players to learn the game, allowing coaches to coach and being a good role model. At the end of the day kids play football for a love of the game, well at least we hope so.

In football kids face a number of problems, pressure from parents being a huge one. Are they appropriate role models? Are elite performers decent role models? Actions of elite players filters down into grassroots and allows young minds to be filled with inappropriate behaviours. Diving, spitting, abuse, swearing, assaulting. If it's on the main stage then it will surely be a feature of a grassroots game as well. I myself have seen players copying the Luis Suarez dive celebration at the age of 6. At that age they wont understand the connotations of that celebration, but you can see it's wrong.

A final part of the morning session looked at opening up futsal. Looking at the key differences between futsal and football..pitch size, heavier ball, unlimited subs, 5-a-side, 2 referees to name a few.

Session 2, Disability in Football led by Paul Reynolds. To begin with a brief over view of the talent pathway which an impaired or disabled player must take to reach the top standard. Starting with Mars Just Play sessions, then university football [BUCS Leagues], moving up to FA England Talent days, and the impairment specific squads.

Talent is a funny thing, something which I don't believe in. You work hard, you're not born with a gift. You can do anything you want if you work at it and put in the time.

The young leaders were asked, what factors may influence talent? [In any situation]
-Determination
-Role Models
-Ability
-Time and money
-Environment
These are barriers which can be broken down and which everyone faces, some are overcome easier than others, but that's life. You have to choose which battle are worth trying to win. If you want it enough then you will get there.

Looking at talent, think about perceptions, how can you judge what you cant see? The more visible/obvious the disability, the more the focus is taken away from the potential and person. We should be looking people as players, not the disability.

What are the barriers to identifying talent? Probably the big one is knowing the disability or impairment.
A quote to come off one of the videos, 'Can you be a part of helping someone realise their dream?' Quite a powerful thought, what we do at grassroots level lasts more than the conversation.

A practical session followed, where blindfolds were introduced. A simple task to begin, in pairs, 1 blindfolded, guide them around the hall. Find places and feel around for different places. It felt weird, but you can start to appreciate the difficulty of a vision impairment or total blindness. After this is 3s, direct the person blindfolded from one position to another. Following sounds and starting to understand distances. This exercise shows how important hearing and our ears are when other senses are restricted. A final part with the blindfolds, blind penalties. Having the ability to imagine the goals after they've been tapped out, where the ball in and where you are on the pitch. For us we could see where the goal is before taking the shot. We're the lucky ones who are able to lift up the blindfolds once we're finished.

The final part to the disability session, how can we adapt sessions/practises to facilitate impairments and increase inclusivity? A great thing which Paul said, put them in the 'mayhem'. Typically we stick players on the outside of drills if we don't feel they are good enough, or put them in goal. We should be looking at making session inclusive not exclusive. As coaches we need to have the ability to change the task, or tailor sessions around the individuals within it. Back up plans help with this, plan for the worst not just the best.

The final session for the day, Futsal coaching. A chance to practise the skills used in futsal and play the game. Skills including, using the sole of you foot to control and manoeuvre the ball, taking a kick in, passing the ball with the toe and a lofted pass/scoop. This is something which I looked at quite a lot in the FA National Camp blog. These skills take time to get used to, but they could so easily be transferred into football. Trapping a ball is the best way to shield a ball and move it around. A toe poke save time and you aren't hitting the ball hard, just pushing it to a team mate.

Futsal is a very fast pace game, to defend you just need to sit behind the ball and force an error. By using touch tight marking you will tire quickly and get picked off. This leading to gaps in the pitch and the spaces to exploit.

Back in for the close down of the day and a brief reflection phase. Overall comments were very positive. The referee session was classroom based from start to finish, which the young leaders didn't enjoy as much.

From a personal point of view it was nice to see a County Camp from a different point of view, not just a young leader. It's something which I would have liked to have had more of an involvement with, but I am still learning and can't jump the gun. I hope that the young leaders who attended the Camp stay within football and put the hours in cause they really do pay off.

My video from the day can be found at:

http://vimeo.com/60168320