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  • Understanding Bullying

    Understanding Bullying

    A big part of coaching is teaching the kids you coach about respect and teaching them to accept others for they way they are. Nothing worse then to find out that your own child has gotten into trouble for picking on someone or is part of a gang that has been bullying other kids.

    As difficult as it may be to process this news, it’s important to deal with it right away. Whether the bullying is physical or verbal, if it’s not stopped it can lead to more aggressive antisocial behaviour and interfere with your child’s success in school and ability to form and sustain friendships.

    “Never take a person’s dignity: it is worth everything to them, and nothing to you”.

    Understanding Bullying Behavior

    Kids bully for many reasons. Some bully because they feel insecure. Picking on someone who seems emotionally or physically weaker provides a feeling of being more important, popular, or in control. In other cases,kids bully because they simply don’t know that it’s unacceptable to pick on kids who are different because of size, looks, race, or religion.

    In some cases bullying is a part of an ongoing pattern of defiant or aggressive behavior. These kids are likely to need help learning to manage anger and hurt, frustration, or other strong emotions. They may not have the skills they need to cooperate with others. Professional counseling can often help them learn to deal with their feelings, curb their bullying, and improve their social skills.

    Some kids who bully at school and in settings with their peers are copying behavior that they see at home. Kids who are exposed to aggressive and unkind interactions in the family often learn to treat others the same way. And kids who are on the receiving end of taunting learn that bullying can translate into control over children they perceive as weak.

    “What if the kid you bullied at school, grew up, and turned out to be the only surgeon who could save your life?” – Lynette Mather

    Helping Kids Stop Bullying

    Let your child know that bullying is unacceptable and that there will be serious consequences at home, school, and in the community if it continues.

    Try to understand the reasons behind your child’s behavior. In some cases, kids bully because they have trouble managing strong emotions like anger, frustration, or insecurity. In other cases, kids haven’t learned cooperative ways to work out conflicts and understand differences.

    Tactics to Try

    Take bullying seriously:

    Make sure your kids understand that you will not tolerate bullying at home or anywhere else. Establish rules about bullying and stick to them. If you punish your child by taking away privileges, be sure it’s meaningful. For example, if your child bullies other kids via email, text messages, or a social networking site, dock phone or computer privileges for a period of time. If your child acts aggressively at home, with siblings or others, put a stop to it. Teach more appropriate (and nonviolent) ways to react, like walking away.

    Teach kids to treat others with respect and kindness:

     Teach your child that it is wrong to ridicule differences (i.e., race, religion, appearance, special needs, gender, economic status) and try to instill a sense of empathy for those who are different. Consider getting involved together in a community group where your child can interact with kids who are different.

    • Learn about your child’s social life. Look for insight into the factors that may be influencing your child’s behavior in the school environment (or wherever the bullying is occurring). Talk with parents of your child’s friends and peers, teachers, guidance counselors, and the school principal. Do other kids bully? What about your child’s friends? What kinds of pressures do the kids face at school? Talk to your kids about those relationships and about the pressures to fit in. Get them involved in activities outside of school so that they meet and develop friendships with other kids.
    • Encourage good behavior. Positive reinforcement can be more powerful than negative discipline. Catch your kids being good — and when they handle situations in ways that are constructive or positive, take notice and praise them for it.
    • Set a good example. Think carefully about how you talk around your kids and how you handle conflict and problems. If you behave aggressively — toward or in front of your kids — chances are they’ll follow your example. Instead, point out positives in others, rather than negatives. And when conflicts arise in your own life, be open about the frustrations you have and how you cope with your feelings.

    “When another person makes you suffer, it is because he suffers deeply within himself, and his suffering is spilling over. He does not need punishment; he needs help. That’s the message he is sending.”

    Starting at Home

    When looking for the influences on your child’s behavior, look first at what’s happening at home. Kids who live with yelling, name-calling, putdowns, harsh criticism, or physical anger from a sibling or parent/caregiver may act that out in other settings.

    It’s natural — and common — for kids to fight with their siblings at home. And unless there’s a risk of physical violence it’s wise not to get involved. But monitor the name-calling and any physical altercations and be sure to talk to each child regularly about what’s acceptable and what’s not.

    It’s important to keep your own behavior in check too. Watch how you talk to your kids, and how you react to your own strong emotions when they’re around. There will be situations that warrant discipline and constructive criticism. But take care not to let that slip into name-calling and accusations. If you’re not pleased with your child’s behavior, stress that it’s the behavior that you’d like your child to change, and you have confidence that he or she can do it.

    If your family is going through a stressful life event that you feel may have contributed to your child’s behavior, reach out for help from the resources at school and in your community. Guidance counselors, pastors, therapists, and your doctor can help.

    Getting Help

    To help a child stop bullying, talk with teachers, guidance counselors, and other school officials who can help you identify situations that lead to bullying and provide assistance.

    Your doctor also might be able to help. If your child has a history of arguing, defiance, and trouble controlling anger, consider an evaluation with a therapist or behavioral health professional.

    As difficult and frustrating as it can be to help kids stop bullying, remember that bad behavior won’t just stop on its own. Think about the success and happiness you want your kids to find in school, work, and relationships throughout life, and know that curbing bullying now is progress toward those goals.

    Article by:

    D’Arcy Lyness, PhD

    Behavioral Health Editor, KidsHealth
    Child and Adolescent Psychologist
    Wayne, PA

    If you are affected by Bullying please contact REACHOUT.IE for help.

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    I always like to hear your opinions. Please comment below or email me info@thecoachdiary.com If, you don’t have anything to add then please forward this on to a friend. Thanks for reading.

    I’m also on twitter @Coachdiary

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  • The Tosh Farrell Workshop

    The Tosh Farrell Workshop

    I was at the Tosh Farrell seminar the other night, which was very good. What was disappointing was the practical part of the workshop. Tosh arrives out on the pitch and has to ask attendees to step in and be players.

    Like most people, I was not dressed for playing football as I came straight from work. I’ve been to many FAI Coaches Association courses before and every time the coaches attending, have to step in to be the players. The courses for the Football Festival were all held at the AUL, so organising players should not have been a problem. I can name at least 5 clubs who are within a ten minute drive and would be only be delighted to provide players, so why does this have to happen every-time! We want our kids getting more time on the training pitch and yet when a vastly experienced coach comes to Ireland, we offer him 30+ year old men for him to work with. Surely we can do better then this.

    A quick look at the attendee list some days prior to the workshop and ask the relevant clubs. Most FAI, RDO’s work closely with teams, no excuse really. The session Tosh was trying to put on was adapted for youth players not 30+ year old men with no balance and limited coordination, in work attire. (No disrespect to the men who stepped in and fair play for doing so). His time coaching would have been much more enjoyable with young players progressing through the session. It was ‘Father Ted’ stuff! Note to oneself, if you’re ever bringing over an established coach, make sure he has players to work with.

    Apart from that, the session progressed well and Tosh is clearly passionate about developing the technical aspect of the player. I will have a full interview with Tosh, to post in the coming weeks.

    Tosh’s Coach Development

    Tosh’s Program is based on trying to improve your coaching knowledge and technique through in-person and virtual modes of learning. Whether you are a novice coach looking to learn how to prepare for a practice session, or if you are an experienced coach looking for additional accreditation, you can now take advantage of the Tosh Farrell Soccer Methodology

    Check out his website here: Tosh Farrell Soccer

    Well-done to the Coaches Association on putting on the Coaching Festival, for anyone interested in coaches there was certainly a lot on offer. The more workshops will see like these the better for everyone.

    Session Details added 31/7/13

    Tosh Farrell – Playing Through The Gaps

    FAI Tosh Farrell Coaching Presentation (June 2013)

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  • COACH TALK: Mike Geoghegan

    COACH TALK: Mike Geoghegan

    Mike Geoghegan is a friend and a very good coach, I talk to him about his views on coaching and future of youth soccer in Ireland.

    How did you get into coaching? 

    I had played Leinster Senior League with Newbridge Town and was approached in 1998 to go back there as player manager. Back then the manager also looked after the coaching role and I enjoyed that aspect. We built a good young side and won the Senior Division Title in 2000 and I was voted joint LSL Manager of the Year. Pressure of my day job then took me away from coaching for a couple of years until one day I went to watch my eleven year old son play with Naas AFC and to be honest the coaching was so poor I had to get involved. I enjoyed a few years with the boys. They were not a great team but were committed and honest with two or three good players and worked their way up to major in the DDSL.

    I wanted to do my coaching badges but the FAI would not exempt me from Kickstart 1 or 2 despite my LSL record so stubbornly I held off until 2007 and then gave in and started with Kick Start1 and am now doing my A Licence. I have also recently qualified as a Business and Life Coach.

    What is your current role at your club?

    I have two roles one is Director of the Academy for the Kildare Underage League which looks after approx. forty clubs. My focus is on the age groups from six to fourteen.  This role is enjoyable as it combines on the field coaching with planning a Coaching Strategy for the Academy and the League. I am also the Head Coach at Naas AFC where we field twenty five teams in the Kildare League. So I coach six days a week at present.

    What changes would you make to the grassroots game in Ireland?

    I would put the Kennedy Cup back by a year to under 15 and the emerging talent programme back to under 16. This would allow the Leagues more breathing space to develop players and allow the players a vital extra year to grow up in life and football terms. I would abolish nine a side football. I am a big advocate of small numbers on small areas but not big numbers on small areas which favours physicality.  I would like to see no competitive league football until under 13. I would introduce five aside for under 8s, then seven a side until the Christmas of the under 12 season. I would bring in offside from under 11 at seven a side.  The second half of the under 12 season, I would start non-competitive eleven a side with matches interspersed with coaching clinics for coaches and players. Competitive league eleven a side would commence at under13. I would gradually introduce the kids to competition at the end of the under11 season with tournaments and cups.

    I believe the DDSL should be split into three Leagues as it is too big relative to the size of the country. A lot of good players playing for the smaller clubs in the DDSL have no chance of recognition.

    I would invest more in coaching standards around the country and develop a new coaching pathway for coaches who want to advance only as underage coaches. I would replace Kickstart 1 and 2 and the Youths badge new courses on How to Coach and Develop Young People as Module 1 and Football Instruction as Module 2.   I would then bring both together for a Coaching Young Players Diploma.

    Image 1What is your coaching Philosophy?

    My Coaching philosophy is Guided Discovery. The Game is the Teacher, The Player is the Student and the Coach is the Guide. The normal style is Coach tells player does.  At the other end of the spectrum there is now a lot of talk at the moment about street football and free play football all of which has merits. But I believe young players need a guide to help them develop. You can learn from your mistakes more easily with someone to give you a steer by asking the right question at the right time. We need to produce more thinking players who can solve the problems on the pitch. I combine the Guided Discover Coaching style with Small sided games using 1v1 2v2 3v3 4v4 and 5v5 in most training sessions at all ages. We will regularly use four small goals on small pitches and sometimes use two bigger goals with Keepers. Variety is key.  I also concentrate a lot on technical skills and players being two footed.  I read a lot of coaching material and cherry pick what I like.

    So to sum up my Philosophy it is Small sided games coached with Guided Discovery. See PURESOCCER which Aaron Callaghan and I developed.

    What is the future of Youth football in Ireland?

    Youth football in Ireland needs leadership to try and keep pace with a rapidly changing game. There are a lot of good people in their own way trying to do good things but it needs to be brought together into a cohesive master plan for developing young people and young players. Most coaches in Ireland are Dads or ex-players who are instructors not coaches. We need to firstly train people in the art of coaching and teaching and then add in the football instruction. We need to concentrate more on developing the young person and their self-esteem.

    I am concerned about the future. The recent row between the DDSL and SFAI shows that the kids have become secondary to the politics. This row is about adults not kids. This is not the backdrop for healthy change. I think some positive changes will be introduced but will it be enough as we are starting a few years behind. We are small enough to make radical changes to the game but only if all of us who love the game pull together.

    The Coachdiary would like to thank Mike for a very honest and open interview.

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  • DDSL SSG Changes are very Positive..

    DDSL SSG Changes are very Positive..

    After several weeks of much discussion, meetings of various clubs around Dublin, the SSG working Group along with the DDSL have come with the following changes starting this summer with immediate effect.

    They stressed that the main focus remained to introduce a more soccer friendly and non-competition environment. The focus is ensuring that players get to play more football; more focus on coaching and to educate parents to remain behind the rope, not coach the kids and support the coaches/managers. They also want clubs to work together and make sure that soccer in Dublin is much more player focused and less about adult egos.

    “SSG Group to remains in place for a minimum of 12 months to monitor and improve any changes accepted. This would also allow for improving in coaching and assisting DDSL clubs, coaches and players”.

    This is what is going happen:

    Under 7 to remain within their club academies for further development and coaching.

    Under 8s (2006) & under 9 (2005)

    Focus on the following: 

    • Children should play in relevant age group.
    • Aim is to bring these age groups into a more soccer friendly and non-competition environment.
    • Focus is on ensuring players get to PLAY more and encourage managers to become more skilful.
    • We need to educate parents on how to their behaviour affects children’s playing/learning “Don’t cross the line” roping of all pitches is to encouraged in all clubs. 

    How the game is played:  

    • Team of 10 to make of two games
    • Play in regionalised events
    • DDSL to set fixtures every week
    • Teams to play across the current small-sided pitch, enabling 2 games to take place at the same time i.e. if a team arrives with 10 players and the opposition also have ten, then 2 x 5v5 games can be played. If a team arrives with 9 players, then a 5v5 and 4v4 should be played.
    • 7v7 Goals should be turned on their back to make a smaller goal or use a 5 aside goals.
    • Each game to be 3×10 mins with a 2 minuted interval between each quarter.
    • No ref/Non-Competition (It doesn’t count for anything, just FUN)
    • No Match cards
    • No Results
    • No league Tables
    • Play for fun and learn foot-skill
    • Pitch Roped Off (Standard is 5 feet away from the line)
    • Size 3 ball must be used
    • All players must play
    • All groups will be renamed to colours rather then grading of A, A1, B etc
    • Each Group will be made up of 10/12 teams so no moving at Christmas
    • No playing on Bank Holidays weekends
    • If teams missing players they can still travel with 8/9 players (play 2 x 4 aside)
    • Pitch dimensions: play across current SSG pitch then the two matches can take place at the same time.

    Under 10:

    • No change with current playing system
    • Play 7 aside
    • DDSL to set fixture every week
    • For the coming session this will be competition football as they are coming out from playing u9s which was competitive.
    • Official refs to be appointed by League €15.00 (Unless FAI alter fee)
    • Play 20 mins each way.
    • All players must play.
    • Size 4 ball to be used.
    • Play in 6 team divisions up to Christmas and re-grade after Christmas for League.
    • Pitch Dimension: 70 yards Long and 50 yards wide.

    Under 11:

    • Play 7-a- side.
    • DDSL to set fixtures every week.
    • Official referees to be appointed by League – €15.00 per match.
    • Play 20 mins each way.
    • All players must play.
    • Size 4 ball to be used.
    • Play in 6 team divisions up to Christmas and re-grade after Christmas for League.
    • Pitch Dimension: 70 yards Long and 50 yards wide.

     Under 12:

    • Play 9- a- side on Saturday ONLY (for this year as teams played for top 5 Sat & top 5 Sun from u11s).
    • Play on 11 a side pitch from 18 yard line to 18 yard line (different colour paint can be used to mark out the pitch lines).
    • Use same 11 aside sidelines.
    • Play 30 mins each way.
    • All players must play.
    • Official referees to be appointed by League – €24.00.
    • Small Sided Goals to be used. (Would be great to bring in the European style 6x2m goal)
    • No Offside.
    • Play in 10 team divisions to streamline the transition into u13 next season.

    Next Season (2014/2015) both Sat and Sun top 5 teams from each A division get 13 Premier.

    Other Suggestion by the SSG group:

    • Bringing the u10’s into non- competition football from the season 2014/2015
    • u11’s into non-competition football from the season 2015/2016.
    • This would mean that no leagues, no cups until u12s.
    • SSG Group to remains in place for a minimum of 12 months to monitor and improve any changes accepted.
    • This would also allow for improving in coaching and assisting DDSL clubs, coaches and players.

    All in all I think this is a very positive move by the DDSL, it may not be what everyone wants but it’s certainly a step in the right direction and the SSG working group is going to be in place for another year which is fantastic news.

    I would also like to see the following eventually brought in:

    • A retreat line from to u9s
    • 9v9 played at u13
    • 9v9 up to u14s for certain levels
    • Move to 11v11 at u14s
    • Size 4 ball for u13s
    • Roll on and roll off up to u16s (Minimum)

    Let me know what other leagues are doing the coming season and of course I’m always interested in hearing your views.

    Another great post from Blueprint for football Great Coaches=Better Players

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  • COACH TALK: 45 minutes with Pat Malone

    COACH TALK: 45 minutes with Pat Malone

    I feel that it is very important to get the opinions of coaches who have been around the game in Ireland for some time. This week I chat to Pat Malone from Premier Skills Ireland.

    TCD: How did you get into coaching?

    PM: I started coaching with my Dad – Christy Malone at Dingle United in Cabra. I was around 17, I think. I just gave him a hand initially and then as time went by I began to do more and have more input. He always had pretty good teams during his time at Dingle. The first team I helped coach had some really good players in it including the current Head of Coaching at St Kevin’s Boys– Alan Caffrey. Caffo was a special player who never got the breaks he deserved. He was a player with great ability who always had a trick or two up his sleeve, something that was always encouraged in him by my Dad but in today’s modern “must win” world of schoolboy football is so sadly lacking.

    I completed my Level 1 & UEFA B Licence whilst at Dingle and from there I progressed to work under Pat Cleary. Pat was then manager of Ards FC and initially I played for him. I had just recovered from my 2nd ACL rupture and played that one season for Pat. We won the league & Cup double that year so I decided I’d put my body through too much and decided to give up playing and concentrate on coaching. It was also a good time to go out on a high. I began to assist Pat in the following season and learned so much from him. In my mind he was a “Guru” and still is. After working with Pat, I decided to concentrate on completing my UEFA “A” Coaching Licence which I did with the Scottish FA. Pat had recommended that I do it with the SFA. It was a fantastic experience, very tough with no real margin for error – you only have to look at the coaches who have completed the Licence with the SFA – Jose Mourinho, Andre Vilas Boas to name but 2 to see how high the standards that are required.

    I then began to stand on my own and have worked with a number of clubs, leagues & associations. (Kinvara Ards FC/DDSL Kennedy Cup Squad/Republic of Ireland U15/U16 & U17 squads/Shelbourne FC/Bohemians FC/Drumcondra FC & Home Farm FC).

    In July of 2012 I began work with Premier Skills in Ireland and have not looked back since.

    TCD: What is your current role at your club?

    PM: I am co-Licence Holder for Premier Skills in Ireland along with Colm Barron. Our company provides Innovative Coach Education & Player Development Programs. This work is based primarily on the “Street Football” concept utilising the “Practice Play” Methodology.

    I believe that there are real deficiencies in today’s game and a huge shortage of skilful individuals such as Johnny Giles/Liam Brady from the past. These players learned their game on the street. Times have changed and children cannot for safety reasons play on the streets anymore but the principles remain the same in my mind.  I believe Premier Skills can help counter theses deficiencies with its methodology and believe it can make a big difference in not only helping produce excellent players but also by helping produce excellent coaches.

    The opportunity arouse when I along with Colm were approached by Roger Wilkinson, co-founder of Premier Skills to take up the franchise and licenceship for Premier Skills in Ireland. It was a fantastic opportunity, one which both Colm & I could not turn down. It is great working with someone who is so like minded in terms of how the game should be played. Its working well and I would be confident that Premier Skills will grow further in the future.

    The Premier Skills Practice Play Methodology is used at a number of Academies in England currently which include West Bromwich Albion, Birmingham City and Coventry City to name but a few.

    It is also used as part of the Coaching Development Program at a number of clubs in Ireland. To date we have completed courses in St Kevins Boys, Trim Celtic, Malahide United, Mountview Boys & Girls FC and Shamrock Rovers here in Ireland. We also held a Level 1 Course with the NDSL which was very well received.

    TCD: What changes would you make to the grassroots game?

    PM: Where do I begin!! First of all I would do away with all league tables’ right up to U 12. Kids don’t need league tables – they naturally want to win. They are competitive, it’s in their DNA.  By taking away the league tables I think this could have a greater effect on the parents. There would be less pressure being put on the kids and therefore they will enjoy the game more. I would have small sided games programs right up to U12 based as follows. The transition year would take place at U13.

    U8s U9s  – 5 v 5. (Indoor from Nov – Feb. Futsal ?)

    U10s U11s – 7 v 7. (Indoor from Nov – Feb. Futsal ?)

    U12s – 9 v 9.

    U13s – 9 v 9  Aug – Dec. 11 v 11 – Jan – Jun.

    From U 14s and above it is the 11 v 11 game. You could have perhaps rules at U 13 (jan – Jun) that the opposition cannot prevent the Goalkeeper playing the ball out at a goal-kick to his team in their defensive third. This would allow players the time to develop key skills with limited pressure where currently we don’t see enough of this aspect of play.

    I would have clubs hold “In service training days” – say 3 per season where all coaches from the club come together and learn & develop their skills as coaches. Clubs could utilise the services of Coach Education providers such as Premier Skills or similar to help with ongoing Professional Development of coaches.

    “I think that the FAI need to first come up with a playing style that suits Ireland. They need to take into consideration all factors that influence the game in this country, from climate right through to having to deal with all the other sports played by youngsters in this country. They must then find a way of developing a program that allows this playing style to be put in place”.

    PSI Trim CelticTCD: What is your coaching Philosophy?

    PM: My philosophy is simple. I want to see the game played in a manner that encourages skill, teamwork and sportsmanship. I have always encouraged development over “winning at all costs”. I believe that if players are given an environment where they can develop their skills without fear of failure they will improve and then the natural course that will follow will be results. All young players and adults for that matter want to win. They don’t go onto the pitch thinking I want to lose. It’s a natural instinct to want to succeed.

    I was at Home Farm for 4 years, in that time my ethos of all that I tried to bring to the club was primarily about “Developing the Player”. The results were secondary and for the most part results took care of themselves. It was the Player Development work which brought about the results. Coaches and managers have to remember that they are there to facilitate these players in their development as footballers. Some managers think its all about themselves – this is wrong. You have to put the players 1st – its that simple.

    Regard a playing style – I want my teams to play out from the back, through the thirds creating overloads in wide areas and making sure there is quality in our passing. The real work takes place off the ball, the players without the ball are the influential ones. The positions they pick up and the use of the spaces are so important. This is what gives the players on the ball the “picture” of what comes next. We can’t say it’s all about passing because its not – it’s about the decisions that players take either with or without the ball.  Players need to decide what is needed to progress, “Do I pass” or “Do I run with the ball”, if I have no forward option then “Do I start again”. This is all the basis of Street Football. In the street football environment players learn how to control the ball, how to and when to pass, when to run with the ball. This is why I chose to take up Roger Wilkinson’s offer to take the franchise for Premier Skills in Ireland along with Colm Barron. I believe totally in this philosophy.

    TCD: What type of player do you like working with?

    PM: I like to work with players who have a good attitude and want to improve. They can have all the skill in the world but without the right attitude they will never succeed. I am very aware that not all players will have the same ability, some will have the ability to go very far in the game, some will play purely for enjoyment and some unfortunately will discover other things in life that will take away from the game.

    I have worked with elite players in the past and for the most part I enjoyed working at this level. It does however have its drawbacks – some parents think their child is a top player who is going to be the next “Messi”. I think most parents need to take a step back and try to look objectively at football. I have my own children and my son Craig does nothing else but talk about “being a pro”. Maybe because I have been involved in the game so long that I am able to be objective. Don’t get me wrong there is nothing I would like to see more that my son achieving his dream, but I am realistic with him and I have always been honest with him from day 1 in regard to being a Pro.

    Overall, if a player that I am working with wants to improve, I will help them improve. I can guarantee he will improve if he wants to learn and is willing to put in the time. So players of all abilities at whatever age, once they have a willingness to learn I enjoy working with.

    “Good teaching is more a giving of right questions than a giving of right answers.” — Josef Albers

    TCD: What is the future of Youth football?

    PM: I think that the future of Youth Football looks like it’s not going to change any time soon. There are too many people pulling in opposite directions so there is no Master plan. Until such time as our Association comes up with a playing style then we are all going to be on different pages.

    If we look at the top associations in Europe currently – namely Spain & Germany, the same game is played right throughout their respective countries. It’s also very apparent that the Playing Style is utilised right throughout their game from Grassroots to the Professional Game.

    I am not saying that Ireland can produce an exact copy of one of these styles but even Jack Charlton had a playing style – it wasn’t a very pretty one but at least he had one.

    I think that the FAI need to first come up with a playing style that suits Ireland. They need to take into consideration all factors that influence the game in this country, from climate right through to having to deal with all the other sports played by youngsters in this country. They must then find a way of developing a program that allows this playing style to be put in place.

    I look at the current Grassroots courses on offer from the FAI -Kickstart 1+2. Both of these programs in my opinion are severely deficient in helping develop footballers for tomorrow. The game is evolving at a rate and we are not keeping pace with. We are “light years” behind and dropping further behind. Things have to change and it needs to be sooner rather than later.

    Pat Malone runs Premier Skills Ireland -PREMIER SKILLS is a football company dedicated to developing top
    quality coaches and great players. They aim to do this by delivering innovative coach education and player development courses at all levels.

    We would like to thank Pat Malone for contributing to Coach Talk.

     

    -End

    I always like to hear your opinions. Please comment below or email me info@thecoachdiary.com If, you don’t have anything to add then please forward this on to a friend. Thanks for reading.

    I’m also on twitter @Coachdiary

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  • Tournament and Camps Around Ireland

    Tournament and Camps Around Ireland

    Here is a list of some exciting tournaments and camps you might be interested in.

    June

    FUNINO FOOTBALL FESTIVAL

    Age: 7s to 13s

    Date: 4th – 7th June

    Time: Start 6:15pm

    Location: Crumlin Astro

    Cost €10

    Contact by email funinofootball@gmail.com/dermot@thebeautifulgame.ie or call Dermot on 086 851 3339

    Download Application here FUNINO FESTIVAL FLYER

    JUNE

    HARSTOWN HUNTSTOWN FC

    Mini World Cup

    Date: 21st to 23rd

    Location: Hartstown Community School

    Age: 1997 – 2008

    Cost: €5

    Download application here Mini Leagues Poster

    July

    NEWBRIDGE TOWN FC

    Funino Soccer camps with Dermot Dalton

    Age: 6 – 9 year olds

    Date: Monday 15th – Friday 19th July

    Time: 10am to 3pm

    Age: 10 – 13 year olds

    Date: Monday 22nd – Friday 26th July

    Time: 10am to 3pm

    €50 per child (family rates available)

    Contact Mark on 0857294297 or Damien on 0851400152 for further information

    August

    DBSPORTS SUMMER CUP 

    The DB Sports Tours summer cup will take place at the VEC grounds in TERENURE, Dublin.

    • All games are played on SSG pitches
    • All teams are guaranteed a minimum of four games
    • FAI affiliated referees
    • All games are 15 minutes a side
    • Medical and physio assistance available during all games
    • Fun Zone
    • Saint John’s Ambulance on site
    • Food and beverage onsite
    • Medals for all participants

    Age Groups Boys

    Category A – Born after 01/01/05 – Under 9’s (2013/14 Season)

    Category B – Born after 01/01/04 – Under 10’s (2013/14 Season)

    Category C – Born after 01/01/03 – Under 11’s (2013/14 Season)

    Category D – Born after 01/01/02 – Under 12’s (2013/14 Season

    Contact David Berber on +353 (1) 5252921 or email info@dbsportstours.ie to book your place

    NEWBRIDGE TOWN FC

    u10s Pre-Season Tournament

    • SSG rules
    • Medals for winners and runners up

    Contact club secretary on 085 7715 355 or email ntfc1969@gmail.com for further information

    *******

    If you would like me to promote your Tournament and/or camp, just send on the details. I’m also interested in your innovative ideas, that will help kids get on the ball more to improve their technical ability.

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  • Non Competition is the way to Success

    Non Competition is the way to Success

    Just got back from pilot exercise put on by Jason Carey, Director of Coaching at Peamount United FC on behalf of the DDSL. It seems that after all these years of getting it so wrong, the DDSL have now turned to the Grassroots Coaches of some of Dublins biggest community clubs, to come up with a pathway that will enhance the development of kids across Dublin.

    The plan is that all young people playing recreational football will now follow the new DDSL player pathway which starts with small-sided (to be confirmed) 3v3 at u8s and into 4v4s & 5v5s for u9s;  7v7 for u9s & u10s and 9v9 for u11s & u12s.

    The focus is on player development and getting away from the winning at all costs attitude from coaches and parents.  Over the next few years we will see the above rolled out all across Dublin and finally we can say that the DDSL are on the right path when it comes to assisting with the development of young footballers across Dublin.

    I have researched best practice in Scotland, England, Wales and across the world (Brazil, Portugal, Spain, Holland and Germany amongst others) and this player pathway will fit into an Irish context and help young players to reach their potential.

    SSG

    Last Saturday Malahide United along with St. Malachys FC put on a pilot were the kids played various 4v4 and 5v5 games and tonight Jason showed the true potential of Irish kids, who were allowed to play with the freedom in age appropriate games and pitch dimensions. Tonight 3v3 demo with four goals, 4v4 demo with gk, 4v4 without gk and 5v5s with two goals proved that this is the way Ireland needs to go for part of the SSG pathway.

    Peamount decided not to enter their u8s into the league last season and you could notice the difference between the kids who have had a full year developing in their academy versus the kids who played competition football. Peamount players were Technically better and certainly had developed game intelligence.

    Research has shown the undoubted advantages of small sided games (more goals, more 1 v 1s, more successful passes, more touches) and the benefits of moving through small-sided games formats to the adult version of the game, step by step through age appropriate games, which is the only way to develop the full potential of kids.

    “Nature decrees that children should be children before they become adults…If we try to alter this natural order, they will reach adulthood prematurely but with neither substance nor strength.” Jean-Jacques Rousseau

    The Problems in development of young players

    • Too much pressure on young players
    • A severe lack of age-appropriate coaching
    • No obvious system to accommodate for late developing players
    • Too much emphasis on results in all age groups
    • A lack of ability to develop talent early and placing them in the correct environment

    (Allen 2008)

    Why Small Sided Games

    • More touches of the ball.
    • Simpler decisions to make.
    • Better game-related fitness, short duration of high-intensity vs laps of a pitch.
    • More time with coach per player.
    • More opportunities to solve game problems.
    • More attacking opportunities (dribbling, shooting, passing )
    • More defending opportunities.
    • More shooting and more goals = more fun!
    • No hiding place, players don’t get lost in these games, improves competitiveness & healthy agression.
    • More opportunities for the full range of skills.
    • Encourages better shape and awareness of team-mates.
    • Encourages faster play, fast transition from defence to attack.
    • ITS FUN!!

    Player Development

    We have to develop a football culture in Ireland where young players are developed positively, learn to win through effort and develop skills for life through football. This should be our number one focus.  Are aim as Coaches and the Cubs providing football is to create a more enjoyable football experience for all involved, football is also about the teaching of life lessons and character development, is it not just about teaching the game. Taught in the right manner football can develop vital character-building life skills a child, skills that will help them in every walk of life.

    These changes, (which I state, have yet to be passed) will keep young people in football longer and enhance the development of KIDS all across Ireland.

    Let’s hope it happens…soon!

    “The amount of space in 11-a-side is not good for young kids. You spend too much time running around without the ball…I think the best way to improve your skills is to play football on a smaller pitch. I didn’t play 11-a-side football until I was 13. In Brazil, most kids play futebol de salao, which is similar to five-a-side. In futebol de salao, you are always involved.” Juninho, World Cup Winner 2002 with Brazil

     

     

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