GRANTHAM TOWN SOCCER
SCHOOLS
BELIEF IN YOUTH
AIM
TO DELIVER THE BEST SOCCER PROGRAM IN THE
WORLD BY TAKING THE HERITAGE AND PHILOSOPHY OF
GRANTHAM TOWN EVERYWHERE WE GO
This is our first season of Grantham Town Soccer Schools (GTSS) - England
activity. As a group we have all contributed and worked endlessly to help develop
a realistic and relevant soccer school program with aim of providing the very best
soccer schools and educational courses to all players of varying age, ability and
gender. As of now you are all part of the GTSS team, you are now part of the
Grantham Town family. Parents and players will have enormous expectations of
what and how is going to learned. Our job is to surpass any expectations they
have and to enhance their affection and respect for the club.
The following gives you a clear indication of the standards I expect from the
coaches and what they will endeavor to provide. We want to deliver a
recognisable and consistent GTSS experience for all participants whilst also
appreciating and embracing the cultural differences of the players and local
communities.
As part of GTSS, we can promise you a great experience. All families are
welcome to observe, join in the workshops, ask questions and will also benefit
from access to and the support from our team back at the South Kesteven
Stadium, Grantham Town Football Club.
We look forward to working with you and hope that together we can enjoy a
positive and productive relationship.
PAGE 1
MESSAGE FROM PAUL NEARY –
HEAD OF COMMUNITY
”At Grantham Town, we now place a great emphasis on developing our young
players and uniting our community through football, exercise and education. I am
proud to play a leading role in this. It has been part of the tradition of the club since
its formation in 1874 and is something we remain very much focused on today,
whether bringing players through the Academy or coaching young players at our
soccer schools. All associated parents, players, coaches and fans are all part of
the Grantham Town family.
For October 2016, Grantham Town Soccer Schools are delighted to have
developed a football and education programme which is focused on all the
positive aspects of the game; it will be exciting, challenging and great fun all the
players, while developing a grasp of life as a Grantham Town 1 team footballer.
The Soccer Schools’ aim is for all the players to enjoy themselves, make new
friends, develop as footballers and learn new skills.
Grantham Town won’t become a household name by only playing at the South
Kesteven Stadium.”
Best Wishes
Paul Neary
PAGE 2
PHILOSOPHY
•
HONOUR THE CLUB GTSS will reflect the commitment of GTFC towards
youth development, using important moments from the club’s history and past
and present players to offer inspirational and aspirational activity at all times.
•
ENVIRONMENT GTSS courses will create a safe, open and positive
learning environment.
•
PROGRAM DELIVERED All activity is directed to the developmental
age of the participant. Programs will be challenging but achievable,
guaranteeing that each child leaves our course with a raised self-esteem
and most importantly having experienced fun and enjoyment.
•
ACTIVE LEARNING All GTSS courses will create opportunities for players
to become active learners, giving them ownership of their problem solving and
decision making processes.
•
PARTNERSHIPS GTSS will actively seek to create a partnership with
parents, coaches, clubs and organisations, explaining and communicating our
objectives clearly wherever the opportunity arises.
PAGE 3
METHODOLOGY
GTSS uses GTFC “properties” to make courses authentic eg branding,
player imagery, history of club, giveaways, club facilities and coach’s kit.
Staff receive written documents that sets out the delivery standards of
GTSS, either project led eg Player Development Course, or procedure
led eg Child Protection.
All staff are national Football Association qualified and also have attended
specific GTSS in-house training.
All staff are informed about GTSS core values and philosophy.
On all courses we endeavour to have a maximum of 16 players per
group and always have a course co-ordinator to manage the event.
Each course is recognisable as a Grantham Town Soccer School through
the environment created, activity delivered and impact left on participants
and parents.
We incorporate the use of innovative coaching equipment, enhancing the
activity delivered.
GTSS holistically educates players, developing this aspect through the GTSS
Code of Conduct.
All courses culminate in the winner being invited to play at South Kesteven
Stadium, Grantham. For the Player Development Courses, Residential and
International Projects, one player from each course wins through to the
Skills Challenge Cup by taking part in the skills challenges. For the Club
Development Courses, 5 players from each course are invited to play on the
pitch at South Kesteven Stadium at the end of the season.
PAGE 4
COACH TRAINING AND DEVELOPMENT –
CREATING A CULTURE OF EXCELLENCE
PROVIDE A
POSITIVE,
PROFESSIONAL
AND
SUPPORTIVE
ENVIRONMENT
TO ENJOY
WORKNG AND
DEVELOPING
WITHIN
PROVIDE A
VARIETY OF
ROLES AND
RESPONSIBILITIE
S TO OFFER
DIFFERENT
CHALLENGES
AND
DEVELOPMENT
OPPORTUNITIES
ENCOURAGE A
CULTURE OF
DEALING WITH
CHALLENGES
PROFESSIONALL
Y AND
POSITIVELY
DEVELOP
THROUGH THE
CHALLENGES
PROVIDED WHEN
WORKING WITH
YOUNG PLAYERS
FROM ALL
NATIONALITIES,
ABILITIES AND
AGES
PAGE 5
CREATING A POSITIVE ENVIRONMENT
Our courses are recognised for creating a unique, positive atmosphere that
allows the players to enjoy developing and playing by feeling relaxed, involved
and inspired. Our staff create this environment.
SAFE AND SECURE ENVIRONMENT
The safety and welfare of the players is paramount. Once this is achieved
we then create the positive learning environment. All staff members
familiarise themselves with the GTSS Child Protection Policy prior to
working on any projects.
PLANNING AND PREPARATION
•
Be inventive and imaginative in your planning and challenge
yourself as well as the players to try new sessions and experiment.
•
Use GTSS equipment wherever possible. If venue equipment is not
available – improvise!
•
Evaluate and reflect on the session and the 5 areas of the
development model.
•
Be open minded; listen to new ideas.
•
Progress according to players’ needs not the session plan’s
needs!
PAGE 6
COMMUNICATION
•
NAMES Learn your group names on the first session/day
•
BODY LANGUAGE Initiate enthusiastic communication with
children, parents, partners and sponsors at all times
•
SESSION INTERVENTIONS – Use a variety - Stop, stand still,
Questions, Self-Appraisal, Guided, Debriefs, -- Coach the Positives
QUESTIONS Right time, right way, right question
•
•
•
LANGUAGES – When coaching overseas players, learn key
words and phrases in their language to enhance their
understanding and confidence.
LEARNING STYLES
Visual – Use tactics boards, session plan/book, flip charts,
video, practical demo (player or coach), cones/bibs Auditory–
Q& A, tell, listen
Kinaesthetically – Show them, let them try it, discover, experiment
Remember – Players can understand but might not be
able to demonstrate it!
Responsibility: Captain/player
of the week, Equipment
monitors
•
Monitor and adjust control when necessary Tight: Loose
•
Be aware of Learning stages – 1. Struggling to keep up – 2.OK- 3.
Easy for them – Challenge all!
PAGE 7
GROUP CONTROL
•
Set out good practice from the start :
If somebody speaks, we all listen
When we work we work
to the highest possible
quality We enjoy it!
•
Maintain fair and consistent discipline within your group
React calmly and professionally to any challenges in your group or
on the course.
•
Give players the opportunity to have
Choice: What session?
Layout, Size of area,
Progression Responsibility:
Captain/player of the week,
Equipment monitors
•
Monitor and adjust control when necessary Tight: Loose
•
Be aware of Learning stages – 1. Struggling to keep up – 2.OK- 3.
Easy for them – Challenge all!
MAKING IT GRANTHAM TOWN
•
Relate all activity to the example set by the GTFC players in
technical demonstrations & reflect the philosophy of the team by
encouraging players to play with freedom of expression and enjoy
having the ball at their feet.
•
Familiarise yourself with the important moments in the club’s
history to allow you to answer questions from players, parents and
partners.
•
Ensure the environment looks professional. Keep all equipment and
signage looking clean and tidy.
PAGE 8
Technical
The technical corner includes specific content regarding the game of football, for
example: mastering the ball, skill development, games play and attacking and defending
principles.
Psychological
Players learn to play the game of football and cope with the different challenges it creates
in a variety of different ways. Creating learning environments which challenge players to
be imaginative, creative and reflect on their performance, both during and after
practice/game, is fundamental to the development of the future player. Coaches should
adopt different coaching styles and methods to meet individual player’s needs.
Physical
To become an effective football player there are basic physical movement skills which
need to be developed. Agility, balance, co-ordination and speed (ABC’s) are all essential
qualities for players. Between the ages of 5-11 young players have a ‘window of
opportunity’ to develop these attributes. As players get older the physical challenge
should increase accordingly. Coaches should note that players will experience growth and
physical development at different times and different rates. Players may need support and
patience as they develop.
Social
Playing football can help young players learn many life skills: co-operation, teamwork,
communication and friendship are just some of the benefits of joining a team and playing
the game. To develop these social skills players should be afforded a safe and supportive
environment and given encouragement to learn the game.
PAGE 9
LEARNING STYLES
Vary how you give players information; show them, tell them, guide them and let
them do it
Demonstrate the detail of techniques accurately and with quality
ABILITY
Can players of similar ability work together?
Can players work together where the more advanced can communicate the
detail?
Be patient – appreciate that the session can look slow and or untidy to start off
with
Set realistic technical and physical outcomes for the start
Remember players may be able to understand an instruction, but not perform it
NATIONALITY
Try to learn words and phrases in their language to enhance their understanding
Respect local culture and highlight the positives it brings to the group; cultural
differences; remember some players may not be used to volunteering answers
PLAYER OWNERSHIP
Encourage leadership, identify players within the group that can assist in giving
praise, coaching points and leading in warm ups and cool downs
Give players the opportunity to have responsibility for their own learning eg area
size, progression
PAGE 10
SESSION TOPICS AND SUMMARY
The following sections provide you with a structure to plan your session and
adapt to the needs of the players.
DRESSING ROOM – An area for players to keep their water bottles, bags and
kit; to brief the group on the session; look to get the players out playing as soon
as possible.
FREE PLAY – 4v4, 8v8 in tight areas; encouragement and praise; can be used
as players arrive and for an activation; starting with a 2 goal game creates the
pictures for players to understand the practice.
FUNDAMENTAL GAMES – Can be used as an arrival activity in relation to
session; for ice breakers or a fun technical practice as a low intensity break from
the small sided games; players can have ownership to this on arrival.
SMALL SIDED GAMES – Conditioned games with a technical purpose; gives the
players a platform to practice the techniques in these conditioned games.
FREE PLAY – Include enough time at the end for players to consolidate their
learning of the game; encouragement and praise; leave players to discuss tactics
and work together.
DRESSING ROOM – Consolidation; player to player feedback.
COOL DOWN – Getting players into good habits and to understand the benefits
of cooling down.
Children are required to be registered on arrival by a responsible adult. Once
their attendance has been recorded the child is free to join in any of the
PAGE 11
THE DEFENDER
PURPOSE;
Encourage players to enjoy the challenge of winning
the ball back for the team and setting up a counter
attack as an individual and a team
IMPROVE ‘DESTROYER ‘
1V1 TECHNIQUE
SIT DOWN
CELEBRATE SUCCESS
ENJOY WINNING THE
BALL
SLOW DOWN
ATTITUDE OF A
DESTROYER
SHOW DOWN
FOOTBALL MEMORY
DYNAMIC RYTHMIC
ACTIVITY
COMMUNICATION
AGILITY
BALANCE
CO-ORDINATION
LEADERSHIP
OWNERSHIP
ENCOURAGEMENT
FUN
SPEED
PAGE 12
THE MIDFIELDER
PURPOSE;
Coach players to master a range of passing, tricks and
turns and to develop a confidence and awareness of
when and where to use them to influence and control
the game
RECEIVE WITH BOTH
FEET
BE CREATIVE AND
HAVE A WILLINGNESS
TO TRY NEW THINGS
VARIETY OF PASS
DEVELOP TRICKS AND
TURNS
ABILITY TO STAY ON
THE BALL
CHANGE OF PACE
WHEN BREAKING LINES
PROTECT THE BALL
ADUJT FEET AND BODY
SHAPE TO RECEIVE AND
PASS QUICKLY FROM
BOTH FEET
BRAVERY TO PLAY
UNDER PRESSURE
DEAL WITH MISTAKES
AND LEARN FROM
THEM with mistakes and
keep trying
OWNERSHIP
LEADERSHIP
COMMUNICATION
FUN
CELEBRATE SUCCESS
PAGE 13
THE GOAL SCORER
PURPOSE;
Encourage players to be strong and positive to give
themselves the best chance to score. Coach a range of
finishes and combinations to build confidence in front
of goal
COMBINATION PLAY
FINISHING
TECHNIQUES
RECEIVING TO FINISH
IF YOU MISS A CHANCE,
BE READY FOR THE
NEXT OPPORTUNITY
COMPOSURE
CALM
READ THE SITUATION
FOOTBALL MEMORY
SPEED
OWNERSHIP
STRENGTH
LEADERSHIP
REACTION TO BEAT
DEFENDER
COMMUNICATION
FOOTBALL RELATED
MOVEMENT
FUN
CELEBRATE SUCCESS
PAGE 14
QUALIFICATIONS, POLICIES AND
PROCEDURES
Coaches that work within the GTSS programme are a
minimum of FA Level 2 qualified, fully DBS checked
and hold valid safeguarding and First Aid certificates.
Every coach that we use is experienced in dealing
with children aged 5-16.
Peace of mind for parents is vital. You can view our
policies and procedures on the following at
www.granthamtownfc.com
- Anti-Bullying
- Photography
- Child Protection
SPONSOR LOGO
PAGE 15
PRICE:
3 DAY ACTIVITY £60
TO INCLUDE
FREE KIT TOP, SHORTS, SOCKS
FREE SEASON TICKET
FREE EARLY DROP OFF 8:30PM
FREE LATE COLLECTION AT 5:45PM
CHANCE TO PLAY ON THE PITCH
TOP CLASS FOOTBALL EXPERIENCE
AGE RELATED SESSIONS
WORKSHOP
PAGE 16