 Papakura City Football Academy
with Academy Director Brian Derby
The major purpose of a club academy is to make a positive impact on the clubs success on the field.
A major by product of this is that the players who have developed from within a club tend to have a greater allegiance to that club.
This major purpose is achievable in clubs who have the resources to steadily progress their players through the academies or club development programmes.
An example is Leeds United (6 year programme) academy produced 67 trainees of which 48 (72%) gained full time contracts and 20 (30%) played first team football.
In order to achieve this purpose there are a number of major objectives within the whole coaching process that must also be achieved.
- ID players at a young age with real potential
- Development of area links that enable the club to develop more local young players
- Employment and training of staff through "investment of people", enabling clubs to develop staff with a large knowledge base, experience, qualities and a sound philosophy.
- Provision of adequate facilities
- Development of an effective learning environment.
Over the past few years the athleticism and intelligence of players within the modern game has increased considerably, pace, power , technical ability, tactical awareness, the ability to withstand pressure through mental toughness and an empowerment/ownership of their own development have all contributed to a dramatic progress.
This is through assistance received from sports specialists and scientists.
Key areas of academy development that are needed to develop the modern player are.
- Technical programmes –individual & team analysis
- Coach education
- Talent identification
- Psycho-social development
- Nutritional programme
- Psychological development
- Physical development
Brian Derby- Academy Director
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