This is our Young Football Player Specification (YFPS)

It's what we would like our players to become...

...if they listen they will learn and in time they will improve and develop into great young football players!

 

Read below and ask. Is this me? Is this your son or daughter? Come on be honest! 

If it isnt you or it isn't your son or daughter yet, then a lot of hard work and effort is required before you or they are ready for our team squads!

 

Technique

The first technical ability we look for is a good, firm First Touch - the ball in control quickly!

The second technical ability we look for is Close Control - the ball in control & on the move!

The third technical ability good players need to have is to keep their Head Up looking ahead

 

We need players who can get on the ball quickly; first touch and close control are the most important features in good players and if they play with their head-up, looking to make the next move, play, pass or run - then they will become great young footballers!

 

Players with tricks are great, so long as their tricks do not slow the game down and allow the other team to get back into the game or the ball back! We need players who will not give the ball away, pass the ball to their team-mates, and are looking to play the ball forward on the ground!

 

Pace

After technique the next important physical ability is Pace

All players need it wherever they play; Goalkeepers, Defenders, Midfielders and Strikers

Young Players need to be Athletes - they need to be physically fit, strong and healthy

They need to be bright, enthusiastic with a spark of energy about them

They also need to be able to think and decide quickly with the ball at their feet 

 

Movement

One thing we look at is what a player does when he hasnt got the ball - is he lazy or active!

We look for players with their heads up

We look for players who move into space to get on the ball quickly with it under control

We look for players to close down an opponent and get close to the ball

We look for players who press the ball and dont dive in or jump in on opponents

We look for players who make runs that create chances and opportunities

We look for players who draw opponents out of position

We look for players who once they've passed the ball, move quickly to get the ball back

We look for players who work hard throughout the match and never stand still in a game

 

Awareness - 'Soccer Vision'

As well as movement, we look for players who instinctively know where to play the ball

We look for players who know where their team-mates are

We look for players who know where their team-mates should be

We look for players who can play a first time pass without always taking a touch

We look for strikers who do not always have to look up to find out where the goal is

We look for players who instinctively know what to do and when to do it

We look for players who know where their team-mates are and who talk to each other on the pitch!

 

Attitude and Temperament

We are looking for players who are in control - who do not moan and groan!

We look for players who can play in all kinds of conditions wet, mud, cold etc.

We look for players who can take knocks, are mentally tough and get on with the game!

We look for players who encourage their team-mates, who talk to each other on the pitch!

We look for players with drive, energy, determination and enthusiasm!

We look for players who are hungry to play football!

We look for players with a will to win, with a desire and passion about their play!

 

If you have not got this lot - then we can help you develop into this type of player quickly - however you need to be willing to listen and with the right support and encouragement from coaches and parents you will learn!

 

Parents of talented young footballers who are interested in quality coaching by SFA Licensed coaches should contact Frank Sweeney, Club Secretary, for further information.

 

Frank can be contacted on 07496 800087      Good luck!