IUYFC - Coaching

Tuesday 7th February saw the inaugural meeting of the team coaches. The meeting was very well attended and everyone agreed that the meeting/forum was a good idea. The following is the main output and actions:

A general discussion concluded that with minor exceptions most teams have encountered welcome and hospitable teams throughout this season. Of the minor exceptions most were exuberant opposition officials. In conclusion all coaches agreed that whatever the tactics of the opposition IUYFC would always strive to produce teams that play football in the right manner, and accept defeat and victory in the same way.

Coaches discussed there own encounters and shared with each other how they may or may not have dealt with the situation. It was agreed this forum was excellent form of coach networking.

This was a really good discussion amongst everyone with the output was of high interest.

Goal-keeper training. This is something that all teams agreed they were struggling with. It was debated whether or not it would be better to hold a specialist G/K coaching course for all interested keepers or whether it would be better to have specialist keeper coaches hold small sessions for interested keepers. The latter was agreed as likely to prove of more value. Mark Goldsack agreed to contact possible goal-keeping coaches for their involvement and then to circulate their contact details to all team leaders. GK coaches may include, Gary Cowling, Michael Cook, Paul Overton, Fraser Masterson & Gary Plunkett. MG to attempt to have contact list verified and circulated by end of February.

Coach the coaches. All coaches agreed that it would be a great idea to arrange for a coach the coaches session. MG agreed to contact the Cambridgeshire coaching association and to arrange such an evening that would be open for all current and budding coaches to attend. Mg to have a date fixed before the end of this season so planned for an evening in April when the daylight hours are more conducive for a two hour session on the Recreation field.

Team structures. With hind sight coaches of mini-soccer teams agreed that it is far better for player development to have two teams at one age group rather than a large 12+ player squad. This will be looked at closely for next season, but will require more parental support and additional coaches. The plan would then be to re-join the teams together at under 12 level to play the 11-a-side game from then on.

2006/2007 team ambitions. A quick discussion showed that all coaches present and thought to be the same for those not as wanting to move up one year and remain with the same squads for next season. Subject to splitting of teams into two smaller squads this will provide continuity for the players development. In addition it is hoped that we can look to start further new teams at Boys under 13 level, and possibly at Girls under 12. Coaches for these would be required but we already have some volunteers potentially to fill those slots.

A discussion was had about heightening the profile of the club. It was a surprise to coaches so imagine the impact to parents when they realise that IUYFC caters for approximately 140 children at the moment. Match reports to local papers are to be encourage and adoption and use of this web site was agreed by all to be a good idea. IUYFC has a growing reputation for quality, friendly and safe development of the players but we need to improve the publicity side of the club. This is not an ego trip. In the next few years we have to drive for improved playing facilities, new pavilion/dressing rooms at the recreation field etc. A higher profile club will support those applications. all coaches agreed now up the efforts for publicity via match reports and web site updates.
End of season Presentations.
After much debate all coaches agreed that we should strive to hold a presentation festival on Isleham recreation field for all teams to attend. John Sykes is going to run an advert type update in the parish informer and Gary Plunkett will look to secure the support of a popular professional football player to help the presentations. The day may include a mixed tournament on a world cup theme, but care has to be taken as to the involvement of players of different ages. This is a large but deemed to be worthwhile project. It will be raised at the next general committee meeting, Tuesday 22nd February, and budget will be sort to fund the preparation for the event. It was also thought that the best time to have this would be mid to late May, after the season was over but before the on set of this summers World cup.

Finally, the meeting closed around 945pm with agreement that the next meeting will be arrange for some time in early May. It was though that the coaches forum should meet quarterly.