Reader,
I count myself exceptionally lucky to have worked with top players around the world, some of whom, have gone on to a professional career.
The satisfaction in seeing a young player transition to a contract, first-team honours, or gain a national team selection is immense. For those coaches who experience this, my take is that we were fortunate to be there and support the player, but it’s always the player who gets themselves there in the end.
The term “pathway” is probably overused in sport, and if anything, the journey towards elite football (or any sport) is more like a rocky road or a roller coaster.
The performance behaviours, technical ability, physical capabilities and mental strength it takes to become a professional truly have to be elite, and this really only applies to a tiny minority of athletes and coaches.
So for those working with aspirational players, those who have ambition to make a career in the game, how can you help?
Three Things to Consider
- Honesty: With experience, (and now working in a system which is largely amateur), we have to be clear to players and more so parents about how tough making it is. If kids are playing football to make a career, the motivation is all wrong. Ambition should be encouraged and supported, but we need to be realistic with the challenge that lies ahead, and demanding in terms of the standards required. Very few people ever see what the best players look like at every age, so honesty is critical.
- Stretch and support: A player with potential will need to be challenged and supported at different moments of success and adversity. Coaches need to individualise to account for high-potential players in the environment. I also believe that coaching from a position of care for the player as a person allows them to better connect to you as a coach.
- Exposure: As a coach, if you haven’t worked in the professional game, you need to expose yourself to what good really looks like if you’re genuine about helping players get to that stage. Without seeing it, it’s hard to understand. Network, do study visits and see if you can get exposed to different environments with top coaches to understand how they work. Importantly, be critical of what you observe.
One thing to try this week
If you’re working with a high-potential player, developing an individual plan can be a valuable tool in guiding them towards their goals.
The discussion itself can also be fruitful in both building connection and understanding the player beyond what you see on the pitch. Make time to sit with your players, create a plan and help them achieve their goals.
Importantly, focus on a strengths-based approach, what are they best at? And how can you (the coach) help them get better?
One Critical Resource on the Topic
Check out this insightful Masterclass Discussion from the PDP archives with Kristjaan Speakman. Kristjaan is now Sporting Director at Sunderland AFC and formerly led the Birmingham City Academy.
