PDP Editor Dave Wright provides his report from the 2015 Norwegian Coaching Convention in Oslo. Known as the Cupfinalseminaret, this is one of the largest gathering of coaches in Europe and an event PDP highly recommends.
After a day of presentations from the likes of Bob Bradley, Flemming Berg & Chris Sulley, a night of conversation around all things football and player development continued in the bar of the Ullevaal Stadium in Oslo on Thursday.
The one thing that was common in all of the conversations throughout the evening was the passion and enthusiasm for the game. Not only that, but that all of the guests at the event had a common trait – a desire and interest in learning. Coaches exchanged ideas, philosophies and debated the challenges in the game with vigour. Sharing a table with Everton’s Chris Sulley, former New Zealand Men’s Coach, Ken Dugdale & Feyenoord’s Glenn van der Kraan led to some great discussion, particularly around working with young players. For a developing coach like myself, it was a privilege.
Day two of the event commenced with a discussion between Women’s World Cup winning coach, Even Pellerud and two of Scandinavia’s most successful players, former Danish captain, Katrine Pedersen & Norwegian International, Solveig Gulbrandsen on the state of the women’s game and player development. I was fortunate enough to be able to sit and discuss the women’s game with Katrine, Even & Solveig and this will be included in a future edition of C14 PDP magazine.
European Championship winning Swedish U21 Manager Hakan Ericson then delivered a presentation on ‘The Road to the Championship’.
Following this, Teddy Moen officially opened the event in the Ullevaal Business Centre in front of over 1000 coaches from around Scandavia & greater Europe.
This afternoon features a great line up of coaches and experts who will be passing on their knowledge & expertise, including FA Cup winning coach, Harry Redknapp. So far it has been a top quality and very well organised event – it’s clear that there is a real passion to improve the game in Norway. More updates to follow.
