In this Masterclass Discussion, PDP Editor Dave Wright hosts Birmingham City Assistant Academy Manager, Stuart English.
Stuart has vast experience in player development having worked at Luton Town FC, Brentford FC and Birmingham City. In his role at BCFC, Stuart is responsible for overseeing not only the player development program alongside Academy Manager, Kristjaan Speakman, but developing coaches, supporting staff and constantly looking for trends and ways of innovating.
In this discussion, Stuart shares his coaching story and gives shares some superb advice for coaches around how to develop players strengths, creativity and gives practical insights into how he has built a reputation as one of the brightest young coaches in England. This is a must watch Masterclass Discussion for coaches who want to improve their environments.
Note: Apologies for a slightly disturbed connection at some points in this video.
Show Notes
0:00 – 3:16: Introduction, Stuart’s background and coaching experience
3:16 – 8:26: Differences between clubs and playing philosophies that worked at
8:26 – 12:10: Key lessons from working within the foundation phase at Brentford FC
12:10 – 14:50: What does a positive learning environment look like within an academy
14:50 – 19:26: How coaches can facilitate environment’s that help produce technically efficient
19:26 – 22:36: How to incorporate ‘Play’ within an academy environment
22:36 – 26:22: Current academy scene in the UK
26:22 – 29:08: Strength based approach – rationale behind why Stuart has such a strong belief in this approach
29:08 – 32:20: Challenges faced in current role as academy head of coaching at Birmingham City FC
32:20 – 37:14: Current playing philosophy at Birmingham City FC
37:14 – 40:52: Benefits of bringing in different practitioners to deliver workshops for all coaches within sport
40:52 – 44:56: Key characteristics of an effective coach
Key Takeaways
8:26 – 12:10: Key lessons from working within the foundation phase at Brentford FC
14:50 – 19:26: How coaches can facilitate environment’s that help produce technically efficient
19:26 – 22:36: How to incorporate ‘Play’ within an academy environment
26:22 – 29:08: Strength based approach – rationale behind why Stuart has such a strong belief in this approach
40:52 – 44:56: Key characteristics of an effective coach
Image Source: depositphotos.com
