2015/16 season approaches and many Park Celtic teams are back training.
Over the summer, the club has been preparing registrations, leagues, teams etc to be ready for the new season.
The “FAI Player development plan” was published, March 2015. It’s aim is to improve and increase the playing pool of grass root and elite players. It proposes new game formats, improved coaching, restructured competitions and FAI coaching academies.
We have had discussions on what this means for Park Celtic player and squad development. Starting 2015, we hope to implement a number of football initiatives over the next few seasons.
Training
Training is primarily full football training based on small sided games (2v2, 3v3, 4v4 etc) and overloaded games (2v1, 3v1, 3v2 etc). Games are all action with all players involved. Training is not long lectures, laps of pitches or lines of players waiting their turn to kick a ball. Some element of fitness, speed, stamina and agility training will be needed for older age groups.
Mixed training within age groups. Teams within age groups are encouraged to train together. Each session, training groups with players from different teams are formed. Each group rotates among up to 4 coaches, working on a different aspects of skill.
2nd night training provides more chances for players to develop. It does not have to be compulsory for players to train twice a week. However, it is hoped that players will want more training as they begin to enjoy new training formats. We are looking to hire more training pitches and slots to allow a 2nd training night to happen.
Grading
Players and teams at U8, U9 and U10 will be graded. Grading is not streaming and it is not intended to form an elite A team at each age group. Strong players naturally dominate matches & training. It leads to frustration for weaker players as they get less touch time on the ball and score less goals. Grading is designed to avoid the situation where very strong players are playing with/against weaker players. The objective is to improve all players and ensure that all players enjoy their football.
Just 4Keepers
Park Celtic has been working with Just4Keepers training for a number of seasons. This will continue and is open to keepers at all age groups. Just4Keepers training takes place each Monday in Stepaside and is funded by the club. All Park Celtic keepers are encouraged to attend.
Caoach Education
The Club will fund and encourages all managers to attend FAI coaching courses (Kick Start 1, Kick Start 2, 4v4 and 7v7 workshops). Players from older age group teams are also offered coaching courses. We are always looking for help with coaching and training. Courses are offered to parents who might be interested in coaching.
Football Officer
Robbie Maher will take on the role of Football Officer. He will be helped in this role by Myles Harcourt. Robbie and Myles will work to implement the above initiatives and all aspects of football within the club.