United Youth Academy launch new Elite Development Centre

Ballymena United Youth Academy in conjunction with the Irish Football Association, McDonalds and The Sports Hut, recently commenced a new coaching venture – The Elite Development Centre.
By The Newsroom
Published 20th Sep 2013, 10:00 BST
Ballymena United Youth Academy's new Elite Development Centre was launched recently. Included are Joe McCall (United Head of Youth Development), first team manager Glenn Ferguson and IFA Development Officer Wes Gregg.Ballymena United Youth Academy's new Elite Development Centre was launched recently. Included are Joe McCall (United Head of Youth Development), first team manager Glenn Ferguson and IFA Development Officer Wes Gregg.
Ballymena United Youth Academy's new Elite Development Centre was launched recently. Included are Joe McCall (United Head of Youth Development), first team manager Glenn Ferguson and IFA Development Officer Wes Gregg.

The concept is aligned with the IFA Small Sided Games Strategy where the focus is creating a non competitive learning environment to enhance the technical and tactical skills of kids at an early age.

Under 10’s coach Davy Douglas explained the rationale:

“The IFA has recognised that the current structure of competitive football for kids under 12 is not conducive to producing technical players. The emphasis on winning overshadows the need to develop technical capability within players.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad
Most Popular

“This model is one which has worked for the Dutch, German and Belgian Football Associations where they revamped their coaching approach and there is no competitive football for kids until they are aged 13.

“We spoke at length with IFA Development Coach Wes Gregg and Ballymena United Youth Development Officer Joe McCall and made a conscious decision to follow this new approach. Ballymena United Under 10’s and advanced Under 9’s will pilot the new concept under the tutelage of current coaches Davy Douglas, Nicky Blair and Clifford Adams who will be directed by Wes Gregg, Joe McCall, Glenn Ferguson, Norman Kelly, Lee Doherty, Wes Lamont, Davy Dorrian and several first team players.

“We provide local kids with a direct route from grassroots to Irish League and access to the calibre of coaches at the club is unrivalled – 2 x Pro Licence, 2 x A Licence right down to mini soccer coaches who are qualified to a minimum of Level 1.

“Our ultimate aim is to commence a process of developing players for Ballymena United and the commitment from Glenn and his staff should help this process. We aim for sustainable development rather than quick wins,” added Davy.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

IFA Development Officer Wes Gregg praised Ballymena United for their commitment to improving coaching opportunities for kids and presented the club with 2 coaching bursaries for new coaches – Corey Price and Derek McClintock.

Ballymena United’s Youth Development Officer Joe McCall hopes to escalate this project throughout the Academy sides where the club will devote time and coaching expertise to enhance the technical capability of kids throughout the age groups.