© 2023 Christchurch United Football Club
PHASES OF PLAYER DEVELOPMENT
PHASES OF PLAYER DEVELOPMENT
We aim to help every Academy player to develop their abilities to the highest potential.
FUNiño FOOTBALL SCHOOL U4-U8
1-2-3 trainings per week by choice - 45 minutes each
The FUNiño is our introductory programme to the world of the beautiful game of football.
Our qualified coaches take care of the children in the program all-year-round, from Monday to Saturday, rain or shine. So that you can always choose the day of the week that suits your schedule.
Choose 1, 2 or 3 trainings per week 45 minutes each
Our FUNiño programme is available MON-SAT and offers inflatable football twice per week.
The FUNiño is our introductory programme to the world of the beautiful game of football.
Our qualified coaches take care of the children in the program all-year-round, from Monday to Saturday, rain or shine. So that you can always choose the day of the week that suits your schedule.
Choose 1, 2 or 3 trainings per week 45 minutes each
Our FUNiño programme is available MON-SAT and offers inflatable football twice per week.
Learn More
PRE-ACADEMY U9-U12
U9-U10 - 3 trainings per week - 60 minutes - 7-a-side
U11-U12 - 3 trainings per week - 75 minutes - 9-a-side
Players will train twice a week plus have a game on Saturday.
During these age groups, the player will transition from self-centred to self-critical. Players of this age are in the ideal circumstances to train the basic skills. By using dynamic, engaging, and competitive exercises, we teach the players individual technical and tactical skills to improve their game understanding so they can learn to play together. This is the “Golden Age of Learning” and the most important age for skill acquisition.
Our coaches in this age group have to be teachers who deliver their message enthusiastically. The coaches have the ability to demonstrate or utilize players to give a good example, possess knowledge of the game and key factors of the basic skills that are just as important as the ability to encourage all players in these age groups.
U11-U12 - 3 trainings per week - 75 minutes - 9-a-side
Players will train twice a week plus have a game on Saturday.
During these age groups, the player will transition from self-centred to self-critical. Players of this age are in the ideal circumstances to train the basic skills. By using dynamic, engaging, and competitive exercises, we teach the players individual technical and tactical skills to improve their game understanding so they can learn to play together. This is the “Golden Age of Learning” and the most important age for skill acquisition.
Our coaches in this age group have to be teachers who deliver their message enthusiastically. The coaches have the ability to demonstrate or utilize players to give a good example, possess knowledge of the game and key factors of the basic skills that are just as important as the ability to encourage all players in these age groups.
Learn More
ACADEMY U13-U15
U13-U15 - 4 trainings per week - 90 minutes - 11-a-side
When players go into the academy phase the amount of trainings increases. More team-based video analysis becomes available. The pace of development is faster at this age due to the physical and mental growth. Players start to specialize more by using video analysis on a more detailed level. This is a critical time in the development of the players. Players need to learn mental toughness and self-confidence.
The loads should increase and the awareness of tactical skills within the game becomes more important during the learning process. Players at this age are more self-critical and can be rebellious but have a strong commitment to their team.
When players go into the academy phase the amount of trainings increases. More team-based video analysis becomes available. The pace of development is faster at this age due to the physical and mental growth. Players start to specialize more by using video analysis on a more detailed level. This is a critical time in the development of the players. Players need to learn mental toughness and self-confidence.
The loads should increase and the awareness of tactical skills within the game becomes more important during the learning process. Players at this age are more self-critical and can be rebellious but have a strong commitment to their team.
Learn More
HIGH PERFORMANCE
ACADEMY U17-U20
ACADEMY U17-U20
U17-U20 - 5 trainings per week - 90 minutes - 11-a-side
The high-performance academy is the most intense part of the youth academy as it is preparing players for high-level football. In this specialising age, we offer extra opportunities through more specific video analysis and workshops for those willing to strive for the highest standards.
Players will train more and the extra tools that we offer will help improve their experience and development to maximise their potential. Players will need to be exposed to a playing and training environment that extends to all capabilities and limits.
The high-performance academy is the most intense part of the youth academy as it is preparing players for high-level football. In this specialising age, we offer extra opportunities through more specific video analysis and workshops for those willing to strive for the highest standards.
Players will train more and the extra tools that we offer will help improve their experience and development to maximise their potential. Players will need to be exposed to a playing and training environment that extends to all capabilities and limits.
Players also need to gain a great understanding of the principles and concepts, as well as show emotional stability under pressure.
Coaches must be experienced, knowledgeable and teach discipline and commitment to their players to ensure the challenging sessions and games.
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“Technique is not being able to juggle a ball 1000 times. Anyone can do that by practicing. Then you can work in the circus. Technique is passing the ball with one touch, with the right speed, at the right foot of your team mate."
Johan Cruyff
One of football’s greatest ever players and most influential coaches.
One of football’s greatest ever players and most influential coaches.