Wednesday 19th April 

Before our first game this week we chose a different method of selecting fair teams, we had an unequal number, which meant players had to rotate on and off. They all did this respectfully but were obviously eager to get back on to play! We even had someone offer to come off first, well done Riley! The focus of the session was respectfully shaking hands with the opposition and when this could be done, aside from before and after the game. We looked at playing fairly during each game by making sure at least 3 passes were made among the team before a shot on goal was taken, to stop players keeping the ball to themselves. It was really nice seeing everyone involved and the difference in game play with everyone being involved.
Being part of the Football Academy is more than just turning up to play football, each week we have a focus area that we look at both within and outside of the game.  This will lead on to developing not only football skills, but leadership, team building and personal skills too. For this reason, players may be sent home with small pieces of work to complete for the following week. It is important this is done as it leads on to our next focus and is a way of earning their RESPECT colours. If this is not completed, players will be unable to take part in the following session, we want the children to be taking personal responsibility.

Wednesday 26th April
This weeks Football Academy session looked at listening to and accepting the referee’s official or leaders decision, whether right or wrong. Frustration is a key element that the children tend to struggle with so this area will be really beneficial for them and test their reactions. As well as this as our focus, we continued to use methods to play the right way, pick teams fairly and respect our opposition so there was a lot going on. We will continue with this theme next week, but making wrong official decisions to see how players react and whether it will affect their performance and game play.

Wednesday 10th May 

There was no Football Academy this week and typically the weather was beautiful. As you may have seen, a football tournament is on the calendar for Wednesday 17th May at a local primary school. However, we haven’t had any information about this and are a bit concerned it will be a last minute rush. For this reason, we have decided to arrange a mini football tournament among the children that are involved in the football academy, so not academy session will take place next week, instead (weather permitting) we will be over in the field for the afternoon. Parents are invited to attend to watch and support. More information to follow.

Wednesday 3rd May
Frustration is something that most of the children involved in the Academy struggle with, this can be as a result of wrong decisions being made in their opinion, players making mistakes or not working well together. This week we looked at praising and encouraging your team, even if they make a mistake and things go wrong. We talked about how being negative towards our own team can affect our games play. Trying to stay positive and finding the right words when you are frustrated can be hard. We will continue to look into the right things to say when we play next week.