www.sydneyolympicfc.com/news/2012/02/10/how-hard-are-you-prepared-to-work-to-improve/‘How hard are you prepared to work to Improve?
posted by on February 10, 2012
In recent years debate has resonated about the development of young Australian footballers and local talent. Most would acknowledge that Australian Football clubs undoubtedly possess its fair share of talented footballers, many of which have featured in important competitions such as the FIFA U/17s and U/20s World Cup tournaments and represented their country at an honourable level.
Throughout June to August 2011, Australia’s upcoming talent were showcased in the aforementioned FIFA World Cup competitions, with the Australian U/17’s side the “Joeys” the first to be showcased. With both the “Joeys” and “Young Socceroos” unable to achieve much success in their respective tournaments, the argument of Results versus Development resurfaced leading many credible football analysts and football enthusiasts alike to both criticise and question the development of young Australian footballers and led many to re-evaluate the standard of Australian football.
Sydney Olympic FC Technical Director, Tom Alexakis is by no means inexperienced, having travelled all over the world to acquire and expand his knowledge of the ‘world game’ and has obtained both an AFC A Licence and an UEFA A Coaching Licence. A former player and coach himself, Alexakis possesses an immense love of the game and is passionate about the development of young footballers and local talents. Alexakis holds a substantial viewpoint regarding the development and nurturing of domestic based talent. A viewpoint that Alexakis is by no means reluctant to express and put into effect.
In his first months at Sydney Olympic FC, Alexakis focused on the strategic planning of the 2012 Trials, which he attended and monitored personally. As trials commenced and continued, Alexakis observed several talented young players
“ I am very happy with the way the trials were conducted and it was great that we received a large number of trialists throughout the duration of the trials,” Alexakis said
The trials were planned strategically to enable all players/trialists to be actively involved for 60 minutes. In doing so Alexakis established five stations that were fitting for 16 players and accommodated 80 players in total.
“ The stations were set up to ensure that all kids were involved in the trial rather than have them sitting on the sidelines doing nothing. The stations were set up for 16 trialists and over the duration of the trial the players progressed through the stations and alternated every 15 minutes,” Alexakis explained
The stations were an effective technique and received much praise by the many who attended the trials. The stations that were created involved a shot-stopping session and phase of play session, whilst the three remaining sessions involved small-sided 8v8 games. Each individual station was supervised by a member of the Sydney Olympic FC coaching staff including Alexakis who wandered around each station.
Although the trials were a success Alexakis believes that the trial system and process needs to be tweaked and should emulate the systems that are enforced in European countries.
“The trials were great but there seemed to be an urgency of getting players to join and sign with clubs this was evident by having all clubs conduct trials simultaneously, so it was difficult to hold onto players.
“It also wouldn’t be fair for the player to be trialled for a period of time and be under consideration then narrowly miss out and have no where to go.
“There needs to be a system put in place like those that are applied in European countries where a player registers to trial at a club and is able to trial at that club for a certain period of time, for instance 1 week.
“For that week they must commit to the trial and not go elsewhere, if they are not selected they can then re-register for another club and go through the same process until they are indeed selected” Alexakis said
The inclusion of the Premier Development Program has emphasised the importance of Development in Australian Football. Alexakis believes that development is detrimental during the early stages of ones football career and is of high importance for players aged between 10-16. Whilst results are more significant and sought after at Senior/Elite level.
“Both development and results are important but at different stages, from years 10-16 development is key. I have the following philosophy that I preach.
“ From 10-11 players learn to train, meaning that players will familiarise themselves with drills and certain types of plays.
“ From 12-16 players train to learn, at this stage a player is familiar with the drills and styles of play and begin to learn how to improve their individual performance”
In order to develop a player must possess certain qualities and must be both willing and prepared to learn, qualities that Alexakis considers to be paramount include good listening skills, eagerness, enthusiasm and a hard working nature.
Alexakis further explained that from 17-18 a combination of both Development and Results are emphasised. During this stage, a player must continue to develop but also consider the outcome or end product as Alexakis refers to.
“A player at 17-18 that is serious about a career in football should really strive to be a Senior Player or a contract player and both their development and performance is detrimental,” Alexakis stated
In senior level, results are paramount each player should have already developed the key skills and attributes of a talented footballer. At this stage, players must train to win, whether it is to win a professional contract or to achieve positive results and victories.
Key to ones success throughout their football career is evaluation and analysis; Alexakis himself is an advocate for self-evaluation and acknowledges the role it has in gaining a better understanding of the game. Players need to learn how to be critical of their performance and must be honest with themselves. Coaches also have an important role and must endeavour to both assist and encourage players to improve their weaknesses and utilise their strengths.
“ A player who is aspiring to play top-class football must be committed to achieving top-level performances. Looking at today’s elite footballers they have a number of attributes over and above just technical and tactical ability.
“Self –evaluation plays a vital part within a player's development and focuses on a number of key areas. Players must understand their strengths, as well as, the areas in which they require improvement.
“The margin between victory and defeat is usually small and there is a thin line between being a good player and a great player “
In addition to coaches, parents possess an instrumental role in encouraging their children to develop. To encourage development parents must acknowledge that a winning culture needs to be discarded; rather parents need to guide their children throughout the developmental stages and refrain from being overly critical and pessimistic. Alexakis advises parents to praise good work and refrain from criticising lapses in performance and believes that parents should overall set a good experience.
With the 2012 season two months away, Alexakis has put forth the challenge and is encouraging all youth players to ask themselves
How hard are you willing to work to improve?
