Description
Book SynopsisThe identification and development of talented young players has become a central concern of football clubs at all levels of the professional game, as well as for national and international governing bodies. This is the first book to offer a comprehensive survey and assessment of youth development programmes in football around the world, to highlight best practice, and to offer clear recommendations for improvement.
The book draws on original, in-depth research at eight elite professional football clubs, including Barcelona, Ajax and Bayern Munich, as well as the French national football academy at Clairefontaine. It adopts a multi-disciplinary approach, including psychology, coaching and management studies, and covers every key topic from organisational structures, talent recruitment and performance analysis to player education and welfare. Written by two authors with extensive experience in English professional football, including five Premiership clubs, this book is importa
Trade Review
'A very deep and comprehensively written observation of football academies across Europe; real food for thought for anyone interested in youth development. A must read!'
Tony Carr, former West Ham United F.C. Academy Manager
Table of Contents1. Introduction 2. Governance and talent identification 3. Educating the whole person 4. Coaching philosophy 5. Sports science philosophy 6. Coaching practice and sports science support on the ground 7. Psychology support 8. Conclusion
