At Barnet FC Centre of Excellence each age group team is seen as a progressive step within the programme. They are not run individually or autonomously. We deliver the Barnet FC coaching programme with a consistency and integrity throughout the age groups.
There is a club philosophy, a unity and purpose to our programme. Every age group coach has specific aims and objectives for each year group and works as closely as possible to the Barnet FC programme, whilst also taking into account players who are ahead or behind in their development whether that be in terms of technique or athleticism.
Our style as coaches reflects the ethos of "coaches as educators".
Under 9 - Under 10 (6v6, 8v8)
These age groups form the foundation stages of our programme. At this stage we concentrate on developing footballing technique. The basics of ball mastery, passing, receiving, ball striking and dribbling 1v1 are the main components at this age.
We also introduce work on tactical understanding. It is important players start to understand the shape in which we want to play, the concept of creating and using space, and defending individually and as a team.
Under 11 (9v9, 11v11)
The technical programme concentrates on recovering, retaining and recycling the ball. We also continue working on ball mastery, ball striking, passing and receiving and 1v1s.
This age groups is an important transition age group. At Christmas of their U11 year the players switch from 9v9 to 11v11. The tactical programme therefore concentrates on the important elements that are added when playing 11v11
Under 12 - Under 14 (11v11)
Here we concentrate on developing decision making skills in game related situations.
Although technique work is still important we look to emphasise tactical awareness within our preferred formation as well.
Under 15 - Under 16 (11v11)
Here we prepare the boys for their next move - full time u18 football. The emphasis is decision making, game management and making use of or retaining possession.
At Barnet Football Club the coaching staff believe:
That in possession of the ball players should play with purpose. Each individual player should try to be relaxed and confident and be able to express themselves. A strong work ethic is paramount both in possession and when possession is lost. Players should show a desire to play, be inventive and unafraid of making mistakes.
Centre of excellence players will be encouraged to:
- Play out from the back
- Control the ball "body open", with a variety of surfaces
- Be comfortable in possession
- Be able to play in tight areas
- Be able to pass when under pressure
- Be able to move the ball quickly and effectively
- Show creativity and improvisation in possession of the ball
- Defend patiently, bravely as an individual and with support and - balance as a team.
Sessions will be enjoyable as well structured and challenging.
Coaches will insist upon quality with the aim of improving performance.
Sessions will be structured so that, as much as possible, players will be able to make decisions for themselves and learn by being challenged in game related situations. Too often coaches give players the answers to remember rather than problems to solve. Our sessions will therefore be characterised by variety, challenge, decisions, choices and problem solving.
Barnet FC Centre of Excellence is dedicated to providing an all round football development programme which will include Technical, Physical, Psychological, Intellectual, Social and Educational aspects.
