The training conference project was designed to support coaches and teachers working with young players in football. The aim is to provide practical knowledge to effectively develop the individual predispositions of children and young people aged 5-16, taking into account their motor skills, psychophysical development and unique personality traits.

The training course “How to develop the individual potential of players?” aims to support coaches and teachers in understanding and developing the abilities of young footballers in an individual and sustainable way. Particular emphasis was placed on the awareness that children’s fitness levels do not always match expectations and need appropriate support to prevent stagnation or a decline in commitment.

Speakers at the Congress included:

– Matt Potter – Coach with UEFA A and UEFA A Elite Youth licence. Lecturer on the English Football Association’s UEFA B and C courses. Has experience of coaching at Colchester United FC. Currently Head of Coaching at Norhampton FC’s academy – Mark Vaudin – Over 20 years of coaching experience at all levels from junior to senior teams. Educator coach on English Football Association (FA) training courses – currently coaching at Norwich City academy. Football Development Manager at East Norfolk Sixth Form College.

– Pawel Guziejko – Worked in the USA for nearly 7 years as a children’s coach at various clubs and was involved in the Olympic Talented Player Development Programme. He was involved with the English Football Association as an FA Skills Coach and FA Tutor, where he was involved in coach education. He worked at Norwich City FC’s academy for 5 years as a coach of the U12-13 and U11 teams and then held the role of Lead Coach U13 at Cambridge United. He is currently Head of Performance Football Programme at University of Essex, where he runs a football programme for talented athletes on scholarships. Pawel Guziejko is also the founder and originator of PavFunball Academy, where he implements a proprietary training system, implementing innovative solutions for both children and coaches. Many trainers and clubs have already benefited from his knowledge during mentoring sessions.

– Paul Stewart – a former Premiership footballer who played for Manchester City, Tottenham and Liverpool, he has also been in the England national team 3 times. In 2016, Paul gave up his anonymity and spoke out about the physical and sexual abuse he suffered at the hands of a youth coach as a 10-year-old growing up in Manchester. Paul joined the EFL’s Life Skills team to raise awareness of the importance of safeguarding children and young people. He has worked with FA, SFA and Premiership clubs, running workshops for coaches/parents/academy players. Paul was awarded a PhD from Salford University and the Contribution to League Football Award in 2024, the highest award given to an individual for their contribution to safeguarding children and young people.

The conference was attended by nearly 100 trainers. The training was divided into theoretical and practical parts. Tuesday’s conference is another event co-organised by our club aimed at increasing the competence of coaches from across the region.