Kamil, white and blue congratulations. How did you react when you received the information about your appointment to the staff of the provincial team?

Thank you very much. To be honest – it was a great joy and pride. When coach Rafał Domarski called with the offer, I felt that it was something special. But right after that also came the realisation that it was a big challenge. Representing the province is a responsibility – to the players, the clubs and the entire football community. I treat it as a sign of trust, but also as an obligation to work even harder.

What does the structure of the provincial team look like and what specifically do you do as second coach?

The provincial team is a project coordinated by the Podkarpacki ZPN, which aims to identify and develop the most talented players from the entire region. We work in a staff of several people – coach Rafał Domarski is responsible for the main training directions, and I support the organisation and conduct of the selection. I am also responsible for observing boys from Mielec, Tarnobrzeg, Stalowa Wola and the surrounding areas. It’s a big area with a lot of really ambitious and talented players.

What is your guiding principle when selecting players?

I am demanding, but fair. Only those who definitely stand out will be in the squad. We look broadly – technique, tactics, motor preparation and the mental aspect. But for me the key thing is whether the player understands the game, how he reacts to difficult situations, whether he can cooperate. It’s not about bringing together a group of individuals, but a team that can follow a common plan.

What are the main goals of the 2014 provincial team for the coming months?

We are devoting this year to team selection and building. We want to select the best of the best in order to fully prepare for the Polish Provincial Team Championships next year. This is a prestigious competition – it is where the national teams of all provinces meet, and for many boys it is the first step to a further career, often even to the youth cadres of the Polish Football Association.

Relationships are key in the work of a youth coach – not only with the players, but also with the parents. How do you see this?

Contact with parents is the absolute basis. I try to be available – whether it’s in the morning or in the evening, you can always call, ask, talk. I also often meet in person if someone wants to discuss their child’s progress. Parents are part of the process. Without their patience and support, there is no success. The cooperation of coaches, players and their parents is essential on the way to achieving the goal.

How would you rate the development of the FKS Stal Mielec Academy compared to the region?

I think we have taken a huge step forward over the last few years. Just a few seasons ago we were an academy with ambitions, and today we are one of the top academies in the province. This is the result of consistent work by Director Marcin Gancarczyk, the coaches, the entire staff and the trust placed in us by President Jacek Klimek. We develop our structure, increase the number of groups, invest in training. All this translates into the quality of training and the number of appointments to provincial teams. For me personally, the appointment to the staff of the national team is also proof that our academy is appreciated throughout the region.

What are your immediate career goals?

I want to develop myself further, start the UEFA A course and deepen my coaching knowledge. Football is changing a lot, and if a coach is not moving forward, he is moving backwards. For me, development is not only new diplomas, but also the daily exchange of experiences – with coaches, players, parents. Every day is a learning experience.

Finally – what would you like to say to the parents and young players at our Academy?

Trust our coaches and the process we create together. Not everything comes immediately, but patience and hard work bring results. Children need to feel supported, not pressured. And we – the coaches – will do everything to make sure they develop in the right direction. This nomination to the provincial team is the success of the entire FKS Stal Mielec Academy, not only mine.

Interviewed by:
Mateusz Prokopiak
FKS Stal Mielec Press Officer