FAI Player Development Plan

Creating better players for the future

FAIPlayerdevelopment planBriefing document for Clubs and Leagues, March 2015

Welcome

FAI player development plan Creating better players for the future1

Irish football has come a long way from the dark dayswhen we dared to dream that the Republic of Irelandnational football team would ever play in a World Cupfinals from the fantastic days of the Jack Charlton era,through to the 2002 World Cup and on to Euro 2012.

We’ve grown up as a football nation and the brilliantthing is that we’re still growing. I’ve read many timesthat the two greatest jumps in numbers playingfootball in Ireland coincided with the 1966 and 1990World Cup finals tournaments.

Television obviously played a huge role in spreadingthe word about our game to those who may not havereally understood why football was so important butparticularly after we qualified for Italia ’90 and USA1994 there wasn’t a person in the country that didn’trealise how special our game truly is.

Since then the world appears to have become asmaller place. Now we have influences from across theworld and on any given weekend you could bewatching a match from Moscow to Los Angeles – andthe remarkable thing is that in recent years there couldeven be an Irish player playing in one of those games.

The traditional football community now has theopportunity to see the game played with manydifferent influences and what is now very apparent isthat standards are rising across the world and we wantto ensure that we are not left behind.

We want to see Ireland teams for long into the futureplaying in World Cups and UEFA EuropeanChampionships and we want to see our underageinternational sides regularly qualifying for the majortournaments.

With that in mind the Football Association of IrelandBoard and Executive sat down with our HighPerformance Director Ruud Dokter and set up theTechnical Advisory Group in March 2014 to review allaspects of how the game is played here in Ireland andhow we can make the changes required to increasestandards across the country.

I would like to thank Ruud, Niall Harrison, SFAIrepresentatives Jimmy Jackson, John Devine and JoeBoyle, FAIS representatives Hugh Culhoun, PaddyO’Reilly and Ollie Horgan and SSE Airtricity Leaguerepresentative Martin Russell for their contributionsand debates which led to the drawing up of the PlayerDevelopment Plan.

The consultation process with the clubs and leaguesaround the country commenced in January 2015. Weare now taking the first steps towards implementingthe necessary recommendations which will impactmost on those who need to reap the benefits of thiswork – the players themselves.

It is our collective responsibility to make this planwork. I would urge anybody who has an interest inhelping young footballers learn to play the game theylove to the best of their ability to embrace therecommendations of this plan and have the patienceto allow the impact of that change be felt over thecoming years.

By working together with an open mind and puttingthe players first we can all play our part in raising thestandards of our game across Ireland.

John Delaney, Chief Executive Officer, Football Association of Ireland

A player-focused philosophy


Over the past numbers of months I have met withmany people from the football community aroundIreland and have received very positive feedback onthe recommendations we have put forward to changethe way we develop our young football players.

There is certainly huge appetite for change rightacross the country.

This briefing document gives detail on therecommendations of the Player Development Planand when implementation will commence, a full andcomprehensive implementation plan will be issued indue course.

A great deal of work has gone into putting thesenew structures in place which will see improvementsat all levels of the game if these recommendationsare followed and supported by those people who areworking with our young players.

With the formation of the Technical Advisory Groupwe brought together experienced football people fromthe various sectors of the game with a view to creatinga Player Development Plan with the aspiration ofproducing better football players in Ireland in thecoming years. We set out to develop an overallphilosophy that will be a player-focused model.

We compared what was done with the youngestplayers in other countries including England, Spain,

Germany, France, Italy and the Netherlands withwhat we have done here. We also looked at thevarious different playing formats being used aroundIreland at present.

To be successful in our objectives we need the wholefootball community in Ireland to work together tocreate uniformity in what young players experiencewhen playing our game no matter where they are inthe country.

We acknowledge of course the good work that hasbeen done by coaches here for many years but weare now seeking to build on those efforts so thatevery player can benefit, which will improvestandards across all levels of the game.

This document will help guide coaches, clubs,parents and others involved in the development ofour young players to understand how the game willchange at the different levels and how our youngplayers will all reap the benefits of our actions.

By using the experience our coaches already haveand putting a clear plan in place we believe thefuture can be very bright for Irish football.

Ruud Dokter, High Performance Director, Football Association of Ireland

Recommendation 1: Implement a player-focused model basedon enjoyment and skill development to reduce the emphasison winning at all costs

Implementation Timeline: commence September 2015


Player development and players enjoying footballis the core philosophy central to our new ‘PlayerDevelopment Plan’.

Whilst understanding that kids are naturallycompetitive, we need to focus on, andunderstand the importance of player-development versus simply winning matches.

Winning at all costs inhibits player developmentand can lead to a sense of frustration and failure.The match result is secondary to the quality ofplay and the enjoyment of playing. It is essentialthat young players are free from the constantpressure of winning and are allowed freedom ofexpression on the pitch.

As players get older, the process will becomeincreasingly more team-efficient, with a greateronus on results.

a. Introduce a uniform playing style andcoaching style in order to developskilful and creative players.

An attacking style of play is the best guarantee oflearning and development. To develop creativeplayers, freedom of expression is key.

Players need to learn from their mistakes andshould always be encouraged to try again. Ifyoung players are criticised for losing the ball, ordiscouraged from trying something new, theywill not learn.

Our philosophy sees the 4-3-3 system of play asthe best format in which to develop youngplayers. Within this formation, roles can beclearly outlined and there is a greater set ofoptions for passing, ball retention etc whichfacilitates learning and provides flexibility inattacking and defending. This system of play isrecognized in many successful Europeancountries as the best approach for playerdevelopment.

Coaches should encourage young players to playout from the back, through midfield, linking upwith attack. Whilst the long-ball can be effective,it is no longer considered the only method ofattacking play.



b. Minimum playing time per game foreach player (see Table 1).

Players need more playing time at a young age,otherwise, there is no learning, no developmentand little enjoyment – which may result in youngplayers dropping out of the game. All playersdeserve playing time – this is how they willdevelop.

c. Roll on / Roll off (Ro Ro) substituteswill apply at all age levels.

This allows for more playing time for the playersand more opportunities for the coach to developthe players. For example where a player isstruggling to cope with an opponent or has losttheir discipline the coach can use the substitutionto replace the player, give him/her advice onhow to deal with the situation and then bring theplayer back on. It creates a “live” learningenvironment for both coach and player.

d. Mini-blitzes/Festivals in a Twin-gameFormat at U6-U11. League Tables willbe introduced from U12.

Twin-games means that a squad is split into twoequal teams, who play mini-blitzes or festivals.This results in more opportunities for children toplay and at their correct level. For example anUnder 8 squad will consist of 12 players, for theblitz they will be split into two smaller squads of6 as will their opponents. They will then play two5v5 games against their opponents with both matches taking place at the same time. Bothteams will have 1 substitute and roll on/roll offsubstitutions will apply.

League Tables will not be introduced until U12 inorder to take away the winning at all costmentality and take away the pressure from theplayers, coaches and parents. This will give morefocus on player development at the youngerages.



e. From U6-U9 guided play, referees tobe introduced at U10.

Guided play means that there is no refereeinvolved, leaving the players to solve anyproblems amongst themselves (mirroring whathappened in Street Football in the past). One ofthe benefits of Street Football was that theplayers organised and “refereed” gamesthemselves, solving problems as they arose,learning mutual respect and honesty in a creativeenvironment.

Coaches of each team remain on the sideline andwatch closely how players act, in some cases theymay need to help resolve disputes. This mayseem strange to some but is an approach thathas proven very successful in many othercountries.

Referees will be introduced at U10. It is importantthat players learn to respect the officials at alltimes, play by the rules and accept the rules.

f. Parent Education Workshops.

Coaches and parents need a good workingrelationship which is important in developingyoung players. The ‘winning at all costs’mentality often emanates from coaches andparents.

Workshops will be vitally important to educateparents and help them understand thephilosophy behind player development, its aims,goals and objectives. There will be a parental‘Code of Conduct’ which will outline parents’responsibilities.

A resource pack will be developed and consultationwill take place with leagues as to the method ofimplementation and delivery of workshops.

Recommendation 2: Restructure the playing model for underagefootball (boys/girls) to a clear policy on the best age-specific formats ofthe game to be implemented by all leagues. (See Tables 1 & 2)



Currently there is no consistency across leaguesin terms of pitch size, goal size, match durationetc. It is important to have a common structureimplemented by all leagues. For example a playerin Donegal should be playing the same format asa player of the same age in Kerry, Dublin etc.

a. A gradual build-up towards the fullgame (4v4, 5v5, 7v7, 9v9, 11v11).

It is very important to understand that each age-group has its own specific requirements andcharacteristics. From a psychological, social andphysical viewpoint players needs differ accordingto age. A clear structure is required, graduallybuilding from 4v4 to the full 11v11 game.

Small Sided Games are important to develop thenecessary football skills. 4v4 can be consideredthe smallest simplification of the real game.Players have three options when they are inpossession, namely to play forward, sideways andbackwards. Small Sided Games allow players tohave more ball contact and more involvement inthe game. The focus is on scoring goals leadingto greater enjoyment for the players.

Young players should have the opportunity toplay in many different positions, only specialisingwhen aged 15 or 16 and heading towards the

adult game. The coach should focus on thequality of play and the development of the playerrather that the result alone.

b. Uniform pitch and goal sizes (see Table 2).

Under the plan there will be consistency in termsof pitch size and goal size across leagues.

c. One size ball, weight to be adjusted tothe age group (see Table 2).

From a development point of view a size 5 footballwill be introduced at all age levels. However theweight of the ball will depend on the age of theplayers (from 290 grams to 450 grams).

The larger ball surface helps the player developball mastery (passing, receiving, dribbling,shooting etc).

Because many clubs already have an existingstock of footballs these can continue to be usedbut when being replaced by the club they mustrestock with the new Size 5. During thistransition period where clubs have anopportunity to play with the new weighted size 5we encourage them to do so.

Recommendation 2: Restructure the playing model for underagefootball (boys/girls) to a clear policy on the best age-specific formats ofthe game to be implemented by all leagues. (See Tables 1 & 2)


Recognising that some leagues / clubs havedifferent suppliers the FAI will provide the ballspecification required to these suppliers.

Full implementation of the new size 5 football will takeplace September 2016.

d. Uniform match playing time by agegroup (see Table 1).

Under the plan there will be consistency in termsof playing time by age group across all leagues.

e. Maximum number of squad playersper team (see Table 1).

This is required to ensure that maximum squadnumbers are such so as to enable all players to begiven the recommended playing time.

f. Female players allowed to play at allunderage levels.

Female players who are not being facilitated – byage, standard or lack of a girls team – in theirown leagues will now have the opportunity toplay on boys teams (playing one year down, forexample a 16 year old girl will be able to playwith a boys U15 team). In reality, this wouldprobably apply more so to the “elite” playerswho need to be challenged to further theirdevelopment.

Proposed Game Formats (Table 1)


Squad Size Team Size Match

Format Substitutions Minimum Playing Time Referees League

Tablesage

10 4v4 Twin Ro Ro 75% No NoU6




16 7v7 Twin Ro Ro 50% Yes NoU11

12 9v9 Normal Ro Ro 25% to 50% Yes YesU12

12/16 9v9 / 11v11 Normal Ro Ro 25% to 50% Yes YesU13



16 7v7 Twin Ro Ro 50% Yes NoU10


MatchDuration

4 x 10mins

4 x 10mins

3 x 15mins

3 x 15mins

2 x 25mins

2 x 30mins

2 x 35mins

2 x 35mins

2 x 40mins

2 x 25mins

2 x 40mins

Proposed Game Formats (Table 2)


Team Size Pitch Size (m) Min/Max Goal Size Ball Size & Weightage

4v4 (no GK) 35m x 20m max • 30m x 20m min 1m x 3m 5 (290gms)U6

4v4 (no GK) 35m x 20m max • 30m x 20m min 1m x 3m 5 (290gms)U7

5v5 45m x 25m max • 40m x 25m min 1.88m x 5m 5 (290gms)U8



9v9 80m x 50m Full 5 (370gms)U12

9v9 / 11v11 Full Full 5 (370gms)U13

11v11 Full Full 5 (370gms)U14




Proposed Game Formats


4v4 (no GK)

Here we see the 4v4 “Twin Game” layout forU6 and U7 players. For these age groupsSquad Size is 10 and the squad is then brokendown into two teams of 5 playing 4v4 matcheswith one rolling substitute per team (nogoalkeepers). The goal size is 1m x 3m and thiscan be created by using cones or poles.

There are no goalkeepers in this format as wedo not want early position specialisation.

If required for blitzes etc., additional pitchescan be created at the other end.

5v5

Here we see the 5v5 “Twin Game” layout forU8 and U9 players. For these age groupsSquad Size is 12 and the squad is then brokendown into two teams of 6 playing 5v5 matcheswith one rolling substitute per team (withgoalkeepers). The goal size is 2m x 5m.

Here we have goalkeepers but they shouldrotate after every playing block.

If required for blitzes etc., additional pitchescan be created at the other end.



7v7

Here we see the 7v7 “Twin Game” layout forU10 and U11 players. For these age groupsSquad Size is 16 and the squad is then brokendown into two teams of 8 playing 7v7matches with one rolling substitute per team(with goalkeepers). The goal size is 2m x 5m.

9v9

Here we see the 9v9 layout for U12 andpossibly U13 players (depending on ability).For these age groups Squad Size is 12, rollingsubstitutes apply and the full size goal is used.



11v11

Here we see the normal 11v11 layout for U13players (depending on ability) and for U14,U15 and U16. For these age groups Squad Sizeis 16, rolling substitutes apply and the full sizegoal is used.

The role of the coach


In an ideal world, no football team would play agame without a qualified coach appropriate forthat level. It is a specialised skill to be workingwith young people – you are essentially a teacherif you are working with children. You need tolearn and develop the skills required to coachchildren to maximise their potential.

Players need coaches whose focus is on playerdevelopment, helping to build confidence,motivation, freedom of expression and therebycreating a positive learning environment, makingplaying and training enjoyable for the players.

Coaches who just dictate to players all throughthe game undermine their confidence, hinderingdevelopment.

Young players must learn to play as part of ateam according to simplified guidelines whenattacking (e.g. creating space, building up andcreating scoring opportunities) and whendefending (e.g. defend together to win the ballback quickly).

They must learn to deal with all elements of thegame; team-mates, opponents, the officials, thelaws of the game, weather conditions, the scoreetc.

The task of the coach is to facilitate the players,to help them learn, play and enjoy the game.

Key principles in coaching:

♦ Motivate your players, whilst coaching alwaysin a positive way. This helps build self-confidence and self-motivation.

♦ Praise and encourage your players to have thefreedom to express themselves.

♦ Let players make their own decisions on thepitch. Constantly instructing them on what todo does not help their development. Coachesmust accept that mistakes are part of the gameand part of player learning and development.

♦ Focus on the quality of play (when attacking,defending and in transition) rather than onwinning games.

♦ Set development ‘goals’ in what you want toachieve with your team/players. For example,“Today we will be focussing on attackingplay.”

♦ Engage with your players by asking questions.Talk and discussion will help create improvedawareness in their role, on and off the field.

♦ Encourage your players to show respect for theopponents and match officials (no comments)and to play by the rules.

♦ Encourage your players to work together andachieve team objectives.

The role of the coach

FAI player development plan Creating better players for the future

♦ Engage with parents after games/trainingsessions.

♦ The coach must intervene immediately wherehis / her players fail to show high standards ofrespect, good attitude and behaviour. Failureto intervene will lead to this behaviour beingrepeated.

♦ Be patient, stay calm and always be in controlof your emotions.

♦ Lead by example on and off the pitch.

Outcomes:

♦ Improved motivation, confidence, enjoymentand satisfaction.

♦ Increased learning and development.

♦ Enhanced creativity and problem-solvingability.

♦ Better team and individual efforts.

♦ More quality play.

14


Recommendation 3: Establish an agreed set of criteria for good competitions


It is recommended that, to provide goodcompetition, a league would comprise of ideally10 to 12 teams in each division providing 18 to22 matches per team. Additional games in twocup competitions consisting of a League Cup anda National Cup should also be provided.Where a division comprises of less than 10 teamsconsideration should be given to additionalrounds of fixtures so that 18 to 22 matches perteam is achieved.

Where possible it is recommended that allfixtures are notified to clubs prior to thecommencement of each season.

♦ Minimum number of balanced teams

♦ A consistent number of matches for playersregardless of their geographical location

♦ A mixture of league and cup games

♦ Schedule and fixtures outlined beforecompetition begins

Recommendation 4: Establish improved Elite Competition Structures


The National under 19 League is currently inplace and has provided an excellent competitiveplatform for elite players nationally. The League isdivided in two regions and has greatly assisted inthe development of young players for clubsparticipating in the National League. Theestablishment of an Under 17 National Leaguewill add to the player pathway and this is due tocommence in August 2015.

There is a need to cater for those players whohave not moved into the National League andstill want to remain playing in good quality

competitions. Therefore maintaining qualitycompetitions for 17 to 19 year olds in localleagues is vital to ensure the retention of playersin the game.

The player pathway will look as follows:

♦ U6 to U16 Local Leagues

♦ Under 13/14/15/16 Elite Competition

♦ Under 17 National League - 2 regions

♦ Under 19 National League - 2 regions


Recommendation 5: Utilise the National Sport Campus forElite Player Development & Coach EducationProgrammes Implementation Timeline: commence September 2015

The National Sports Campus is currently beingdeveloped into a high performance trainingcentre for the country’s top athletes. The FAI isdeveloping its own National Training Centre onthe Campus that will provide football in Irelandwith a base for the development of elite teams,coaches and referees.

The National Sports Campus will become acentre of excellence for player development andcoach education in this country. It is alsoenvisaged that the FAI National Training Centre

would become a hub for the development of ourvolunteer football workforce through the deliveryof a variety of education and training courses.

♦ ETP Centres of Excellence

♦ ETP Elite Summer Camps

♦ Training Camps Underage National Teams(male/female)

♦ UEFA A, B and Pro Licence Courses

♦ Futsal Development and Education

Recommendation 6: Increase coaching standards andrecommended coaching levels at all age groups



The number of Coach Education coursesdelivered continues to increase year on year, withthe number of qualified coaches at each levelalso continuing to increase. Clubs should strive tohave as many qualified coaches as possible.

We have made massive strides in recent years inthe development and provision of our CoachEducation pathway and will now look to build onthese foundations by providing courses that aremore tailor made and client friendly for ourcoaching workforce. For example, we willendeavour to make our Coach Education coursesmore age-specific, whereby coaches who workwith youth players will attend courses for thisspecialist age range. This will result in usdelivering courses that have a higher specialistprovision of course material and lead to a morerobust, holistic course curriculum to better equipcoaches in working with their chosen age range.

In turn, we will align minimum criteria ofcoaching qualifications to be attained by teamcoaches and staff in order to give our youngplayers the best possible opportunity to be

coached and mentored in the most purposefulway. For coaches of teams playing in EliteCompetitions or at National U17 and U19 levelsthere will be minimum compulsory coachingrequirements.

Other planned initiatives will be the adoption ofa National C Licence, UEFA Elite Youth Licenceand a more refined, structured goalkeepingpathway culminating in the UEFA GoalkeepingLicence.

Coaching pathway:

♦ U6-U9 National D1 Licence (Kick Start 1)

♦ U9-U12 National D2 Licence (Kick Start 2)

♦ U13-U19 National D3 Licence (Youth Cert)

♦ Elite U13/U14 National C Licence

♦ Elite U15/U16 UEFA B Licence

♦ National U17 UEFA B Licence

♦ National U19 UEFA A Licence (UEFA EliteYouth)

♦ SSE Airtricty League UEFA Pro Licence

Recommendation 7: Establish FAI approved UnderageFootball Academies in local clubs providing a pathwayfor all Players Implementation Timeline: commence September 2016


The Emerging Talent Programme at League andRegional levels caters for elite players aged from11 to 16. It is important that player developmentis also catered for in all clubs especially in theformative years 6 to 12 (boys and girls). This iswhat the new Academy structure will helpachieve. To be an FAI approved DevelopmentAcademy a club will have to meet a range of setcriteria (for example, contact hours, syllabus,coaching qualifications, child welfare policy,written philosophy, parent workshops, facilities,

code of conduct etc). It is envisaged that a clubwould register online and assess itself against theagreed criteria.

The local Development Officer would audit theclub against the set criteria before the FAI grantsapproved Academy status.

It is essential that the player pathway has astrong link to the senior game and Internationalfootball. Senior clubs also have a significant roleto play in the development of underage football.

Recommendation 8: Develop an overall joint strategybetween FAI, SFAI and FAIS

Implementation Timeline: commence 2015

Both the SFAI and FAIS draw from the same poolof players and there are a large numbers ofplayers playing for both club and school. Acommittee will be established to progress the‘’joint strategy’’ and be responsible for theimplementation of the Player DevelopmentPathway.

This committee will produce and coordinate acomprehensive calendar of underage footballactivity with a view towards managing playerwelfare. Increasing the participation of boys andgirls in football is also extremely important.

Recommendation 9: Providing higher levels ofcompetitive football for elite performers



This recommendation is aimed at providinghigher levels of competition for players and teamsthat excel at local level and need to be challengedmore on a weekly basis. All 32 existing leagueswill remain in place as they currently operate. Theproposal is to establish additional competitionsabove local league level that allow the best playagainst the best.

For all players to develop to their full potential it isimportant that they compete at the appropriatelevel and consistently face opposition of a similarstandard. For many players this currently does nothappen. Players / Teams that excel in their localleague should have the opportunity to progress toan elite competition at a higher level. As a result,

the players will train and play at the level thatchallenges them throughout the entire season. Italso means that the players / teams that remain inthe local league also face opposition moreappropriate to their level which in turn willencourage their continuing participation.

Regardless of the level the player plays at theyremain registered with the local league their teamis affiliated to and are eligible to represent thatleague in inter-league competitions.

Further consultation is to take place with leaguesto determine the best format for this higher levelof competition.

Recommendation 10: Create continuity of football byshifting to a one season calendar: March - November


This recommendation deals with the proposal tostart moving towards a consistent footballcalendar from March to November across allunderage leagues.

This potential change brings many benefits:

♦ Player development would be improvedthrough playing on better quality surfaces andweather circumstances

♦ Less matches will be cancelled

♦ Evening matches can be spread out

♦ Better access to players in off season for theEmerging Talent Programme

♦ Allows for multiple matches on same pitch onsame evening

♦ More spectators

♦ Reduced costs for lighting

♦ Pitches are protected in the winter

Discussions with the Mayo, Clare andRoscommon leagues who have moved to acalendar season have reaffirmed the benefitsoutlined above.

However, it is also recognised that this is aconsiderable change and will present challenges.Further consultation will take place with allleagues to discuss the proposal and agree thebest way forward.

Documents

FAI Player Development Plan