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Continental Aspire Soccer’s intensive football programs are incredible, fun experiences that will help you improve your game and take your skills to the next level.
Foundational Development Phase: Ages 5-11 years
Youth Development Phase: Ages 12-16 years
Professional Development Phase: Ages 17-21 years
Training Locations:
Sessions:
Saturday-Sunday.
A player’s capacity to learn and become a professional footballer is especially important to us. It’s hard to predict whether a player will become a pro, but we can develop them to play at that level of skill.
As we are just getting them started, it is important to assess their potential. Their ball skills have already been checked. We observe the players’ behaviours on and off the pitch:
So empowering the player in the Foundational Development phase 5-11-year-olds is very important for them.
Youth Development for 12-16 years old is a phase where their habits should significantly impact these areas of their lives. As they develop consistently, they will be prepared for the Professional Development phase (16-21 years old).
That’s what I look for first. We observe this during open training and skills sessions. It is important for players to practice penalties with both feet and take note of which ones strike the ball as naturally and as easily with their left foot as they do with their right foot – or vice versa.
Ajdin Hrustic, who is now at Eintracht Frankfurt and Harvey Vale, now at Chelsea FC, were both spotted at a young age with this skill. Having this information means we are able to spend more time working on other aspects of the player.
Players’ balance tends to be good if they can use both feet. We consider this more important than speed in the younger age groups. Watching a player’s movement is more important than watching what they do:
When they run with the ball, do they have good balance? When passing the ball, how do they position themselves? On a pitch, how do they move? How do they move into space to receive a pass? Do they have a natural sense of space? Is there a tendency for them to chase the ball?
Our team understands how Academies and European clubs work. Which level of player are they taking? What are their plans for developing the player we have? Are they able to develop our player? If a player has raw skills, they may not be of interest to one of the top clubs at that particular time because they have more polished players already.
Understanding how clubs operate is essential. We match players with the right clubs, so they can flourish and fulfil the potential we have seen in them.
Parents are the key to the success of every player. It’s vital for us to get to know the parents and discuss their involvement in the child’s development. Children will feel less stressed if the environment is focused on learning, and they will be able to be more creative if they feel less stressed. Young children’s lives are primarily influenced by their parents, not coaches. A parent’s approval or comment can have a profound impact on how a child plays, learns and develops.
During the Foundation Phase, we focus on ‘training to love the game.’ Coaching our players at an age/skill level appropriate to them is our top priority at CAS. We encourage creativity and reward risk-taking (and creative failure) by offering a fun environment for players 5-11 years of age.
We improve football players’ development with a guided discovery approach. Our job as coaches is to educate and guide the players to become the best player they can be. Even at this young age, we want players to take ownership of sessions, take charge of their development, and help each other to develop (everyone has a role to play in the development process).
That’s what I look for first. We observe this during open training and skills sessions. It is important for players to practice penalties with both feet and take note of which ones strike the ball as naturally and as easily with their left foot as they do with their right foot – or vice versa.
Ajdin Hrustic, who is now at Eintracht Frankfurt and Harvey Vale, now at Chelsea FC, were both spotted at a young age with this skill. Having this information means we are able to spend more time working on other aspects of the player.
To teach the actual game, we believe it is necessary to have defenders (pressure) during exercises and games. You’ll have to beat an actual person in a game, not just a cone.
While we focus on technical excellence, we teach the game and the tactical understanding it requires. As a young player, you need the technical skills to execute the tactical aspects of the game.
Over our 30 years of experience at club and national team levels, we’ve identified five key talent indicators for 12-16-year-olds.
First, we look for how comfortable the player is on the ball. Then, how comfortable is the player on the ball when they receive it? A player’s chances of success are greater if he receives the ball well throughout the game.
When a player receives a ball, what do they do with it? This is another vital aspect of the game. Which play do they choose? Are they looking to pass forward? Can they make a quick decision about passing/running when given the ball?
When analyzing a player, we need to look at their movement on and off the ball. What options do they give their teammates when they don’t have the ball? Do they keep track of their opponents’ runs? Are they looking to move into positions where teammates have an outlet when they regain possession? To create space for their teammates, what runs do they make? What is their movement like? Is their balance good?
It’s something we look for at a certain age. If the player is at the age to sign their first contract, it’s important to assess how well they understand their team’s system, both defensively and offensively. The player has to know their role; what is expected of them when they have the ball and when out of possession. Positions have different characteristics, and players must understand what is expected of them tactically and positionally. Do they take up good positions when in and out of possession?
We assess a player’s composure on and off the field. A player with poor body language will find it hard to maintain good composure around teammates, referees, fans, and the media in the future. When we sign a player, we take that into consideration. A player’s character on and off the field is important to us.
Our PDP is focused on developing technically excellent and inventive players. We train players to adapt quickly to changes in the state of the game and play in various formations. This means being able to make the right decision and perform under pressure. Also, our programme prepares players for their professional careers by building strong mental strength. Highlights Include:
Address:
Ulster University,
Cromore Rd,
Coleraine,
BT52 1SA.
At Ulster we have access to world class sports facilities and expertise.
We pride ourselves in delivering high quality services that take standards of performance to new levels for our student athletes and local community.
Our strength and conditioning facility at the Coleraine campus is testament to our claim!
Address:
Ulster University
Shore Road
Newtownabbey
Co. Antrim
BT37 0QB
2 Day Programme: 25th & 26th March 2023
2 Day Programme: 8th & 9th April 2023
2 Day Programme: 15th & 16th April 2023
2 Day Programme: 22nd & 23rd April 2023
2 Day Programme: 29th & 30th April 2023
2 Day Programme: 6th & 7th May 2023
2 Day Programme: 13th & 14th May 2023
2 Day Programme: 20th & 21st May 2023
2 Day Programme: 27th & 28th May 2023
Our two-day programme includes coaching from some of the world’s best current and ex-professional players. You will be evaluated by some of the best from The Austrian Bundesliga, Belgian Pro League, Dutch Eredivisie, German Bundesliga, English Premier League, and Scottish Premier League.
Alongside this, you will have the opportunity to work with “UEFA ‘A’ – UEFA PRO LICENSE” coaches who worked with and developed the best players in the world.
To support you further, you will have “Parent Q&A Sessions” with Coaches and Talent ID officers to answer any questions you might have. You will also gain one month of access to our Facebook training material.
Prices do not include: Airfare, Accommodation or Transport. Players must organise their own transport and accommodation.
This step must be completed before proceeding to Step 2
You can now book your 2-day or 7-day programme
We'll be in contact when we receive your form
You can book your 2-day or 7-day programme here
Do You Aspire To Play Professional Football?
CAS Europe HQ
22 Wildflower Way
Belfast
BT12 6TA
CAS London
Craven Road
London
W5 2UA
Age Groups:
Age 5-11
Age 12-16
Age 17-21
Price:
£720
Time:
9am-5pm
Location:
Northern Ireland
Venue:
University of Ulster, Jordanstown Campus.
Programme Highlights:
Our two-day programme includes coaching from some of the world’s best current and ex-professional players. You will be evaluated by some of the best from The Austrian Bundesliga, Belgian Pro League, Dutch Eredivisie, German Bundesliga, English Premier League, and Scottish Premier League.
Prices do include: Football kits, lunch, drinks & snacks provided throughout the day.
Prices do not include: Airfare, Accommodation or Transport. Players must organise their own transport and accommodation.
*Parents / Guardians are unable to stay on-site during the course of the programme*
*Our coaches are DBS and background checked*
One of our Continental Aspire Soccer representatives will be in touch with you shortly.
Our two-day programme includes coaching from some of the world’s best current and ex-professional players. You will be evaluated by some of the best from The Austrian Bundesliga, Belgian Pro League, Dutch Eredivisie, German Bundesliga, English Premier League, and Scottish Premier League.
Prices do include: Football kits, lunch, drinks & snacks provided throughout the day.
Prices do not include: Airfare, Accommodation or Transport. Players must organise their own transport and accommodation.
*Parents / Guardians are unable to stay on-site during the course of the programme*
*Our coaches are DBS and background checked*
One of our Continental Aspire Soccer representatives will be in touch with you shortly.
