Pro Football Academy

Level 1: Age 6-8

Learning through games.
The camp programme for the younger age groups is primarily centred on the use of games, and the learning of skills through these games. The basis for the use of games is that whilst the players are having fun, they are also having more touches of the ball and therefore almost without realising they are developing some of the basic techniques of football.
The use of games not only captivates the attention of the younger player and keeps them focused for longer but also adds competition to improve task orientation and when placed in this environment learning becomes optimal.
Small sided games are a key element at this age also. This is because in a 3v3 players have more touches, which to them is perceived as more successes than in a 11v11. In addition to this, the young players cannot judge their own personal ability, therefore it is up to the coach to reinforce all positive behaviour on a regular occasion giving the children a sense of self-worth and increasing self-belief.
The main reason a child participates in sport of any sort is for enjoyment which is the reason for the development of the learning through fun games curriculum.

The main reason a child participates in sport of any sort is for enjoyment which is the reason for the development of the learning through fun games curriculum.
Players are becoming more aware of their own abilities, and therefore as they increase in age, to allow focus and enjoyment the players will enjoy being tested. Although many of the fun games can be developed so they are more advanced, time is taken every day to improve the techniques and skills in a closed environment.
The drills progress from unopposed to opposed, to match situation enabling a gradual development from the breaking down and learning of a skill to the implementing it into a match.
Players feel achievement from the mastery of more complex skills that they will not of previously been able to do.

In Level 3 players begin to understand more about the game and the drills need to consider the technical, tactical, psychological and social aspects of the game. Working not only on individual skill but being part of a team and working together to achieve success is the basis of this level.
The fun games begin to develop an end product and players need to work on the techniques, at the same time understanding a tactical awareness, e.g. why something happens and what affect that has on the game, also ways to maximise their success in a certain game.
The psychological and social side is the fun elements and the interaction of team centred games helps players understand the importance of playing in a team and the value of each and every team-mate.