The Golden Age of Player Development

Do you coach Foundation Phase footballers? Do you need a no-nonsense guide that covers the best ways to coach quickly and effectively? The Foundation Phase comprises 5 to 11-year-olds and is the first stage of soccer development. It emphasises the development of fundamental skills, a love for the game, and a strong connection between the player and the ball. In The Golden Age of Player Development, leading coach Rob Porter details the many things that fellow coaches need to focus on, including how to create a top coaching environment, how best to develop players, working with parents, planning and observation, what coaching you need to avoid, and the different types of practices you can utilise. It also includes how to develop technical detail - such as age-specific passing, receiving and finishing - alongside the FA's core player moves, how to approach match days, and how to grow and develop as a coach so your sessions and teams get better and better! 20 example practices, which have been proven - year after year - to work with the Foundation Phase are also included. About the author: Rob Porter is an experienced coach who has worked with players in a variety of Foundation Phase environments, from grassroots, after-school clubs, holiday camps, and development centres through to working in an academy as a Foundation Phase lead coach. Rob has his UEFA B license and FA Youth award, as many years of coaching experience. He also works as a tutor for the FA and Oxfordshire FA.