Our Own Football Development Centre?

Photo by Paulton Rovers Development Centre on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/PaultonroversDC/photos/pb.100063457211408.-2207520000../2496150683786417/?type=3

Recently, we have been approached by a Malaysian in the UK who has been doing football coaching at 2 football academies part time while he finishes his studies. In his time there, he’s successfully delivered coaching sessions that are enjoyable for everyone and effective for football development. He wants to bring the things he learned back to Malaysia in September by opening a Football Development Centre with us, for all players. Together, we believe in the potential good it can do for the everyday Malaysian football player like you and me.

What is the idea behind this development centre?

The core idea is to help everyone improve their technical ability and their understanding of the game, with specially designed sessions that is friendly to all levels of ability and most importantly, fun and enjoyable.

How so?

The development centre seeks to provide this by having all sessions game-based. Meaning the sessions will rarely ever involve players having to strictly dribble through a set of cones and then be pushed through a circuit of agility drills or shuttle runs (like we’ve all been through at some point, tbh). We are a firm believer of “play to improve”. So, players that come to the sessions will have the opportunity to play to improve their technical abilities via the real-game situations that our sessions create. In these sessions, players will have to find solutions for on-pitch problems. Being pressed? - How do we play through that press, how do we find that pass? Finding it hard to create chances? - What’s another trick that you can add up your sleeve?

How is this any different than just playing football?

The sessions are designed with specific challenges and goals in mind that will vary week by week - maybe one week is passing and receiving, maybe another week is ball carrying, and the next week could be scanning, etc. . But the overarching strategy is focused on developing different aspects of a player’s game. Our sessions are not position-fixed because we believe in developing a player’s overall understanding and reading of the whole game to give players the best chance to discover the best sides of their games.

Why will this be better than just playing football elsewhere?

Because as the coach himself explains, often times when we play on our own, we encounter a problem on the pitch. When we’re able to find a solution be it a dribble or a skill or a pass, then great! But, when we’re not able to find a solution, our learning ends there. There’s little opportunity for reflection and for betterment or improvement. At the development centre, our coach will guide you through each and every step of the way.

Who is this coach?

Our coach is a Malaysian master’s student in the UK. He has experience successfully coaching this model in two academies - Pro Football Academy in Bristol, and the Paulton Rovers Decelopment Centre in Paulton. He has an FA Level 1 coaching certificate, and a burning passion for football. In the Bristol academy, our coach has been coaching youth development modules of the same approach to the u16s squad. In the Paulton Rovers Development Centre, our coach is working under a UEFA A licensed coach with the u15 squad that compete in the Junior Premier League.

Who are we looking for?/ Who can join the development centre?

We’re looking for anyone and EVERYONE - we’re looking for casual players who play with friends on the weekend or every now and then, or social league players who probably have 11v11 games once every one or two weeks, or pretty much anyone who is interested in playing some football and learning a little along the way.

We hope to see you all very soon!

The Development Centre seeks to hold its very first session between 19th and 25th of September 2022.

Stay tuned!!