What Makes a Good Coach? The Economist magazine seems an unlikely source of guidance for football coaches. But the recent publication of a research paper investigating what schools can do to improve learning outcomes provides a blueprint that should be embedded in the mindset of every football coach.

The Difference a Decade Can Make Ten years ago Brazil were starting their defence of the World Cup in Germany.   Five time World Champions, they were regarded as tournament favourites to retain world champion status.

Player Movement For any New Zealand football fan that wanted to understand the difference between how we play the game compared to the rest of the world the last fortnight has been particularly illuminating.

Combinations Building player combinations is a vital factor in developing a successful team. Perhaps more so than individual skill, tactical formations or fitness, combinations can be incredibly powerful in differentiating the good teams from the great. Many elements of football across all levels can be copied if the expertise is available to players or a club.  But combinations are much […]

Why the All Whites Need to Win the Oceania Nations Cup The last 12 months have been a desperate time for All Whites football fans. The eligibility debacle of the Olympic qualifiers, just three away games for the All Whites and a current FIFA ranking of 161, wedged between the Maldives (currently coached by Ricki Herbert, population 345,000) and Guam […]

Soccer Italian Style 11-15 July Top Flight Football Academy is committed to ensuring that our young footballers have the opportunity to experience a high quality of coaching. To deliver a world class learning experience we will once again, for the 4th year running, be hosting Soccer Italian Style in Auckland.  The camp will be held 11 – 15 July at […]