The Power of Language

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Xavi is a masterclass in the art of passing. Does correct use of language have a part to play in the development of this vital skill?

Language is an extremely powerful tool in bringing out the best in Top Flight Academy footballers.  Used intelligently, language can accelerate the learning process and help a young athlete reach their potential.

Teaching Resilience

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Juventus showed great resilience to claw themselves back into the Champions League Final against Barcelona and their brilliant attacking trio of Suarez, Messi and Neymar

Juventus fans must have felt that they were staring down the barrel of a humiliating defeat after 20 minutes of the 2014/2015 Champions League Final.

Born With It or Not

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Lionel Messi celebrates after his recent wonder goal against Athletic Bilbao in the Copa Del Rey final

The FIFA U-20 World Cup is promoted as the chance to see the world’s very best players before they become household names.

In 2022 will you be reminiscing about watching a young Brazilian player way back in 2015 as you watch them dominate on TV?

EXPECTATIONS #1

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Angel Correa, Argentina U-20 Captain, has set high expectations for both himself and his teammates in this year’s U-20 World Cup

“We have a big team and we want to win the World Cup.”

“We will play each game like it is a final.”

Angel Correa, captain of the Argentina U-20 squad, clearly has very high expectations for the FIFA U-20 World Cup that kicks off on Saturday.

Italian Youth Academy Experience in Auckland

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“Soccer Italian Style” Co-Founder and ACF Fiorentina Youth Coach Mirko Mazzantini

The Italian newspaper Gazzetta dello Sport described striker Carlos Tevez as being a man of ‘seven lungs’ after Juventus defeated Lazio 2-1 to win the Coppa Italia this week.

LUCKY TO MAKE MISTAKES

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Roberto Baggio missed the penalty that cost Italy the 1994 World Cup, a miss he would make amends for in the 1998 World Cup group stage

Character.  It is a word often used to describe the player or team that can respond when the going gets tough.

Character is a much-prized quality, so how do we instill it in our young footballers?