Eligibility and Talent Development

Altan Ramadan Toffa Leave a Comment

Deklan Wynne, in action against Portugal in the 2015 FIFA U-20 World Cup Round of 16 match

The New Zealand Football (NZF) eligibility debate has centred primarily on the disqualification of New Zealand from the Rio de Janiero Olympics.

However, a longer term consideration is how this ruling will impact on talent development in New Zealand.

Copa America Lessons – Balance and Transition

Altan Ramadan Toffa Leave a Comment

Uruguay’s Diego Godin battles with Javier Mascherano from Argentina in the recently contested Copa America 2015

Top class football is fantastic but every team needs to have battle-hardened defenders.

Right now, the best defenders (and attackers for that matter) are from South America.

A Long Term Professional Approach

Altan Ramadan Toffa Leave a Comment

Adnan Januzaj represents the next generation of Belgian talent.

While resources help, a professional attitude costs nothing.

Empoli FC is a wonderful example of this mindset.  Despite being located in a city of just 40,000 people, 11 home grown players were in Empoli’s Serie A squad during the recently contested 2014 / 2015 season.

Coaching

Altan Ramadan Toffa Leave a Comment

Pep Guardiola has had Manuel Estiarte (right) in his backroom team at both Barcelona and Bayern Munich

Coaches must be motivated to learn

 “An intelligent coach learns from all countries.”

Those seven words from Mirko Mazzantini, coach of the ACF Fiorentina U-14 squad, reinforce the value of constant learning to ensure the very best coaching experience for youth players.

Play

Altan Ramadan Toffa 3 Comments

https://
Play is the source of creativity.

Unstructured play is a missing element in the quest to develop creative players in New Zealand.

The Power of Language

Altan Ramadan Toffa Leave a Comment

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.