Academy Youth Development

If you are uncertain your current club will offer you a scholar at u16, it is advisable to start looking for another club early.

Sometimes, players miss out on another opportunity, not because they are not good enough but due to availability at other clubs.

To support young players during their 2-year Scholar program, "digs" is a coordinated effort between the club, a host family, and the player. 

This living arrangement ensures the player resides near the club for optimal training and development.

Instead of considering football as plan B and school as plan A, recognize them both as crucial for your growth, work hard at both, and understand that school lays the groundwork for your future success.

In academy football, day release refers to a programme where young players are allowed to miss part of their school day to attend additional training sessions with their academy club.

This gives them more chances to get better at football and keep up with the tough training schedules of professional clubs.

Day release is more likely to be offered to players from age 14 in the Youth Development Phase.

Watch a video of how Derby Academy puts the release day programme into action.

Focus on specific details:

Instead of trying to watch everything, pick a particular skill or tactical idea to analyse during a match.

Take notes or record clips:

Jot down key points or use your phone to record specific plays you want to revisit later.

Discuss with coaches or teammates:

When you chat about what you saw, it helps you understand better and hear different perspectives.

Practice what you learn:

Once you've identified something you want to improve, actively include it in your training routine.

Osgood-Schlatter disease is when the knee gets hurt from being used too much. 

It makes a painful bump and swelling on the bone below the knee.

It often happens to young players when they are growing fast, usually between 10 to 13 for girls and 12 to 14 for boys.

During this time, their bones grow faster than their muscles and tendons, which can make the muscles and tendons tight and cause this problem.

Football Intelligence is a key factor in football beyond just physical skills.

A player who can quickly assess the situation on the field – teammate positions, opponent tactics, open space – will make better choices with the ball.

You must be able to read the game, be a quick thinker, understand good positioning and adapt to tactics.

Specialising in one position is important later, but for now, build a variety of skills to show your adaptability and game understanding.

Another position may be where an opportunity comes from.

Understanding multiple positions helps players appreciate what is happening across the pitch and how to connect with their teammates.

The term "football pathway" generally refers to the steps a player is expected to take to reach the senior first team.

However, it's often simplified without fully understanding what it really entails. It's a promise that clubs often can't keep because of many unpredictable factors.