The workshop was delivered in two parts.
Kicking off the proceedings on a beautiful, warm, sunny, Sunday afternoon was Mike Delaney. Mike is an elite professional skills performer and gave an excellent demonstration of his talent. Mike who has worked with many famous footballers amazed our coaches with his control of the ball. Two of Mike’s coaches from his Skills Academy, John and James came along to support him and delivered a short presentation on the work Mike has done with such players as David Beckham, Zidane, Ronaldo and Ronaldinho to name a few. They explained his involvement in adverts for such brands as Nike, Coca Cola and John Smiths.
Just for some fun, some of the coaches were then invited to have a go.
This first part of the workshop was finished off by Mike explaining how he set up his company, skills academy, how it is structured and the aims for the future. The Skills Academy are finalising their application for the FA Charter Standard award.
If you would like to apply to The Skills Academy for a coaching position please contact Mike via email mikedelaneysoccer@hotmail.com or visit www.mikedelaneysoccer.com. The minimum requirement is a Level 2 football coaching certificate qualification and coaches must be members of FACA.
After some refreshments the second part of the workshop was delivered by ex-Gillingham player Ian Docker. Ian is a UEFA B Licenced coach.
Ian delivered an excellent session on attacking and defending corners.
The attacking focussed on the type of delivery, area of delivery, the timing and area of the runs.
The defending topic concentrating on the decision to man mark or zonal mark and the set up for counter attacks.
Workshop organiser, val Hajialexandrou thanked Mike Delaney and his coaches John and James as well as Ian Docker on behalf of Kent FA for their hard work in making the workshop very enjoyable and informative. Val also thanked Head of coaching and education, Alan Walker who joined the workshop and was available during the breaks to offer help and advice to the coaches.
Coach association member, Rob Graham added “the session taken by Ian was great because it was simple and straightforward with things that can be easily used in the teams that we coach. I think all of the sessions that I have attended have been very informative and well worth the time and effort. Many thanks and I look forward to some more in the future”
Another member, Terry Gooding said “I thought Mike's session was good. I enjoyed the skills session he put on and also the information about his soccer schools. I think it is important to know which soccer schools are around outside of the professional clubs for both development opportunities as a coach and also options of where to send players for extra coaching.
I really enjoyed Ian's session for many reasons but mainly for the way he was able to show how you can break down a topic i.e. defending to a level where very young children could understand but still be able to progress it to older children even adult players. I always learn a lot on the workshops and long may they continue.”
Farshid Fariba who is also a coach association member added “I would like to thank Val for workshop by Ian Docker. It was very beneficial to me and gives me more idea to work at my club level. I think Kent FA should organise more workshops like this as it is very useful and every one follows the same route of coaching”.
Many thanks for last weekend I had a really great day. I think there is a lot of merit in the phrase "you are never too old to learn" and that was most appropriate last weekend. I thought that Mike Delaney and his team were inspirational and will have an impact on how I deliver soccer skills courses for Bearsted FC.
Colin Whitfield from Bearsted FC said “I found the second session even better. As a Level 3 qualified coach I could relate to what was being said. I currently coach at several age groups but what was said will really have an impact on the training that I give to Bearsted FC Under 12's for next season. I realised that I need to play players to their potential on set pieces as opposed to their normal position. This was an invaluable session for me but I think that this was due to my qualification as a coach. I wonder what benefit those coaches who are involved with small sided games gained from the second session. I had a terrific day”.