The previous two weeks of games have seen the young U's play against Leyton Orient and Gillingham. This constant weekly test of their technical ability and application of the coaching syllabus through a tough games programme provides challenges to the players every week and the consistency of their performance is absolutely vital.

Recently we as a coaching staff have made a concerted effort to improve the mental toughness of all of our age groups. We do this through age-appropriate activities and through a consistent message of no excuses, no 'unlucky' comments, no moaners, no shortcuts, only an energising attitude will be accepted.

That is not to say that we have a group of over-inflated egos and poor characters within our potential future scholars BUT it is crucial that the standards are kept high constantly, which is achievable but not for the faint-hearted.

As a scheme we do not allow the players to associate themselves with the 'nonsense' side of football sometimes provided by some of their idols, such as diamond earrings, huge headphones, lime green boots, etc. We simply believe in hard work to improve all areas of their game.

Whilst their idols are at liberty to make whichever choices they wish, we believe that once you are on the pitch you cannot hide behind the façade of tramlines in your hair or just wanting to mimic the stars of 'Match of the Day' goal celebrations. We are seeking to change the culture of a Reality TV generation - wanting to be famous but with zero talent, wanting to be famous rather than successful.

The mentality we want to instil in our players is of a quote that fits nicely here: "a true champion is a player who is bent over, gasping for breath, dripping in sweat, when no one is watching". Instilling desire and self motivation is very difficult, and whilst coaches can help, players must constantly show that in all areas of their work here to be successful.

In our games with Leyton Orient, our U9 squad moved up to an 8-a-side for one of the only times this season and adapted really well. With two members of this squad playing up in the U10's to stretch them further, I was impressed with this squad's application to keep making the correct decisions and how they are now beginning to understand the role of different units on the pitch rather than seeing themselves as individuals in different areas. Some of the link up play in the attacking third was excellent.

The U11 squad found it tough to keep possession. With three of this squad playing up an age group in the U12 squad to push them on, it was evident that despite some bits of good individual play there was a lack of cohesion and fluidity to their play as there was a lack of work off the ball to create passing options or to move the team shape once the ball had moved to a different area of the pitch. There was too much reaction and not enough anticipation.

The U13 squad started very slowly and were put under pressure by a good Orient side, but with better application of how to play against a team holding a high line defensively they could have got more out of the first period. To their credit they listened at the break and were far more effective in the second period, able to mix up their play and cause the opposition some problems.

In our games with Gillingham the full thrust of the English weather hit Sunday's games, which I love. The reason being it is a chance for coaches to see who roll their sleeves up and get at it, and who feels sorry for themselves and wishes for the haven of a warm changing room.

The U10 squad have had some very pleasing performances of late, and Gillingham was no different, but they must work harder on their individual technical skills for their long term improvement. It is vital that we keep on improving a talented group and to be even more demanding of them to fulfil this potential.

The U12 squad, whilst showing improvement as a group, must now develop a resilience to their defensive work to make it more difficult for the opposition and work harder to create a team shape that gives them the opportunity to maintain possession for longer periods, rather than being a team that just plays on a counter attack.

In the U14 group I am now looking for players' character to emerge, as from this point on it gets harder with a mixed age group of U15/16 next season to prove that they can exist in, and to show more consistency in their performances. Transferring the quality of play from unopposed technical work to playing at a tempo required in their fixtures is the key for players in his squad.

The next two weeks see us play midweek fixtures against a top Academy side that will push our young players' technique and character to the maximum and where I am looking forward to seeing those who can perform in this environment.

Matt Walker
Centre of Excellence Manager

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