Whether one loves, loathes or is indifferent to the concept of the Football Federation of Australia’s (FFA) National Training Curriculum - it is certainly here to stay for at least the foreseeable future.
The principles of the NTC are grounded in talent detection, identification and development. Young WA footballers enter the program if they have shown that they possess the raw ‘right stuff’ to become a pro-footballer according to a scout or coach. It is then hoped that under the right and at times intense supervision and training the skills and abilities of the player will be of the standard required to be Matilda or Socceroo.
The NTC model is designed to develop football expertise in young players. It is influenced by the Theory of Deliberate Practice - the notion that it is not simply training of any type, but rather a minimum of 10 years engagement in deliberate practice that is the necessary condition for the attainment of expertise. Deliberate practice refers to practice activities done with the specific instrumental goal of improving performance, and which:
• Are performed in a daily, work-like manner
• Require effort and attention
• Do not lead to immediate social or financial rewards
• Are frequently not enjoyable to perform (i.e. the “hard yards”)
In 2011 The NTC squads at three age levels has entered the three tiered WA Premier League. Matches involving the NTC do not accrue points and the NTC sides are not subject to relegation. Currently Football West and the State League Standing Committee are undertaking a review of the NTC looking into 2012 and beyond for ways in which their involvement in the WAPL could be improved.
For any Floreat Athena fans who think that the upcoming fixture vs the NTC is meaningless – Athenista challenges you think again. When the two sides met in the first round the victory for the blue and whites was their first for the season. It essentially kick started our season and reinforced the importance of always striving to win in football.
Athenista recently caught up with the NTC supremo Kenny Lowe to get the low down and insights into the man entrusted with the development of young footballers in Western Australia.
Hello Kenny and thanks for taking the time to share your thoughts on the NTC with the Athenista blogger on the week of your encounter with Floreat Athena FC.
Thanks my pleasure.
For the uninformed - how would you describe - what the general principles of the NTC are all about?
Further, you have been noted for commenting that clubs are typically outcomes or results focused whilst the ethos of development programs such the NTC are process or style based. can you explain this concept further?
Further, you have been noted for commenting that clubs are typically outcomes or results focused whilst the ethos of development programs such the NTC are process or style based. can you explain this concept further?
The Program takes a holistic approach to the development of the players within the NTC environment. We get the players to understand the required attributes that make a top class player ie,
· Physically capable
· Technically proficient
· Tactically aware
· Mentally tough
· Emotionally balanced
· Live a lifestyle to help support all of the above
We then identify (in consultation with the player) where his strengths and weakness are in relation to each of the 6 attributes and try to enhance his capability in all areas.
For example if the centre half needs to be better on the ball technically, it’s pointless asking the keeper to kick the ball up field......we want the centre half to get on the ball and play. He will make mistakes but that is because we have put him in an environment to develop him (initially it may be uncomfortable as he may struggle). To ensure we do not affect his confidence we remove any pressure whereby we tell players to let the coaches worry about the mistakes, we say they are a bonus, mistakes are part of the dance. They actually give us and the players food for thought in how we can help them to the next level. The main focus is not to keep repeating the same mistake or to drastically reduce the number of times you make the mistake.
Game day is for the players to enjoy. Mistakes are for the coaches to use for the next training session. Winning is not be all end all.
We find the process allows the players eventually to cope with the ball in tight areas, under pressure, at speed with enhanced decision making capabilities so ultimately all players improve, team improves and then begin winning games.
With 6 league matches to go - how do you feel the introduction of NTC into the 2011 WAPL has gone?
We are very happy with the initial introduction. All the clubs have been fantastic in supporting us on game day. It has been really exciting. From our perspective Coaches have loved it, Players have loved it, Parents have embraced it. They named a 26 man Joey’s National squad this week and we had 7 players in it. Massive pat on the back for all people in the WA football family and great support for us.
Moving forward we need to address issues like playing for points and the bye to ensure clubs are not affected adversely in the way they run their own entities.
We hear that the NTC/WAPL engagement model is unique in Australia. Is this true and how is the NTC dealt with elsewhere in Australia?
All States have their own model but I believe ours is more complex and unique. I believe WA are leaders in the country at youth level we are trying something new and brave. Everyone in the WA football environment should be proud of themselves in allowing this to go forward and for being a stakeholder. We are close to winning NTC Challenges. We are winning National Championships.......but still playing from a process based philosophy, it’s just that the processes are working so well in allowing us to actually win games.
WA players made up nearly 30% of ‘new’ U17 National Squad named last week. WA made up half the under 17 Team against Brazil in U17 World Cup.
We should be looking at ‘Worlds’ best practices, including other codes. I do not think we should be insular and look to see what other states are doing....they should look at us !!!
As you so well know there are so many knockers out there for all aspects of the game down under and the NTC is not immune to its critics (and supporters I might add!). Clearly you are very passionate about WA youth football development - deep down what drives you so enthusiastically about the NTC?
Looking back at my own experiences as a young player (I was small, weak but technically competent). I had a love like all kids in UK to be a footballer. I saw and felt all the obstacles and barriers that could have held me back. I want to remove the things I had to fight through to make a less difficult pathway for players to progress. I want to be a part of something that is good for the players to allow them every opportunity to try and achieve their dreams. To create an environment where they try to maximise whatever potential they have to be the best they possible could be wether that potential is to be a world star or a state league star............but make sure we all have a giggle and a bit of fun along the way.
There was a collective sense of pride for all WA lovers of the world game when we saw 5 local players take the stage at the Under 17 Cup in Mexico during June - it must have been very rewarding for you personally - can you tell us how this achievement for the boys felt for you?
I was chuffed for everyone associated with the kids, the parents, the clubs and coaches who have had input over the years. Wonderful gesture by Riley Woodcock he came back to a NTC training session last week and give me his shirt he wore against Brazil. I filled up. This really touched me. Five or six of the NTC boys have done that now after playing for Australia. It has the same effect each time on. Just shows lads are not only good players but nice kids, credit to themselves and their families.
What in your mind is the ideal preferred format for the conduct of NTC matches? i.e., points no points, timing of fixtures etc.
Ideally, 3 teams. Play Saturday of nominated KO time for the round. No points for NTC 1st Team. Points for opposing 1st Team team. Points for NTC U18 NTC U23 and opposition U18 U23 teams, No bye week.
Which opposing WAPL teams have impressed you the most? and in your mind which clubs at this stage have the most impressive ' youth player production lines'
Balcatta and Inglewood are the best teams we have played. Ash Rosendale is the best player in the League for me. I believe ECU and Stirling have the bulk of better players coming into NTC program. We also get guys from left field like Blamo Qua Qua who played at Western Knights U18 last season and will play for Glory against Celtic this weekend. That’s the beauty of the game there are fairy tale stories everywhere if players are afforded opportunity.
It is always risky to predict the future and sometimes unfair levels of expectation may be placed upon young footballers - but polishing off your crystal ball just for a moment - which few players are you feeling have big potential for success at the higher stages of our game?
It is always risky to predict the future and sometimes unfair levels of expectation may be placed upon young footballers - but polishing off your crystal ball just for a moment - which few players are you feeling have big potential for success at the higher stages of our game?
I do not like to name players. There are so many temptations they have yet to experience because of their young age. There are a number of boys in the program who really excite similar to Julius Davies at Bayern Munich and Tom King at Liverpool. I just hope they get the chance......but I also hope they give themselves a chance by sticking religiously to the improvement of their football attributes noted in the 6 pillars of our holistic approach.
Thanks Kenny for taking the time to chat with the Athenista blogger – we look forward to hosting the NTC next Friday night at Litis Stadium for the reserves and first teams. Who knows it could be a close encounter as it was in the first round.
Kenny Lowe
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Kenny Lowe (born 6 November 1961) is an English former professional footballer who played for ten clubs in English league and non-league football as well as a stint in Australia. He also later managed Gateshead and Barrow before he returned to Australia to work in football in Perth.
Playing Career
Lowe played for ten clubs during his career, which started on a part-time basis in 1981 with Hartlepool United, while he served an apprenticeship as a pipe-fitter and welder with ICI. He moved to Australia during the 1980s to play for Spearwood in the the Western Australian Premier League before returning to England. He was twice signed by manager Barry Fry, first for £40,000 for Barnet in 1991 and secondly at Birmingham City for £75,000, when at the age of 31 he turned professional. He finally ended his career at the age of 39. He also won two caps with the England semi-professional team.
FFA's John Boultbee on Socceroos and NTC
FWTV catches up with FFA Head of National Teams and Football Development John Boultbee when he recently visited Perth in March 2011.
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