WYC 160 – Youth Soccer – Sean Afkhaminia – Bringing European training techniques to US Youth Soccer at Footy Factory

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Show Notes – WYC 160 – Sean Afkhaminia

Long term development vs Immediate Results

• Technical – It’s all about getting comfortable with the ball
• Tactical – Small-sided games
• Physical – As they get older and their bodies develop this becomes more important

How do you enjoy technical training?

• Have them problem solve in competitive situations
• Start with small-sided games. Futsol in soccer. Very fast-paced, very small areas, tons of quality touches on the ball.
• Use standard P.E. drills and modify them to your sport. Example: ball tag – one player has a ball in his hand and the rest are dribbling balls at their feet, the player tries to tag the other players’ ball

Mental toughness

• Training needs to be hard and they need to learn to overcome adversity
• Encourage a culture where failure is part of the process to help remove fear of failure

Connecting with and impacting kids

• Sean has a passion for kids who don’t have the economic means to afford high-priced training. So he helps kids get the training even if they cannot pay for it.

Best Stolen/Borrowed Idea

• Coaching is all about relationships and earning the kids’ trust

Favorite books/quote:

• Pep Confidential by Pep Guardiola

Parting Advice

• Good is never good enough
• Be organized – have a structured practice design for the entire season