In the journey of nurturing Young Football Talent, one size does not fit all. Age-appropriate Training Methods are essential for guiding young players through their Developmental Stages, laying the Foundation for success both on and off the pitch. I intend to explore here the significance of tailored Training Methodologies, drawing insights from leading Football Academies and comparing the reality in the MENA regions, with recent developments echoing through the world of football, mainly with some bold Saudi moves. 

To start, why to consistently compare with MENA regions? To start, I have some experience in the region, specifically in the Golf region, and that specific area, although their efforts in getting qualified Coaching Staff and the great span of recognized Academies implemented throughout the last couple of decades, it still faces some struggles when it comes to the Communication and Training of the Coaches. Therefore, each is left to their own search and wish to have more training, more knowledge. Should it be like this? I would say yes, in some cases, but it should also be available for those interested. And here’s where it gets challenging. 

Consequently, is my clear intention to provide as much transparent information as possible, sharing my thoughts and relevant info on the themes brought here.

The tailored approach starts with Cultural awareness, understanding where we are, what has been done and constructively start the process of implementing new Strategies, new Methodologies, etc. In the case of a complete shift, understanding the time that it requires to clearly have things implemented and create channels of Education to all involved. To identify the needs of different age groups, the basic knowledge of players to achieve at each age category, starting to understand what is the current knowledge at the top of the Academy (ie. Older team) and to start working backwards. For example, Effective Youth Development Programs recognize that young players have unique physiological, psychological, and social needs at different ages. Therefore, if the Head Coach of 1st Team, or Sports Director, or the Head of the Academy understand that there’s player reach the end of their Youth Development with a lack of knowledge of basic tactical concepts both individual and collective, it’s now required to start looking backwards and understand where to start implementing these Learning concepts in phases. Additionally, by adopting age-appropriate Training Methods, Coaches can optimize player Development, minimize injury risk, and instill a lifelong love for the game. 

Leading football academies around the world, such as La Masia in Barcelona and Ajax’s famed Youth System in Amsterdam, prioritize age-specific Training Methodologies. These academies emphasize fundamental Skills development, small-sided games, and game-realistic scenarios tailored to the cognitive and physical abilities of young players. 

Why is this relevant?

Well, to start, these are one of the most important Academies ever in the world, being able to have success throughout the decades and to provide multiple player to Professional Football! Secondly, understanding that create an environment of skills confidence, mainly through the relationship with ball, provides the basics for Players Development. From here, the player can become whatever is needed in modern Football. A player can be very devoted and hard-working, but if the basic technical skills principles are not there, there’s no way he/she can become professional. Therefore, create multiple 1v1’s, 2v2’s, 3v3’s, etc is very important to force players to constantly have the ball, be active in the match, approach both attacking and defensive in an immeasurable amount of times in a short span of time and, ultimately, have tons of decision to make in situations that can be related to the match situation. Remember that the greater the numerical relationship created, the greater are the chances of spending a large amount of time without the ball on their feet (ie. at top Professional Football it is believed that each players holds the ball between 1 to 2 minutes per Match of 90 minutes, in an average of 50 touches on the ball). 

In the MENA region, as mentioned before, there were recent developments in Youth Football, coupled with the rise of Gulf-based Academies, some with an add-on of qualified Coaching Staff and connected to European and American Clubs, that have sparked interest in adopting modern Training Methodologies. However, challenges such as limited resources (mainly on Educational options and continuous Training for Coaches), Infrastructure, and access to qualified Coaches from the best countries remain prevalent, hindering the widespread implementation of age-appropriate Training Programs.

Despite these challenges, there is cause for optimism. Initiatives like the Aspire Academy in Qatar and the Mohammed VI Football Academy in Morocco are leading the way in Youth Development, investing in state-of-the-art facilities, Coaching expertise, and holistic Player Development Programs.

Let’s wait another decade and understand the impact of these transformations, in an area that is more than expected to host the World Cup in 2034 (Saudi Arabia is the only contender at place) and evaluate the work done, where these player are playing and if the Development Programs in place are producing the expected results or, in contrary, more implementations and innovations are required.

The reality, although, is very different today from what it was decades ago. Today, information is as global as the market and knowledge is there for those interested. Consequently, if you really want to be updated and to implement the best strategies, do your research, understand the Fundamentals and apply in accordance to your context!

See you around!

Thanks again.