1st Edition

Youth Development in Football Lessons from the world’s best academies

By Mark Nesti, Chris Sulley Copyright 2015
136 Pages
by Routledge

136 Pages
by Routledge

136 Pages
by Routledge

The identification and development of talented young players has become a central concern of football clubs at all levels of the professional game, as well as for national and international governing bodies. This is the first book to offer a comprehensive survey and assessment of youth development programmes in football around the world, to highlight best practice, and to offer clear... Read more

1. Introduction  2. Governance and talent identification  3. Educating the whole person  4. Coaching philosophy  5. Sports science philosophy  6. Coaching practice and sports science support on the ground  7. Psychology support  8. Conclusion

Biography

Mark Nesti is Reader in Sport Psychology at Liverpool John Moores University where he is also head of the MSc programme in Sport Psychology. His current research interests are focused on identity, meaning and critical moments in sport. Mark was formerly the counselling sport psychologist to the first team at Bolton Wanderers (2003-7) and at Newcastle United FC (2007-8) and Hull City AFC (2008-10) in the Premier League.

Chris Sulley is Head of Coaching (5-13) at the Everton FC Academy where his focus is on developing the coaching skills and competencies congruent with the club's playing and coaching philosophy. Chris is a former professional footballer, starting his career in a very successful youth development programme at Chelsea (1972-81) before moving on to Bournemouth (1981-6), Dundee United (1986-7), Blackburn Rovers (1987-92), Port Vale (1992-3) and Preston North End (1993-5).

'A very deep and comprehensively written observation of football academies across Europe; real food for thought for anyone interested in youth development. A must read!'

Tony Carr, former West Ham United F.C. Academy Manager