TWO coaches from our Senior Academy had several days to remember as they embarked on a coaching study at Spanish club Girona…
Ethan Knox and Peter Hughes, who are coaches with our U16 side, self-funded the trip to gain valuable insight into the philosophies, methodologies and daily operations behind the La Liga side.
The pair observed training sessions and engaged with the club’s coaching staff across two days of beneficial learning.
Speaking after their trip came to an end, Ethan explained what they learned from their experience, which was organised in collaboration with FutureXI.
“We organised the trip for our own development as coaches really,” he explained.
“As coaches who haven’t played at a high level we have to find other ways to learn and further our own development.
“And what better way to do it than to learn from a professional top level academy, and a club which was in the Champions League last season.
“We learned absolutely loads. Girona has an incredible methodology which is followed throughout the club, every coach follows the same hymn sheet but are allowed the freedom to coach their own way.
“Something else that stuck with us was the emphasis on technical detail. No matter what the age group was, the coaches were always reinforcing the key technical points, body shape, supporting runs, scanning etc. Everything is done with 110% intensity.”
What advice would you give a young coach who might want to go on a similar learning visit?
Ethan replied: “Don’t be afraid to go and experience other cultures. There are loads of other clubs and countries across the world who all do something different.
“Different ideas, perspectives and most importantly people. Networking is key.”