2016 LOOKING FORWARD TO A GREAT
Challenger Sports began life as British Soccer Camps some 26 years ago as a small local camp operator in Kansas City. We now find ourselves with a multi faceted international business that boasts a comprehensive range of soccer services and products serving hundreds of thousands of players, parents and coaches every year. Our goal is to introduce soccer families throughout the world to our unique approach to the sport. Whether it is a camp, a clinic, a MiniKicker class, tournament or tour, Challenger strives to create a positive, educational and fun environment that not only develops success on the field, but also inspires confidence, happiness and builds self esteem. We also hope that by sharing our core values of: Respect, Responsibility, Integrity, Sportsmanship and Leadership, we will help in some small way to influence our participants to make good choices in the future. We are all very thankful to the thousands of summer coaches, trainers and volunteers who have helped us get to where we are now, and are extremely excited about the many new opportunities that lie ahead. In addition to being the leader in youth soccer coaching in North America, Challenger has now began to expand our footprint through the UK in a meaningful way and are very excited about new initiatives we are now involved in, in other countries. In 2015 our various divisions reached a record 200,000 players throughout the US and Canada. Our British Soccer Camps still remain the most popular camps in North America, while TetraBrazil Soccer Camps are the largest Authentic Brazilian coaching program outside of Brazil. SoccerPlus camps provide high level goalkeeper and field player programs to competitive players in both overnight and day camp formats and we are proud to have the most successful coach in US history, Tony DiCicco, continue to head up this division. In addition in 2015, Challenger also launched a new venture under the brand name of Complete Player Camps, providing a unique soccer camp program with a Christian message. The rapid growth of our year round coaching programs including our British Soccer Academy, TetraBrazil Academy and MiniKickers, has not only helped us keep our brand in front of tens of thousands of soccer players throughout the spring and fall seasons, but has also provided 9 month coaching opportunities to hundreds of coaches. Most recently, Challenger Sports also became the only soccer camp company to be accredited by The American Camping Association. (ACA). ACA is the national camp accreditation body in the US and verifies that a camp
has complied with up to 300 standards for health, safety, and program quality, recognized by courts of law and government regulators. Our World Tour divisions continues to provide incredible life changing soccer experiences for hundreds of traveling players each year, combining high level coaching, tournament play, stadium tours and sightseeing in a one of a kind custom created, soccer tour experience. Challenger’s tournament division has doubled in size over the past 3 years and in 2015 attracted nearly 2,000 teams and some 30,000 players to our nationwide events. Challenger Teamwear continues to grow rapidly putting incredible looking soccer kits on hundreds of thousands of players throughout every state. Teamwear is now the 2nd largest recreational soccer uniform provider and the 2nd largest distributor of Under Armour soccer gear in the US. In 2016 there are tremendous opportunities for coaches to be a part of our global growth. In addition to both temporary and full time positions in the US, Premium franchise territories are still available in the UK (and other countries) and coaching opportunities will soon be opening up in Asia and beyond. > Have your own Challenger Franchise in the UK or overseas > Work on our US and Canadian summer camps > Work as a Trainer in the US for 9 months > Work as a Teamwear Sales rep in the US > Work for Challenger in Asia > Be a chaperone for a UK Challenger Tour > Bring your team to the US on tour > Recruit coaches for Challenger in the UK With all of these exciting times ahead, now is a great time to join our team and put yourself in a position to be a significant part of our future.
Peter Arch Challenger Sports CEO
It was a cold December day back in 2012 in Kansas, America when we first discussed Challenger Sports’ growth out of North America. After more than 20-years of growth across both America and Canada, we had positively impacted the lives of hundreds of thousands of children but more importantly learnt many valuable lessons that would stand us in good stead for expanding into other territories. Six-months later the strategy was in place and our first UK office was launched, with the simple aim of using soccer to positively impact the lives of thousands more children on a global footprint. Now in our third year, we have an excellent family of franchisees and partners across the world which is growing month-on-month. When we set out in the UK, a driving factor was to provide an opportunity for coaches (including the 1,000’s that have worked for us over the years) to run their own business and earn a living from working in the industry they love. Providing a low cost entry point for coaching soccer anywhere in the world. A ‘Business in a Box’ solution with everything needed to run a successful coaching business. It’s not an easy road but a thoroughly rewarding one, waking up each morning doing what you love most, coaching children of all abilities and engaging them to lead a positive and active life, whether in soccer or not. The 26th and 27th of March will see the global division partner with our British Soccer US and Canada teams to deliver our third annual franchisee conference. An educational networking event where franchisees and their coaches will embark on a 2-day journey of practical coaching and business development workshops aimed at driving them further forwards over the coming 12-months. 2015 ended with Challenger Sports partnering with the England Futnet (football-tennis) team, sponsoring the England team at their first ever competitive tournament, the European Championships in Slovakia. After a passport mishap, I was thrust into management duties for the team at the tournament and spent an exciting weekend understanding how the amazing sport is growing across the world. I’m delighted to announce that we will continue to partner with The England Futnet Association this year and will be launching an exclusive children’s curriculum in Hertfordshire next month.
2016 sees many opportunities to grow the reach of Challenger Sports and our associated brands, none more so than in China where we’ve spent the last 12-months investigating and reviewing a number of exciting opportunities. Chinese President Xi Jinping got the attention of the soccer world this time last year by declaring his intention to turn China into a “soccer powerhouse”, uncoupling the game’s administration from central government and unveiling a 50-point plan that he believes will ultimately lead to China not only hosting the World Cup but winning it in the next 25-years. His visit to the UK in September (and that selfie with David Cameron!) served not only to draw strong commercial links with Britain but also with his trip to the Manchester City provide a focus on soccer and how western countries can help support the soccer revolution in China. Even in the backdrop of recent market turmoil in the country, the investment planned on revitalizing soccer in China is a mind-blowing $850 billion in the next 10-years and with Chinese soccer outspending the Premier League in last month’s transfer window with the likes of Jackson Martinez, Alex Teixeira and Chelsea’s Ramires costing Chinese clubs almost £100 million, who would question the country’s ability to achieve their World Cup dream. Further information on our work in China and other developments in the UK and abroad will continue to be passed out through our network over the coming months. It’s looking like 2016 will continue to see great work across all our platforms and thousands more children being positively engaged by the work of all those within the Challenger Sports family.
Chris Sharman Global Development Director
CONTINUING
TO GROW
CHALLENGER SPORTS ON A GLOBAL PLATFORM IN
2016
The ‘British Soccer Academy’ division, previously known as our Challenger Club Trainer (CCT) division, began in 2001 with one Challenger Sports coach located in Blue Valley, Kansas. This was set up to provide our summer camp customers the chance to have the British style training during their respective soccer season’s. After great years of success and growth we are now a $7.5 million dollar business, with over 350+ Academy staff located throughout North America. This growth has been significantly aided by the emergence of our registration based programs such as our “Skill Leagues” (Challenger run soccer leagues), “PDP” (player development program for players of all ages) and our most popular program “MiniKickers” (ages 2-5). All of which allow us to reach our wide ranging customer base allowing us to continue to do what we do best……..’igniting a passion for soccer in the children we coach’. Our Academy division grew as a direct result of the increased demand for year round professional coaching in the growing US soccer market. The Academy division serves as an opportunity for our most experienced and qualified staff to continue working with players in North America for longer periods than the original summer camps we started with, when Challenger Sports/British Soccer Camps was first formed. Players can now benefit from the Challenger philosophy and coaching curriculum as they grow and develop as people and players all the way through their youth soccer careers. Starting at ages 2-5 with our MiniKickers division, players can learn fundamentals through adventure based teaching, where our professional staff visit preschools as well as work with city and club organizations in communities all across the country. The Academy division provides numerous programs to cater to the needs of each player from the ages of 5 through to 18 including individual and small group training, position specific training and weekly clinics. The Academy division even runs skill leagues for soccer organizations to help create confident and creative young soccer players. The Challenger Academy’s largest program is our Trainer program where soccer organizations can hire our professional coaching staff to work with their coaches and teams throughout the season, thus aiding in offering a professional and improved experience for players, coaches and parents alike.
ANNUAL ACADEMY REVENUE
ACADEMY: DIVISIONAL GROWTH:
Through our extensive coaching network in Europe and South America, thousands of coaches apply each year to work for Challenger Sports. After this pool of staff have been interviewed and assessed by our UK/Brazilian recruitment team(s), we move forward with selecting only the very best to work for the Challenger Soccer Academy. In 2016 we will have close to 350 coaches working in organizations across North America. We do a full police check on all of our staff and also background checks with coaching and academic references etc. We require all of our staff to have a strong background in soccer coaching and a strong passion for developing players of all ages. To help them in this process and to develop them in the “Challenger Way�, we also provide an all-inclusive training weekend with our full time staff, to help prepare them before they come to the United States or Canada. This is a three-day event with the Academy staff being immersed in our age specific curriculum for ages 2 -18. We take them through the correct way to plan for a season long program including player and team development, individual and group assessment and also the differences in living in North America long-term as opposed to just a summer season. Over the course of the three days the coaches are viewed on the field, coaching as well as placed in theory-based scenarios in the classroom. This allows us to reconfirm that we have the best possible coaching staff available.
Written by Andy Bennett Senior Vice President
SPOTLIGHT ON A BRITISH SOCCER COACH Hi, my name is Jack Murphy I am a 19-year-old Challenger Sports Soccer Academy Coach, I am from Loughborough, England. This year will be my second year working for Challenger Sports. My first year saw me coaching in Southern California for 9 months, without a doubt it was the best year of my life, both on and off the field. A little bit about me... I’ve always had a strong passion for soccer, supporting Leicester City Football Club from a very young age, which is my local team. I joined Leicester City’s academy when I was a young boy and stayed with the club playing professionally for a number of years. I also captained my school team for 7 years during my time at high school. Soccer has always been a big part not just of my life but also my family’s, my dad always volunteered to be the assistant referee running the line and my mum use to bring water and oranges for the team and manager at half time, she also wrote in the “Loughborough Echo” a local newspaper summarizing about mine and my brother’s soccer games. We all love soccer in my family and we wouldn’t be who we are without it. My brother had a soccer scholarship in America, studying business whilst at Feather River College, Quincy, CA and has recently moved to Dubuque University, Iowa. I first heard about Challenger Sports from a family friend who had been coaching soccer here for many years. After my time at high school I worked at a local bar/restaurant until I was older enough to join Challenger Sports. As well as a strong love for the game I love America, it has always been a dream of mine to move to America so when I found out more about Challenger Sports I jumped at the opportunity. In my first year working for Challenger Sports I lived in Simi Valley, CA. Living with the MacDonald family. One of the best things about my job is meeting so many wonderful families. By the time I had to fly back home I was really upset to leave because I felt like I was part of the MacDonald family. The work that I did during my first year looked like this… working in a Tutor Time every morning, meeting the directors, coaching the children and often meeting their parents. Working with the younger age group was really rewarding for me as they always put a smile on my face and I put one on theirs. Also working at nights with Moorpark/Simi Valley/Agoura Hills/Pasadena coaching skills leagues, where every practice I would teach 5 skills using a different type of the foot e.g. inside/outside/sole. Then on the Saturday they would use those skills in a game environment. I only coached on 4 summer camps last year then after that I was given the opportunity to coach MiniKickers all summer, which I loved. I knew that I would have to be very organized keeping up to date rosters and keeping constant communication with the Region Directors. I went into the office once/twice a week to help out whereever I could. Whenever the Regional Directors gave me a task to do I always did it to the best of my ability. I believe that if you’re on time, you’re late and if you’re early you’re on time! In the fall I coached at AYSO Moorpark 363. Being there in the Winter and Spring meant that I knew a lot of the kids before because I had coached them. Being there for a few months means that you become part of the community, which made me feel happy and wanted. Finally in January 2016 Challenger Sports had their Academy Training Weekend in Warwick. It was really good to see all my friends who I worked with in 2015 and was good to see new academy trainers that I will get the chance to work with in 2016. Due to the hard work that I had done in 2015 I was honored and grateful to receive the “Challenger Sports British Soccer National Rookie of the Year 2015”. Receiving this award is the best achievement to date. All my hard work and determination had paid off. I put a lot if time and effort into my work. Working for Challenger Sports has changed my life and I will hopefully be coaching in the States for many years. A goal one day will be trying to work for Challenger Sports full time out in America.
PARKER ROBERTS
STAR GROWTH OF A
As a member of the Challenger Sports management team, I coached a girls club team called KC Dynamos from August 2010 through July 2015, the team was extremely successful winning 5 out of 6 KS State titles and advancing to the semi-finals of the USYS National Championships as u17’s and u18’s. Of those players, 18 went on to play collegiate soccer. Presently the most successful of those players is a freshman at the University of Kansas and a present member of the US u20 National Team, Parker Roberts. In November 2015, Parker was on the roster of the winning team of the U20 Concacaf Championships, beating Canada 1-0 in the final played in Honduras, qualifying the team for the 2016 u20 World Cup being held in Papa New Guinea in November. Parker’s story is a little different to several of her fellow teammates who were on the roster with her. Each of these players have had a different path to making the U20 National Team Roster, here is a brief story on how Parker Roberts made it. First seeing Parker as a 12 year old, I knew she was going to be a tremendous athlete but tremendous athletes do not always make tremendous soccer players. Parker made good improvements across all aspects of her game but as a coach I needed to continually focus on areas of her game where she had huge growth potential. Specifically improving her foot-skills, her first touch, her vision when on and off the ball, and trying to encourage Parker to become a student of the game. Many of the aforementioned items are not easy for professional athletes to concentrate on, so as you can imagine, even a little harder for 13-18 year old girls. At 14 Parker attended a select program called ODP for a summer camp. From the camp she got selected to the Region 2 Team which covers a quarter of the US. The following November she played in a representative event against the other 3 regions in the US. The event was a scouting event for the US National Teams. Parker performed well in these events for 2 years, and built her confidence in the higher level environments. Parker’s first International Camp was in California in January 2015 where 28-30 players practiced and played a couple
of friendly games. A long road from 2010! She equipped herself well at camp and made her first International trip to Spain late January 2015 where she played in 2 out of 3 games. This event was a turning point for Parker where she realized for her to have a chance of making the roster for a World Cup she needed to become more dedicated and serious about the game she loved. Her first international experience was a humbling one for her. Maybe thinking she had arrived on the national scene and she had made it, she soon realized this was only the beginning of the development she needed to make in order to belong at this level. Subsequent camps and international events got her to start and play the whole 90 minutes in the Concacaf Final beating Canada 1-0 in a holding midfield role. A new year 2016 is upon her, the year of the u20 World Cup, 9 months away. A domestic camp already held in California in January started the year. The next event is late February in Spain for International competition followed by another domestic camp and then a trip to Papa New Guinea as an exploratory preparation visit for the team and staff in late May. When Parker was a 12 year old the furthest thought from her mind was “Can I play for the US National Team?” Soccer was a fun way to express herself and she thrived from the success she had. Now she knows the next 9 months is really about being serious about having fun. She knows she needs to be committed to improve every day in order to maintain her spot on the roster consisting of 20-23 players that will eventually be selected for the World Cup. 16 Teams will be competing with 20-23 players on a roster. In the past few months, she realized what it has taken to get to this point and what it will take to be a part of the squad for the U20 World Cup. She wants it bad, the ride is exhilarating and she doesn’t want it to stop here. Another update on Parker Roberts to come early summer! I hope it is good news. Derek Shoare KC Dynamo Club Coach 2010-2015 Senior Vice President Challenger Sports
COACHES CORNER
Rebecca Sawiuk Millwall Lionesses Manager
A practical demonstration of playing out from the back and defending from the front in a 1-4-2-3-1 system of play. Tactical Session Design and Coaching
TACTICAL COACHING
IN POSSESSION
JUST LOST IT
OUT OF POSSESSION
JUST WON IT BACK
ACADEMY SESSION PLAN TEAM NAME / AGE: U12- U18/ Topic: Playing out from the back or Defending from the front Warm Up Session Part: You might want to consider doing an arrival activity linked to the tactical topic or a technical warm up extension.
Time: Organization: 10 x 20 grids
Any good warm up will be underpinned with the R.A.M.P principle. RAISE: elevate body temperature, heart rate, respiration rate, blood flow and circulation through low intensity activities. ACTIVATE: activate key muscle groups and strength based exercises. MOBILSE: mobilise key joints and move through range of movement, with dynamic stretching. POTENTIATE: increase intensity up to match intensity, focus on; speed, acceleration, deceleration and change of direction. Progressions
Coaching Points
Encourage players to be creative in possession, touches, type of pass, disguise, height, power. Opportunity to practice variety. 1 min on 30 off (W2RR) Session Part:
Players to work in partnership/ Quality in tight areas/ Transition / The role of the yellow in the centre – playing between lines and units/ Type of pass./ Control.
Basic principles and technique Time: Organization 30 x 30 flat disks to guide players responsibility
2.5 on 1 off
3 teams of 3 playing in a 30 x 30, team in the middle press and try and win the ball back, if the blue lose it they’re in the middle. Coaching Points POFTB: Quality of the pass/receiving Team space/movement Playing forward through/ around/ over
Session Part:
Session Part:
Tactical MF unit
DFTF: start/screen responsibility of def 1/2/3 (ball) press/defend Time: 2.5 on 1 off Organization 30 x 30 MF area/ 30 x 10 end zones Working on the MF element of the topic in this practice, ball transfer from 2 end zone players allows movement to happen. Played into MF 3 and they have to get it to their target player.
Coaching Points POFTB: DFTF: Pace, power, purpose of passing drop compact Creating space/ timing/ type of run pressure on the ball? Support and stretch/ rotate goal side ball side Partnership 4 and 8 can I screen/ intercept? Partnership 10 and 9 Spoil/ tackle SSG tactical principles of play Time: 3 on 1 off Organization 4 in a zone = 40 x 40/ 40 x 50 Progression & management : Progression – to Goal 40 x 40 – extra 10 for GK each end 40 x 60. Can the blue team play between the red team? Eventually progress practice to play from blue to blue and the second lot of blue goes to goal. Coaching Points POFTB: • Can you play between lines? • Movement to receive on the angel. • Working in pairs. • Movement as a team. • Penetration pass to feet or space. • Mentality to play forward. • Receiving. • Shooting
DFTF: Drop/ compact Decision can I win it? Effect? Pressure on or off ball Approach to press Shut down, slow down Show down/ Spoil Supporting players
TACTICAL COACHING | Rebecca Sawiuk
A good tactical coaching session should always include elements of core philosophy values and beliefs, aspects that link to the overall playing style of the team and individual tactical role related challenges for individual players. Key considerations for any tactical session could be: > > > > > > > > > > > >
What is the team’s formation? (eg: 1-4-4-2/1-4-3-3/1-4-2-3-1/1-3-5-2/1-3-4-3). What are the role related attributes for an individual player within a system of play? eg: fullback in a 1-4-4-2? What is the company philosophy or club philosophy? Consider the strength and weaknesses of the opposition? Consideration for the GK and their tactical role within the team? Make sure each session mirrors elements of the above and is realistic to the ‘real game’. Include physiological, social, psychological and performance analysis where appropriate? Consistent and agreed language across a club/ programme or team environment? Consider the size of the pitch markings, number of players and part of the pitch you work in? eg 4 def = full width/ 3 def = width of the penalty box/ central mid-field 30 x 30 in center circle. It’s about reference points! Consider work to rest ratio eg 11 v 11 game = 8 mins on 2 mins off/ 1 v 1 = 1 min on 30 off? If you are working on defending set the att team up first/ if you’re working on attacking set the def up first. Unrealistic area size is a major issue in tactical coaching sessions!
Attacking Principles of Play
Defending Principles of Play
Transition
Creating Space (width/ depth)
Compact Team Shape
Concentration
Support
Decision to Press?
Recognising
Purpose
Organisation/ Communication/ Dicipline
Speed
Penetration/ Forward
Delay
Decsison Making
Rotation/ Interchange
Deflect
Counter Attack
Retention
Cover/ Balance
Defneding Out Numbered
Freedom/ Creativity
Defend/ Tackle
Problem Solving
Role and Responsibilities of the player in this system: 1-4-2-3-1: 9
11
7
10 4
8
3
2 5
6
1
1. Goal Keeper – Variety of distribution/ play with feet more than ever before/ stop goals 2. Right side fullback – Speed/ cross/ shoot/ defend 3. Left side fullback - Speed/ cross/ shoot/ defend 4. Holding midfield– Aware/ intelligent/ counter attack/ defend/ intercept/ cover/ mark 5. Left side center back–Ariel/ powerful/ technical/ defend 6. Right side center back - Ariel/ powerful/ technical/ defend 7. Right sided wide– Flexible/ direct/ dominate 1 v 1/ speed 8. Midfield box-box 9. Striker/ Target man – Stretch/ occupy the CH/ refuse to be marked/ hold the ball up and link play/ clinical 10. Shadow striker – Flexible/ space/ rotation/ technical/ creative 11. Left sided wide– Flexible/ direct/ dominate 1 v 1/ speed
TACTICAL COACHING | Rebecca Sawiuk
9
2
1 11
1 7
Z 14
10
3
8
4 3
5
6
2
3
1
4
4
5
THE COACHING CONTINUUM HELPING PLAYERS LEARN CONTINUUM Coaching Methodolgy
OBSERVATION AND FEEDBACK
GUIDED DISCOVERY
TRIAL AND ERROR
Coach leads Coach tells and with questions to shows required gain response solution from players
Coach and players observe
Coach asks a question or issues a challenge
Players and/or coach decide on challenge
Example
“I want you to....!”
“What do you think?”
“Let’s watch this!”
“Can you show me...?”
“Try for yourself...!”
Description
Coach tells, explains and shows how to do something
Coach poses questions and players offer verbal solutions to challenge
Player/Coach Interventions
COMMAND
QUESTION AND ANSWER
Players and coach observe and discuss feedback
Players are Coach encouraged challenges to find and players offer solutions visual demonstration with minimal support from of possible coach solutions
TACTICAL COACHING | Rebecca Sawiuk
11v11: Defending from the front
Organisation: 2 teams of 11 players split into 2 teams (red and blue). 1-4-2-3-1 v 1-4-2-3-1. Balls around the outside and in the goal for quick play. Scenario the Red team are losing the game and need to break down the defensive block of the opposition. Practice: Looking to coach in opportunities of playing out from the back or a regain of possession. If the opposition try to press and create space in behind - play direct. Play and switch play across the back four to create space around the side or through the middle by shifting the opposition. Coaching Points and Logical Order: • Team Shape compact and responsibility • Slide screen and assess – look for a mistake, poor touch/ pass/ head down/ to press? • 9 occupies the 2 centre half as ball travels across try and make play predictable, opposite wide forward comes narrow • Wide forward prevents forward play encourages ball inside • MF 3 goal side ball side sliding and screening as ball moves across back 4, man for man • Back for shape and responsibility of the front 3 TACTICAL COACHING | Rebecca Sawiuk
11v11: Playing Out from the Back 4-3-3
Organisation 2 teams of 11 players split into 2 teams (red and blue). 4-3-3 v 4-3-3. Balls around the outside and in the goal for quick play. The Blue team will be organised with a line of engagement in a low press which provide space in front to play out. Blue team like to be direct and have got to shot in 5 passes or less. (Or use a scenario where they are losing). Blues transfer the ball from 2/3 to start play from their defending end. Coaching and Logical order: • Team movement from defending to attacking from the goalkeeper • Goalkeeper distribution • Back 4 receiving and pace/ power/ purpose of passing • Movement of MF3 • Movement of front 3 • Passing priorities 9/10/7 or 11/ 8/ 4 or possible switch of play to disorganise defenders • Type of pass • Decision making in the game
TACTICAL COACHING | Rebecca Sawiuk
CHALLENGER SPORTS PARTNERS WITH THE ENGLAND FUTNET ASSOCIATION TO SUPPORT AND EXPAND ONE OF THE FASTEST GROWING SPORTS IN THE COUNTRY November 2015 saw the launch of an exciting partnership between Challenger Sports and the English Futnet Association (EFNA), aimed at raising the profile of the sport, attracting new players and developing a network of junior players via the creation of a free curriculum available to all British Soccer and TetraBrazil franchises around the globe. The exciting partnership also sees Challenger Sports sponsoring the England Futnet Teams and developing an exclusive range of merchandise for the global Futnet community.
understand more about the game and start planning for the development of the sport within Challenger Sports”, he continued “unfortunately a passport issue meant Luke couldn’t attend the event so it was an honour to lead a great team of guys into their first competitive tournament” The tournament in Humenne, Slovakia saw England compete in the Singles, Doubles and Triples event and secured their first ever wins in the triples against Ireland and Austria. 2016 sees the launch of Junior Futnet sessions in Hertfordshire led by England team player Matt Flynn. TetraBrazil franchise owners Emma Day and Neil Males with be the first franchisees to launch the programme with schools already keen to take up a series of after school training sessions.
The relationship kick-started at the European Championships in Slovakia on the 13-15 November, England’s first competitive tournament in the Futnet world, with Challenger Sports’ Global Development Director, Chris 2016 will also see the development of national women’s and Sharman, taking temporary charge of the England team in under 21’s teams, friendly tournaments in Ireland and Denmark and the World Championships in The Czech Republic on the the absence of current Head Coach Luke Suthard. 18-20 November. Sharman commented “initially I was attending the tournament to support the team as part of our partnership,
INTERVIEW WITH ENGLAND HEAD COACH LUKE SUTHARD What is the English Futnet Association? “The England Futnet Association is the National Governing body to one of the fastest growing sports in the world ‘Futnet’ – which is also known as ‘Football-tennis’. Although the sport has been around for almost 100 years, the England Futnet Association (also known as ‘EFNA’) has only introduced the sport Futnet to England since its arrival in 2010.” Are you excited to be partnering with Challenger Sports? As an official representative of the England Futnet Association, I am overwhelmed to welcome the official partnership with the world’s largest coaching company in Challenger Sports. With this link I see a bright future in the growth of the sport here in England and I’m confident that working with Challenger will give the England Futnet National team and the development of Futnet for kids, a future to be excited about.” 2015 saw the European Championships, what’s next in 2016? “2016 is set to host the biggest tournament in the Futnet universe; the World Futnet Championships, with centre stage of the tournament being held in the ‘Home of Futnet’ The Czech Republic. The tournament is touted to be the most eye catching event in the history of the sport to date.”
RULES OF FUTNET There are three Futnet disciplines: Single: one player, two touches, one bounce in all categories, court dimensions 9 m by 12.8 m Double: two players, three touches (but not two consecutive touches by the same player), one bounce allowed for men and two bounces for women and juniors, court dimensions 9 m by 12.8 m. Triple: three players, three touches (but not two consecutive touches by the same player), one bounce allowed for men and two for women and juniors, court dimensions 9 m by 18 m. In all the disciplines, a set finishes with 11th point with a two-point difference, maximum score is 15:14. To win a match, the team has to win 2 sets. The height of the net is 1.10 m. The players may not touch the net during the game, otherwise it is a point for the opponent. The futnet ball is similar to a football in size, but is glued, made of 32 panels, of synthetic (natural) leather and when properly inflated, should bounce more than half a meter.
HISTORY OF FUTNET 1922
1940
1956 - 1961
1961
The members of the football club Slavia Prague started playing a game which they called football over the rope, because it was initially played over a horizontally suspended rope, which was later replaced by a net.
The first official rules were written and the first Futnet cup was played!
First league which was called Trampská liga was played.
1971
1991
1994
2010
The “esk nohejbalov svaz” (Czech Futnet Association) was founded.
European championships commenced.
World championships began.
The European Futnet Association (EFTA) was founded.
Futnet was recognised as an official sport by Czechoslovak Sports Organisation (STV) and the Prague Futnet Commission was established.
JOIN THE FUTNET REVOLUTION 2016 sees the launch of England U21 and Women’s Teams and the growth of a new Challenger Futnet Junior program being delivered through Challenger Sports’ growing franchise network. Open trials and fun introductory sessions for over 16’s looking to get involved with the England squads are being held in Manchester, Hertfordshire and Southampton over the coming months. If you’d like to give it a go and see if you’ve what it takes to represent England in one of the country’s fastest growing sports please contact England Head Coach Luke Suthard on luke.suthard@futnet.co.uk If you’re interested in running junior Futnet sessions in schools and the local community please contact Katie Payne on kpayne@challengersports.com
CHECK OUT THIS 2-MINUTE FUTNET PROMO VIDEO Click the laptop screen to view the video
Goalkeepers in Pittsburgh to train with launch of GK Icon in America
GK ICON N I S E H C LAUN THE US
2016 sees the launch and roll-out of GK Icon in America, the franchise operation founder by former England and Watford goalkeeper Richard Lee. Since acquiring the brand in 2014, Challenger Sports has spent time focusing on developing a consistent support and training network for franchisees in the UK. A new website, marketing collateral and a training infrastructure supported by current Mansfield goalkeeper Scott Shearer has been put in place to provide a strong foundation for expansion.
2016 sees a focus on growth both in the UK and via the company’s expansive network in the USA with Pittsburgh franchise owner Erik Eisenhut the first of what the company sees as many goalkeeper coaches to join the family. GK Icon will work alongside the company’s existing Soccer Plus program which focuses on high-end residential goalkeeper and outfield camps and is headed up by former women’s World Cup and Olympic Games winning coach Tony DiCicco. Global Development Director Chris Sharman said “it’s great to have Erik join the franchise family with the launch of GK Icon Pittsburgh, we see some great opportunities to grow across America and are excited by the potential of Soccer Plus and GK Icon working side by side to develop some of the best goalkeeping talent across North America. For more information on GK Icon in America please visit www.gkicon.com/usa or email gkicon@challengersports.com
IS SOCIAL MEDIA WORTH THE HASSLE?
Football clubs across the globe have begun to realise that the use of social media is the future in terms of improving and expanding their business. Research states that football clubs use social media not only for marketing purposes, but in order to communicate directly with fans of the club. During a recent study in 2014 that delved into the use of social media marketing within the football industry, an individual stated: “Facebook and Twitter give fans a direct link to the club in between match days. The sites allow clubs the chance to reward fans for their loyalty with exclusive offers and competitions as well as news and updates direct from the stadium”. When utilised correctly, social media can benefit the world of football hugely, as it allows organisations whether large or small to build fan participation and interaction, which in turn drives traffic to their websites and builds a strong and successful reputation. As a small business entrepreneur who’s new to the business environment, it can become overwhelming trying to advertise efficiently, whilst staying within the expenditure budget, especially when you’re competing with businesses five times the size of you. Tools such as Facebook and Twitter can provide you with the leverage you need to become a competitor in your market, and as many football organisations would agree, social media is the force that drives their fan base which inevitably increases revenue for the club. Social media is an interesting phenomenon and as a result it has divided opinions across the globe for many years. Using social media within your business has been said to be crucial to the success of the company. To many entrepreneurs, social media marketing with Facebook, Twitter, Linkedin and Instagram is a fast growing vital asset, however to others it’s an impractical burden that carries little advantage to the world of business and appears to reap little reward. Though social media has developed a reputation by some for being an unprofitable and time-consuming marketing tool, others disagree and according to Hubspot 94% of marketers in 2014 stated social media marketing was an important aspect of their business, with a further 80% expressing the use of social media increased traffic to their websites. Research suggests that lots of new business owners are unsure how to utilise certain forms of social media therefore though they participate in it they lack understanding. 78% of companies have employed social media/marketing teams to run social media as a whole frequently and effectively, therefore they bring onside expertise in this area. This proves that the world is catching on to the importance of social media marketing.
It is clear there is huge potential for companies to achieve better results using social media. Social feeds such as Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and Linkedin help to create a network of customers and as a result generate a higher level of sales. Why is social media important you ask? Well, firstly it allows you to learn more about your customers and it’s an easy tool to connect with your audience. Using software called Hootsuite allows you to determine patterns in your customers behaviours, you can see what they like, which helps when advertising on social media; you can see what kind of adverts work well and the ones that don’t. Therefore you can better target your audience and understand their specific needs. Social media also helps you to create meaningful relationships with customers, which in turn creates leads. Using LinkedIn as a business entrepreneur allows you to connect with like minded individuals, who all have a passion for the same thing. This in turn creates a bond between you and them, and the more they trust you and your brand, the more likely you are to generate sales. It’s affordable, many adverts on social media cost next to nothing, though there are options to invest capital to generate more engagement on your adverts. Creating Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn or Instagram accounts is free, there’s no better advertising than free advertising. Were you aware that recent studies portray 75% of customers rely on social media to influence their purchasing decisions, with 80% influenced by their friends’ posts? In 2012, 75% of businesses said that Facebook was important to their success, with 83% of marketers agreeing, suggesting social media is a phenomenal tool which can change the life of a young entrepreneur, when utilised effectively. In order to progress your company to a level whereby everyone can stay connected, have knowledge on who you are and what you do, social media is the way forward. It’s benefits far outweigh its cons, and if you are willing to put time aside to fully adapt to the world of media, it can bring great success.
Written by
Katie Payne New Business Executive
CHALLENGER SPORTS
OPPORTUNITIES INTERNATIONAL OPPORTUNITIES: Academy Trainers in America and Canada We have a few 9-month contracts available for Academy Trainers in America and Canada this year. For more information please email Ben Beer at ben@challengersportsrecruitment.com Summer Camp Coaches in America and Canada If you’re interested in joining our team of circa 1,300 coaches in North America this summer, or know someone that might then please visit www.challengersportsrecruitment.com or email Ben Beer at ben@challengersportsrecruitment.com Potential Short and Long Term contracts in China Following the Chinese President confirming in 2015 that all children in school should learn to play football, we’re investigating a number of potential opportunities for coaches to support our growth into the country later this year. Short and long term (12-months) contracts are likely to be available towards the end of 2016. No further details are available at this stage but we’re compiling a list of interested coaches. If you’d like to join the rapidly growing list please email your CV. to Dan Brown at dbrown@challengersports.com UNITED KINGDOM OPPORTUNITIES: British Soccer and TinyTykes in Northampton Launched in January 2016, our Northampton Franchise is currently looking for part-time British Soccer and TinyTykes coaches for an immediate start. Please email David Sibley at david.sibley@challengersportsuk.com for more information TinyTykes in West Scotland Currently based in Glasgow our West Scotland Franchise is currently looking for part-time TinyTykes coaches to help grow their existing program both within and outside of Glasgow. Please email Alex Green at agreen@challengersports.com for more information TinyTykes and TetraBrazil in Hertfordshire Our two-time TetraBrazil Franchisees of the Year are looking for additional part-time TinyTykes and TetraBrazil coaches to join their established yet growing team. Please email Emma Day at emma.day@tetrabrazil.co.uk for more information TinyTykes, British Soccer and TetraBrazil in Basingstoke and Southampton Run from the UK HQ in Basingstoke we’re currently looking to add a number of part-time TinyTykes, British Soccer and TetraBrazil coaches to help our expansion in the Basingstoke, Winchester and Southampton areas. Please email Liam James at ljames@challengersports.com for more information.
OPEN
FRANCHISE DAY
Book a place at the Challenger Sports Global franchise open day! Come and meet the Challenger Sports Team and current franchisees to find out more about running your own soccer coaching business, take a look at the agendas for each day below!
For further information please contact: kpayne@challengersports.com or call 03302 233 613
IN MEMORY OF TWO FAMILY MEMBERS
In 2015 the football world lost two members of the Challenger Sports family; Charlotte Sant and Eamonn Morgan were both integral parts of the the organization both in the UK and USA. Eamonn had worked with us for two summers and Charlotte had worked for many years both in the UK as part of the recruitment team and in the USA as a Summer Coach and an Academy Trainer. The loss of Charlotte and Eamonn was felt across our organization with condolences coming from many families that had the pleasure of hosting and working with the pair. To the UK recruitment team, Charlotte was a true friend as well as a committed colleague. We’d like to extend our condolences to both Charlotte and Eamonn’s families, they will both be fondly remembered by us all.
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