CONNECTING GLOBALLY
IN THIS ISSUE Focus on: Challenger Teamwear Football in China Coaches Corner: With Tony DiCicco ISC Geneva Convention
SUMMER 2016
CHALLENGER SPORTS
28
YEARS ON!
As another summer is upon us, our company is set to coach around 200,000 boys and girls in camps, clinics and classes in the US, and we are rapidly growing our base of franchises and company initiatives throughout other countries. Over the past 28 years, thousands of Challenger coaches have helped us develop an incredible company that is now widely recognized as an industry leader in youth soccer education. It is particularly rewarding to see how we have evolved and adapted our business model over the years and as a result we have overtaken other soccer companies who have been around much longer than us. During the early years of our growth, Challenger was driven by a commitment to quality and a simple philosophy. This same commitment exists in everything we do today.
From our origins as essentially a US summer camp provider, we now find ourselves with an International company that addresses the most important needs shared by soccer organizations throughout the globe: Player Education, Coach Education, Parent Education, Pre-School programming, Uniforms & Equipment, Tournaments, Tours & Fund raising. Today we are as committed as ever to fulfilling our mission of being the “Total Soccer Solution” and we continue to look at how we can improve our current business and challenge ourselves to explore and create new opportunities. This ongoing expansion and diversification not only provides a solid foundation on which to run the business, but also provides exciting new areas for current and future staff to specialize, advance and grow into. We thank those who have helped us over the years and look forward to meeting the staff who will help us write the next chapter in the Challenger story.
By carefully managing well trained and enthusiastic staff members with a proven philosophy and method of instruction, Challenger Sports is able to duplicate a consistently high level of coaching and create a fun and successful learning experience throughout every level of our programs. The result of our recruitment and training each year is a dedicated team of coaches who: • • • • • •
Show children how to compete against themselves and focus on self-improvement Utilize pressure within practices and games to ensure successful outcomes Provide constant positive feedback Use question and answer coaching to allow individuals to think for themselves Encourage communication and independent learning Providing a fun, safe and exciting learning environment
Peter Arch Challenger Sports CEO
It doesn’t matter what you do in life; sport, dance, music, acting, writing etc. you’re first experience of it will typically set the tone for how engaged you become with it for the rest of your life. As a kid, I was always interested in creative writing and drawing, my mum was amazing at sketching and had a really creative mind from her training as a window dresser, but at school I didn’t like the art/design teacher, she clearly didn’t like me, her lessons were boring and uninspiring, and I drifted away from something I’ve later in life found I have a bit of an eye for. The reverse can be said of business, when I was at school it didn’t interest me, I took it at A-Level simply because I needed to chose one more subject, but since Mr England (great name!) led my first ever Business Studies class, I’ve been hooked! Every week as football coaches we’re provided with the most precious thing in a parents life, their child or children, not only that, we’re instantly positioned as role-models with the power to turn on or off a child’s want to engage in the sport for the rest of their life. There aren’t many jobs out there with that responsibility and power and that’s why when recruiting and selecting coaches and franchisees for our growing Challenger Sports family, an infectious passion for the game and an ability to enthuse young children far outweighs the qualifications on someone’s resume. In this past week, after exiting Euro 2016 at the hands of minnows Iceland, some in the game have questioned the passion of the England football team, the English FA and the manager himself, but for me regardless of whether they are passionate or not (and I believe they are), it is no substitute for the basic technical foundations of the game. That said, get a balance of the two, then surely you’re on to a winner? One of the key aims of our 1,300 plus coaches around the world, is to continually embed passion in football at the youngest possible age but to couple that with technical foundations delivered through fun and engaging activities, then and only then, are we on our way to providing young players with the building blocks to go on and maximise their potential. Forget passion for a moment, it still amazes me that so many Football Associations across the globe don’t recognise or support football coaching for under 5’s, in fact at a recent FA education workshop I posed the question about adapting passing exercises for pre-school children, the response I got included the words ‘too
difficult’ ‘baby-sitting’ and ’not a focus for us’. Before we were swiftly moved on to another topic I pointed out that it’s not too difficult to teach a 2-year to swim or a 3-year old to do a cartwheel in gymnastics! Children aged 2, 3 and 4 have an ability to learn quickly and if taught correctly can build phenomenal technical foundations. Our TinyTykes (or MiniKickers in North America) programme is the perfect example of how this can be achieved, with over 23,000 children developing through these sessions, we’re already seeing children entering ‘main-stream’ football at 5 and 6 with outstanding technical abilities for their age in passing, control, dribbling and evening juggling. In 2014 we were involved in an article connected to England’s early exit from the Brazil World Cup, the focus was on how getting children involved at a younger age could have a dramatic impact on the success of future national teams. Interestingly so many of the points posed then are still relevant today, not only for England but many other national teams across the world. Click Here to view the Daily Express Article. I challenge every one of our coaches, and everyone else reading this Magazine, to spend the coming months focusing on how you’re positively engaging those in your sessions to not only develop technical foundations at a young age, but also to harvest that in-built passion and enthusiasm for the game we so dearly love. If all the children we work with leave our sessions with it, it will grow, their passion for training will grow, that will in-turn naturally lead to increased technical performance and ultimately many more players who are maximising their potential at whatever level that may be. Grassroots coaching is the key to successful national teams, therefore each and everyone of you is playing a potentially crucial role in the success of your national team managers of the future!
Chris Sharman Global Development Director
The team just finished practice. The coach calls everyone over. “Your uniforms are here!” he exclaims. He calls each name out and tosses each player his or her individually wrapped package. Uniforms come out, and the players start to examine their jerseys. Every detail is scrutinized. Fingers run over the double stitching. The collar is examined. The mesh inserts are felt. Exclamations start to be heard. “Cool! These are awesome.” The players strip off their practice shirts, and put on their team jerseys. They just have to try them on. Hands run over the fabric. “These feel great!” And then it happens – the payoff for us. Smiles all around! Anyone who has played sports or coached, knows the joy of receiving the anticipated team uniform. That’s what Challenger Teamwear is all about. Youth sports, and putting smiles on kids’ faces. Everything we do, every day, is to fulfill this goal. Soccer is our world, Teamwear is our life We are soccer players and coaches, so we know what it takes to make great soccer uniforms. We personally test our uniforms so players and coaches get comfortable, top-quality gear with a professional look. We’re proud to be the fastest growing soccer uniform company in the U.S. A Total Soccer Company The relationship with our sister company, Challenger Sports, keeps us closely tied to soccer players and coaches around the world through British Soccer Camps, Tours, Tournaments and the unique Challenger Academy program. With the addition of the apparel side, we are the only total soccer company. Making Connections Thanks to our incredible customers, we stay in tune with all levels of soccer across the U.S., from the youngest players in recreational leagues to the most experienced club and college level players. We are an integral part of the soccer community. Competitive leagues prefer name brands. Wanting to provide uniforms for both recreational and competitive play, Challenger Teamwear partnered with Under Armour® in late 2012. Other vendors we represent allow us to provide goals, benches, coaching equipment, referee gear, trophies and awards, custom soccer balls, field paint, and about anything else soccer related. Expectations Challenger Teamwear will continue to strive to put the best-looking teams on the field for the best price. Constantly looking for ways to better serve our customers, our steady growth is expected to continue.
SPOTLIGHT ON A CHALLENGER SPORTS FRANCHISEE ERIK EISENHUT | GK ICON PITTSBURGH
THE TRANSITION As we all know, life is too short and there is never enough time to enjoy what one is truly passionate about. So, after working 20 years in Corporate Finance, I decided to refocus my life’s priorities on what I’m passionate about. My three life passions consist of business, teaching/coaching, and goalkeeping. This transition has turned out to be one of the best decisions of my life. Transitioning to goalkeeper coaching full-time, I’m now able to enjoy a complete work/life balance consisting of: Directly working with my life’s passions: goalkeeping, coaching and business “Working” on the pitch 5 – 6 days a week “Working” with kids and those passionate about goalkeeping and the game of soccer More time with my 2 boys……I can take them to work! Making money!
AS OF OCTOBER 2015 October consisted of training 5 days/week at 3 different locations (12 GKs in total). All training sessions were private/small group training sessions.
TRANSITION STRATEGY Through active, consistent networking and marketing, GK Icon Pittsburgh was able to rapidly grow in 6 short months. Networking consisted of meeting with Presidents, DOCs, and local coaches at the club and township levels. I hosted free training demonstrations and spoke to the importance of goalkeeper specific training at all competitive levels. I continuously focused on growing my email distribution list and sent out bi-weekly emails to all detailing GK Icon offerings/happenings, merchandise sale opportunities, as well as updating everyone on GK Icon Pittsburgh’s growth through success stories and testimonials. I consistently use social media (Facebook, Twitter and LinkedIn) to market all GK Icon Pittsburgh offerings, share parent testimonials and reach the common soccer fan. I hosted an “Open Forum” which was attended by 18 local clubs, townships, college coaches as well as our local professional team. During this “Open Forum”, I was able to explain my mission/vision statements, GK Icon’s global strategy and GK Icon’s local strategy. I was also able to facilitate a conversation around how we believe GK Icon can impact the local goalkeeper/ soccer community.
AS OF APRIL 2016 The training growth...
Winter 2015/2016
Spring 2016
Summer 2016
Trained 6 days week at 3 different indoor facilities (70+ GKs).
Trained 6 days/ week at 6 different locations around Pittsburgh (80+ GKs).
Will consist of 6 camps at 5 different locations around Pittsburgh.
GK Icon Pittsburgh is currently collaborating with Challenger Sports and SoccerPlus (Tony DiCicco) to get GK Icon national attention with the hopes of growing the total number of GK Icon USA franchisees in 2016 I’ve been working as a PA West Olympic Development Program GK Coach and have been asked to coach at the college, high school and club level
I was invited to and worked with the USGNT GK Coaching staff in spring 2016
GK Icon Pittsburgh’s email distribution/contact list has grown to 933. The 933 contacts consist of 404 goalkeepers/players, 346 Western Pennsylvania Coaches, and 183 national and local college coaches What will the remainder of 2016 bring to GK Icon Pittsburgh? 2017? Time will tell. Stay tuned!!
SUCCESSES IN THE UK... GK Icon is taking over awards season in the UK with goalkeepers from numerous franchise territories scoping end of year accolades with their clubs. Special mentions go to Lee McClay (Coventry) and Ian Biggadike (Broxborne) who’ve seen 17 and 15 respectively of their goalkeepers scooping various end of year awards for their clubs ... Well Done Team!
WHY ATTEND? 1 2 3
Networking with other professionals in Football Development from around the world Knowledge of new products to assist player and coach development Presenters from Europe, North America and Asia will provide Case Study examples on the following:
News of ground-breaking Football Development projects throughout the world
How the web has increased participation and enhanced player development in National Associations and Youth Academies in the USA, Asia and Europe
Updates on the innovative ways the web is being used to support Coach Education in North America and Europe
Information on the expansion of online degrees in Football in the USA and the UK
Reports on how web appliances and mobile devices are assisting player development throughout the world
The examples from ‘Frugal Innovators‘ who generate, capture and curate FREE content to share with fellow coaches
How new Cutting Edge Technology like Wearables and Drones are impacting on Football Development
WHAT PREVIOUS DELEGATES HAVE SAID ABOUT THE FOOTBALL DEVELOPMENT ASPECTS OF THE ISC CONFERENCE? LES REED | Executive Director, Southampton FC: ‘The International Sports Convention presents a fantastic opportunity to learn about what is going on around the world in Sport and in particular football. It is a unique networking event with attendees in many roles and from many different countries. From grassroots to elite and professional levels the conference provides something for everyone. I certainly enjoyed presenting and mixing with like-minded and motivated people.’
MICHAEL MILAZZO | Academy Director at MLS Club - Columbus Crew, Columbus, Ohio, USA: ’‘The International Sports Convention I attended was a collection of professionals, from around the world, who strove to further their education in football development. There was a host of top experts that presented specific concepts and themes in football development. Each presenter featured a diverse perspective on development from their football club or association, providing all delegates with a unique viewpoint on football development.’
KRIS VAN DER HAEGEN | Director Coach Education, Royal Belgian Football Association: ‘ The sessions on football development strategy, the networking opportunities and being able to see the products in the Exhibition Hall were of most interest to me’
A SELECTION OF THE SPEAKERS KRIS VAN DER HAEGAN | Director of Coach Education, Belgian FA (RBFA). Head coach of Women U19 national team, member of the UEFA Jira Panel Kris will outline the progress made in Belgium in coach and player development which has seen Belgium rise to Number 1 in the FIFA rankings. The RBFA has developed a vision about learning in football, one of the main questions the asked was: “ How can we increase efficiency in the daily work of coaches? ” To have more efficiency in the coaching process , we need more consistency in the daily work and on the longer term. Kris will also outline how coach education students in Belgium are using self shot videos of their coaching to assist them . This is linked with the important role of motivation and self-regulation in the learning process
MARTIN HUNTER | Technical Director Southampton FC. Research in 2015 by the well respected CIES Football Observatory, rated Southampton’s Youth Academy Number 1 in Europe ahead of Barcelona and Real Madrid .Martin will outline how Southampton FC have been able to ‘ Bridge the Gap’ between Youth and 1st team football to develop so many players for Southampton FC and England
LEE HANCOCK | LA Galaxy Academy Lee is a former professional player now a coach, Professor at California State University and Educational Adviser to LA Galaxy. He will outline the newly opened ‘LA Galaxy Blended Learning Environment’ a unique online/blended learning program which incorporates an innovative web support system for technical, academic, personal and social aspects of the players development at the LA Galaxy
VINCE GANZBERG | NSCAA Education Content Coordinator Vince was the Project Director for the development of US Soccer’s Online ‘F’ Course which attracted over 20,000 in the first six months of its launch in February 2015. He has since moved to a new position at Learning. Vince will outline developments in online coach education in the USA.
DAVID POWDERLY | Coach Charlton Athletic FA Academy and ‘Drone‘ Enthusiast A teacher in South London who is also a coach at the successful Charlton Athletic FC Academy. David holds the UEFA ‘B’ Licence and is currently studying for his UEFA A Licence with The English FA. He has developed an expertise in using drones to video players training and in games and to use these video clips to support the learning of young players at the Charlton Athletic Academy. David is particularly using the drone to improve player understanding especially in relation to the transition of 9v9 and 11v11 at 11/12 years of age. The drone provides video of players training and playing from new angles to assist their game understanding.
RICHARD GROOTSCHOLTEN | Head of Feyenoord Academy, Rotterdam, The Netherlands A Dutch football coach with over 30 years of experience in Youth Player Development. Richard ran the academy of Sparta Rotterdam, one of the most important youth development centres in the Netherlands and the first Academy in the country that integrated online tools into the Player Development process, an innovation that helped it win the most prestigious Youth Academy Award in the country– the Rinus Michels Award for Best Dutch Academy. Richard went on to guide and/or manage the youth development process at Academies in developing football countries; Vancouver Whitecaps in the MLS, KGHM Zaglebie Lubin in Poland and Kuban Krasnodar in Russia. Richard has also worked closely with the KNVB (Dutch Football Association) in creating nationwide youth development and management systems.
PIET HUBERS | Technical Director for Grassroots Football: Hero Indian Super League Former Technical Manager of the KNVB (Dutch FA) Piet will outline how he has established the largest Grassroots Program in India and created an Indian Super League Youth Academy for elite players in Mumbai and the overall opportunities for development in India
RACHEL PAVIOU | National Development Manager for Women’s Football at the English FA Rachel who is also UEFA Women’s Football Development Expert Advisor will outline the enormous growth of Girls and Women’s football participation in England - the 2nd most popular sport in England behind male football
CHRIS SHARMAN | Global Development Director at Challenger Sports Challenger Sports are the largest soccer coaching operator in the USA and Canada and have soccer educational progammes for over 200,000 children in 8 countries. They employ almost 2,000 coaches annually. Chris will outline at the Conference the bespoke e-learning platform Challenger Sports have developed to support the selection, training and continued professional development of this coaching workforce. Chris’ presentation will be of particular benefit in showing how Clubs, Associations and commercial providers can use the web to support their face to face training of coaches and players
DR DAVID CARR | Associate Professor and Coordinator of Coaching Education at Ohio University Dave devised the first online Masters Degree course in Soccer coaching in 2013. Since then over 200 students have enrolled on this course. Dave is a National staff coach for the United States Youth Soccer Association (USYSA). Dave will outline the possibilities and potential of post graduate online degree courses in soccer coaching
COACHES CORNER
Tony DiCicco
Advanced Saves and Handing plus Coaching the Goalkeeper using Team Games
ADVANCED GOALKEEPER COACHING SESSIONS A BIT ABOUT TONY... An integral figure that put women’s soccer on the map in the U.S. and globally, Tony DiCicco built an impressive run as the U.S. Women’s National Team head coach from 1994-1999. He led the USA to its first gold medal in the 1996 Olympics and most notably was at the helm of the 1999 FIFA Women’s World Cup champion team that defeated China. As the U.S. Women’s head coach, DiCicco won a staggering 103 games - nearly 90 percent of his matches - in compiling a 103-8-8 international record. DiCicco is the only American coach to win a Women’s World Cup, an Olympic gold and a U20 Women’s World Cup (2008).
Summer camps and tournaments in most parts of the country will be played in hot, humid conditions. With the weather change, athletes are at higher risk for heat-related illness. What I would like to do below is to present a common sense guide to a preventable problem: heat-related illnesses, including dehydration, cramping, heat exhaustion, and heat stroke. In general, young athletes are at higher risk for developing heat illness than adults. Children absorb heat faster than adults, they don’t sweat as much (sweat helps the body cool), and often they don’t “want” to drink fluids during exercise. These factors add up to a higher risk of heat illness than many adults. Fortunately there are a number of simple steps that can greatly reduce the risk of problems when playing in the heat.
On-Field Signs of Dehydration and Heat Illness: Most young athletes will first start to show signs of heat-related illness through dehydration. If left untreated, dehydration can progress to more severe problems such as muscle cramping, heat exhaustion, and a very severe problem called “heat stroke.” Rather than providing you a medical textbook definition of heat illness, here are some signs of dehydration to look for in your players:
DECREASED PERFORMANCE
FATIGUE
WEAKNESS
IRRITABILITY
NAUSEA
HEADACHE
LIGHTHEADEDNESS
FOLLOWING DIRECTIONS
As a parent or coach, chances are good that you know what your players’ personality is from many day-to-day interactions. Sometimes it simply comes down to realizing that you’re playing in hot weather, and the player “just doesn’t look right.” If that’s the case, one of your first thoughts should be that the player is dehydrated. At that point, take some simple steps to treat the problem:
1 2 3 4
Get the player off the field and let them rest in a cool, shaded place. Provide a sports drink (not carbonated, no caffeine). If the player doesn’t start to feel better relatively soon (15-30 minutes), seek medical help. Prevent future dehydration (see below).
Preventing Dehydration and Heat Illness: There are a number of steps that can reduce the chances of heat illness developing. Acclimatization can make a big difference in improving an athlete’s ability to compete safely and successfully in hot weather. If your team shuts down at the end of June, but plans to play a tournament the second week in August, consider a mini-camp of about an hour a day for the week prior to the tournament. During practice and games, wear light-colored and lightweight materials. If there isn’t adequate shade from trees, consider a pop-up tent for the players (and the parents!). Tournament directors and referees should consider relaxing their rules based upon weather conditions, such as allowing for a brief water break during each half, and perhaps also adding a few minutes to each halftime. Here are some tips on what to drink, when to drink, and how much to drink to promote good hydration: * Sports drinks are an excellent choice for hydration. Athletes can usually find a flavor they like, and the electrolytes (like sodium chloride) will stimulate thirst, help the body hold onto fluid, reduce the chance of cramping, and possibly improve performance. * Avoid any drinks with caffeine or high fructose corn syrup, and no carbonated sodas. * I like low-fat chocolate milk as another after-game alternative. * The athlete should have 12-16 ounces of fluid up until about 30 minutes before the game or practice (remember that most sports drinks come in 20-ounce bottles). * Keep sipping sports drinks or water during the practice or match. * Start re-hydrating within 20 minutes of the conclusion of the match. Research shows that the first 20 minutes are the most efficient time to start refueling. Try to take in 20 ounces; no need to guzzle this down, but once you start drinking try to finish the bottle over the next several minutes. Following these simple guidelines will give your players a much better chance for safe and successful competition this summer. (Dev K. Mishra is an orthopedic surgeon in private practice, Burlingame, California. He is a Team Physician at the University of California, Berkeley, and member of the team physician pool with the U.S. Soccer Federation. Mishra’s website is www.thesoccerdoc.com .)
CHINA AIMS TO BECOME FOOTBALL SUPERPOWER BY 2050 Challenger Sports Global Development Director Chris Sharman, looks at how China’s new-found focus on football could bring them World Cup success… When the President of a country stands up and says “we’re going to win the World Cup within 15-years”, you’re probably going to listen to what they have to say, but when the President of the largest country in the world (1.4billion people) says it, then it’s something the whole footballing community should be interested in hearing. That’s exactly what happened when Chinese President Xi Jinping came out early last year and called for a huge transformation of grassroots football in China. What followed was a government-led 50-point reform plan for football and a presidential visit to the UK which included a visit to Manchester City’s new training complex and an infamous selfie of Sergio Aguero, President Xi Jinping and David Cameron. All part of a choreographed plan to catapult China into the football stratosphere. Currently languishing down in 81st in the FIFA World rankings, Chinese football has been a laughing-stock for years (although they’ve achieved much better success in the women’s game), but President Xi Jinping has identified football as a major growth area, a way to show the county’s sporting prowess on a truly global platform, while also creating a fresh industry to tap into China’s current consumer culture. Chinese corporations are now spending millions on their involvement in the game, not simply because they are interested, but because they see value and want to support the President’s vision for the country.
President Jinping, Sergio Agüero, David Cameron
From creating 50,000 football schools, to building 27,000 new pitches, the government reform plan is both detailed and with focus, actually very achievable considering the military precision in which China can typically operate. Recently in Beijing, children in circa 5,000 schools aged 12-18 have started taking football exams as part of the curriculum, that alone is over 10million children focusing on football where they historically never had, just imagine when toddlers start getting involved! The professional game has also undergone changes too; only three foreign players, plus one non-Chinese Asian, are allowed on the pitch for any team at one time, plus all goalkeepers must be Chinese. So even though Chinese Super League teams spent in excess of £200million in the January transfer window bringing in the likes of Alex Teixeira (£38m), Jackson Martinez (£31m), Ramires (£20m) and Gervinho (£11m), the central directive is still about balance and developing home grown players. At the heart of the investment and change though, is the plan to make the national team a world force rather than a forgettable nation. Although I doubt 2030 is achievable, if you have some spare cash, put it on China to win the World Cup by 2050…
CHINA IN NUMBERS
The population of China is..
1,400,000,000 PRESIDENT XI JINPING SAYS...
THE GOAL To have 50 MILLION children and adults playing football by 2020
1
THE PLAN?
50,000
FOR EVERY
WHICH MEANS BUILDING
Football schools by 2017
To create a Chinese sports economy worth..
BILLION AND
$
$850
Estimates value the entire global sports economy at only $400billion
JANUARY 2016 TRANSFER WINDOW SPEND
10,000
20,000
AND
Football schools by 2025
10 YEAR PLAN 2015 - 2025
I want China to HOST and WIN the WORLD CUP within 15-years
CHINESE SUPER LEAGUE £200,000,000
CURRENT CHINA TEAM FIFA RANKING
81
(below Haiti, Jamaica, Equatorial Guinea and Uzbekistan)
IN 2014 CHINA OPENED THE LARGEST FOOTBALL BOARDING SCHOOL
PREMIER LEAGUE £175,000,000
BUNDESLIGA £75,000,000
SERIE A £50,000,000
LA LIGA £25,000,000
OVER 2,300 Full time students
+
42 Full Size Pitches
1 12
2
WHERE
11
3
ARE THEY
10
NOW?
9
4
5 8
6 7
Challenger Sports recruit, train and deploy over 1,200 coaches each and every year, with this number set to grow with new upcoming opportunities across the world. For some, working for us in North America is simply a unique experience during and after university but for others, it’s an incredible stepping stone on to amazing roles within the industry we all love. Take a look at some of the fantastic destinations our former British Soccer coaches have deservedly reached...
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Amy Turner (Challenger Sports 2013) Now: England Women’s National Team (Lionesses) and Notts County Ladies F.C. (Lady Magpies) “The summer I spent working for Challenger Sports in the Mid West of America was one I won’t forget. I was lucky enough to meet some great families who really looked after me and made the experience what it was. The opportunity to coach, the sport that has now become my professional career, whilst seeing so many amazing places was unreal.”
2
Dan Fradley (Challenger 2012) Current Job Title: Lead Performance Analyst at New York City Football Club (MLS) “I lead the performance analysis provision at New York City FC for the City Football Group. My main responsibilities are to liaise with the first team coaching staff to provide video and statistical analysis of our performance in games and training as well as providing reports on our opposition in preparation for our upcoming fixtures. Challenger Sports gave me the opportunity to travel whilst coaching the sport I love.”
3
Dan Potts worked with Challenger Sports as a summer coach and with our UK Recruitment team. Dan is now Head of Education and Welfare at Sheffield Wednesday FC (English Championship). Dan is pictured with players from Sheffield Wednesday at England’s National Training Center.
4
Daniel Garrod (Challenger 2008 & 2009)... Current Job Title: Community Manager at Southend United FC (English League
5
Two) Job Description: Oversee the 4 departments of Health, Participation, Cohesion and Education. Manage a team of 30 including Sport Development officers, Education Tutors, Projects officers and 15 coaches to deliver a wide range of programs and projects across the whole of South Essex.
David Ebberson (Challenger 2006-2011 across multiple regions) Current Job Title: Premier League District Programme
Manager. Job Description: “I have been in that role for the past two years and it has grown exponentially. The bulk of my work is developing relationships with Professional clubs up and down the country (from Southampton to Sunderland!), overseeing a National tournament pathway and delivering coaching/CPD events. My time with Challenger Sports gave me the opportunity to be independent, travel, grow in confidence and make lifelong friendships.”
6
Emma Follis worked for us in the Chicago region over the last couple of years. Whilst she has continued to be involved with coaching, Emma is also playing for English Super League team Reading Women’s FC. Great work Emma!
7
James Russell (Challenger 2009) Current Job Title: Sports Scientist, Dagenham and Redbridge FC (English League Two). Job Description: “Currently in charge of all sports science support within the club, working closely within the first team management structure. Some of my responsibilities include; monitoring player training loads, strength & conditioning programmes (gym and pitch based), match day warms up and cool downs, nutritional provision and overseeing youth team sports science. I worked at Challenger Sports during the summer of 2009 based out of Kansas City, it was one of the best experiences I’ve had in my life.”
8
Liam Hughes (Challenger 2009) Youth Development Phase Coach for Preston North End FC and Lead Coach of Manchester City Women FC U17’s. He plans and delivers training sessions to meet the needs of the Under 13 squad, man-manages, motivates and develops elite youth football players at Preston North End FC’s Academy. At Manchester City Women FC, he’s the lead coach of the Under 17’s which includes planning and delivering training sessions to meet the needs of the team and individuals to give them a chance of making the next step up (Development Squad/Reserve Team).
9
Sam White (Challenger 2014) Current Job Title: Head Coach of Football at The University of Southampton, contracted through Southampton FC (English Premier League). Job Description: “I work for Southampton FC and through them manage the football program at the University of Southampton. This includes running the training schedules, match day fixtures throughout the season and responsible for our 3 teams throughout the year. I manage and control all 3 teams, but have an assistant that is delegated to the 2nd team on match days and assisting during full squad training sessions.”
10
Stewart Heppinstall who worked for our British Soccer Camp program from 2009-11. Job Title: Senior Football Analyst at Aspire Academy for Sports Excellence & Qatar Football Association. Job Description: “My current job role is to provide video and statistical feedback covering technical, tactical, physical, and psychological aspects to coaches and players at Aspire Academy as well as the Qatar National Youth Teams in line with the coaching methodology and game model. My time with Challenger Sports in 2008 and 2011 were both amazing experiences, working with great people, and living with incredible host families, summers which I will remember forever.”
11 12
Clive Cook (Challenger Sports Academy Trainer: 2007-2008 Windham NH) Clive is now the Youth Player Liaison at Liverpool
FC in England.
John “Fozzy” Douglas (Challenger Sports Academy Trainer: 2007-2008 Derry NH) John is now Youth GK Coach with Rangers FC in Scotland. The photo shows the two former Challenger colleagues meeting through their current roles! Amy Merricks (Challenger 2012 & 2013) Current job title – Brighton and Hove Albion FC Women and Girls Senior Coach Time with Challenger Sports – “I had a fantastic experience working for Challenger Sports, I stayed with numerous host families that welcomed me into their family and showed me some of the best places in Texas. Working for Challenger Sports taught me a lot about differentiating and designing sessions for different ages and abilities, the staff and other coaches were always supportive and helpful to ensure you had the best experience.”
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