If you wants the 12 key elements to reach the top in coaching the game these are mine.
1. Get as many qualifications as possible and do the hours set out on the courses.
2. Consult with your family in the sacrifices in time you have to make. Make your spare time from work 100% theirs.
3. Stop drinking and going to the pub and replace this with studying the game every day of your life.
4. Get as healthy as possible so your mind is 100% and eat the right foods and drink water.
5. Read about the great coaches and write down principles and key elements that you can use.
6. Listen to young and old players and young and old coaches and do not disrespect knowledge wherever it comes from.
7. Sustain your leaders in all positions even if it is not you philosophy of the game. (Adapt but also discuss but be open to be an example to them)
8. Meet with fellow coaches at least once a week and listen to their needs.
9. Study the best academies and see how they are developing players and do not try to re-invent the wheel.
10. Be first in work and last away from work and if you love the game you will not have enough minutes or hours to do your job.
11. Respect other clubs at "all" levels and remember to be good to them as you may one day be working for that person or that club.
12. Rest and meditate and never forget "The Greatest Coach Is The One Who Listens"
The club was formed by Darren Browning at 10am on Sunday 5th January 2003 at Eltham Park South.
An assortment of boys mostly from the Gordon Primary School, aged 4 and 5. The original idea was to introduce his son into a football team, but after taking him to a local training session, he thought he could run a team better himself. We were invited to take our training sessions down to Footscray Rugby Club. This was a massive step for us and we accepted.
Footscray is still our home to date, and we owe a lot of thanks to all the members within the club and to Fred Trotter for the introduction and Paul Young for the invitation.
We started at U7s, a group of boys from the local school. Some were better than others & over the years the team has improved greatly. Four of the original boys are still with us which is fantastic, we're very lucky to have great parents which makes it easier for everyone. Last summer we won a few trophies & this season we are third in the Selkent A League and through to the last 16 of the London Cup.
The team is managed by Jason Williams and assisted by Del Oldfield, we have also been advised & coached by Wayne Burnett (Dagenham & Redbridge FC Manager) as he is friend of the Club.
Our aim has always been to develop the players & not be concerned with winning trophies. It was difficult last season as we lost more than we won but all the boys improved and it's shown this season.
We are known for playing decent football, out from the back etc, many opposition coaches and parents have applauded our style over the years.
ELTHAM LIONS UNDER 13'S (LONDON)
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