Georgia Soccer recently hosted a coaches course for some of the state’s best coaches to enhance coaching education and improve the level of player development in Georgia. Put on by one of the premiere youth academies in the world, Sporting Clube de Portugal is ranked by UEFA second only behind Barcelona when it comes to developing players. They have 8 Sporting players on the current Portuguese National Team and 2008 FIFA World Player of the Year, Cristiano Ronaldo, played for Sporting Clube de Portugal from 1996 to 2003 starting at age 11. He"s done well for himself.
Some of our very own players had the honor to train with the Sporting CP renowned coaches, Paulo Leitao, Sporting Clube de Portugal International Head Coach, as well as Nuno Figueiredo, Sporting club de Portugal international Development coach. They focused the two day seminar on tactical fundamentals for each individual aspect of the game, based on the game phases, player behaviors and actions.
Atlanta Fire United ODP Players who participated:
ODP 98’s
Swezen Kizito
Diego Manrique
Ernando Manrique
Walker Moe
Sam Morton
Jun Zaragoza
ODP 99’s
Luke Biasi
Christian Augmon
Dalton Seckinger
"Outstanding experience to have learned from a club who have coached players such as Cristiano Ronaldo, Nani, Figo and many others. I was apprehensive to sign up for this course, I expected most of the people who would attend would be way more qualified than me [most were], but in the end I did sign up because I tell my players it is a privilege to play a better team, therefore it was a privilege that I can be in the company of some of the best in the world and learn from them, and I did. I am excited to apply what I learned, I can’t wait for the season to begin." Kevin Johnson, U9 Boys Academy Coach.
"It was a very positive experience to attend the elite player development coaching course. It was refreshing to see the manner that the instructors applied the training model of one the top notch soccer academy in the world. Also, it was a great opportunity to expand my knowledge and I will be able to share and continue improving the coaches and players of our organization during this soccer journey." Keylor Reyes, Director Academy Program, Atlanta Fire United.
"In my opinion this seminar gave all the coaches that were present an idea how Portuguese coaches develop the players on and off the field. In the classroom they shared with us some thoughts in terms of technical training. How they teach the kids as well as their methodology that they apply in training. On the field they teach as they run the practice and the way that they correct the players is excellent. I enjoyed it a lot and I hope next time to see more AFU coaches involved in other seminars like we were in because this is the best way that we can grow as a club." Raul Diaz Arce, Atlanta Fire United
Boys Director of Coaching.
