The focus for Essex U13

The focus for Essex U13's is one of development. The Initial development session in the first half of the season are open to all recommended youths from Clubs or schools. The focus is on delivering quality coaching, and to start the process within the County of talent identification. We are aware that Children of this age develop at different rates so most of the sessions will be built around handling and running skills with selection put on the back burner.

It is also the opportunity for Coaches to be involved and to come along and learn different coaching techniques and to discuss the development of these youngsters. Following these initial sessions boys will be invited to attend additional sessions in the latter half of the season and during the Summer which will then lead into the U14's Development Squads next season.

AIMS

Programme Manager - Barrie Winwood

Lead – Matt Davies, Chris Green

Coaches –Richard Nichol, Andy Stewart, Daniel Leonard

Sessions to be held at Coopers Company and Coborn School.

OBJECTIVE

To identify those players who are able to perform at County and County Development standard at Under 14 2005.

Phase 1

Open Masterclass sessions to be held from 10.30 – 2.00 on Sundays as stated below.

Session	Date	Topic
Open Session 1	TBC	*Attacking contact skills*
Open Session 2	TBC	*Defence – tackle technique/defensive roles*
Open Session 3	TBC	*Handling/Running skills*
Open Session 4	TBC	*Game understanding*

Available to all players, run on same basis as last seasons masterclass series.

Phase 2

Sessions	Date	Stage
Weeks 1 and 2	TBC	Clubs/schools are requested to nominate their best 5 players for this age group - ie u14 on 31st August 2005
Weeks 3 and 4	TBC	*Aim to trim group to 55 players*
Weeks 5 and 6	TBC	*Be able to produce A and B squads*

These will be a series of evolving trial sessions, with conditioned games and skill practices, looking for evidence of game understanding. After the first two sessions, the groups will be cut down, to those who it is felt will be able to perform at representative level. After the 3^rd and 4^th sessions, the group will be further decreased, with a view in the 5^th and 6^th weeks to create the A and B squads. This will allow the 2006/7 squads to be selected at an early stage, and the coaching staff optimum time to work with the players during the summer months offering quality coaching time.

SAFETY NET

In October 2006, we shall hold an open training session, for any U14's player who did not attend the previous sessions – for whatever reason. It will also cater for those players who may have developed in varying aspects over the summer months.