School of Football: Programme Info

The NL School of Football programme is about more than just playing ability; it aims to create better citizens and develop social and academic abilities through the vehicle of football. As part of the programme, pupils follow an enhanced timetable including a period of football activity every day. Football is used as a tool to motivate pupils, and enhance social skills, such as communication, listening and behaviour. The programme’s success is evaluated through factors such as attendance and academic improvement.

Players are involved in daily sessions for the first 3 years of their school life, so must display a reasonable technical standard to cope with the demand. However, their selection is also based on attendance, academic performance, effort, attitude and behaviour which are all important indicators in deciding whether or not they are appropriate for the programme.

Each coaching session has four main components which focus on the development of:

• Technical Skills (passing, shooting, control, finishing)
• Tactical Skills (defending, attacking, keeping possession)
• Physical Skills (stamina, speed, strength, agility)
• Mental Skills (mental strength, determination, resilience)
• Health & Wellbeing (nutrition, discrimination, personal responsibility)