Here is the second instalment of the One Club stories, this time from the Academy section.
Academy Update – January 2021
Welcome all to the first Academy update from the ‘One Club Group’. I hope that everyone is keeping safe & well in these uncertain times.
Whilst the current government national lockdown poses particular tests in all walks of life, it creates a ‘different’ set of challenges for the club’s Academy players, parents and staff. One of our main focus areas as an Academy is keeping the players engaged and not allowing this latest interruption to result in lasting affects to progress and development. Regular coaches’ updates ensure that players remain hungry. Hungry for a return to training; Hungry for a return to fixtures; and Hungry to continue to develop within the structure provided by AFC Rushden & Diamonds Academy.
Alongside the regular updates, coaches have also been able to draw on the knowledge and skill base of our Scholarship Education Provider – Moulton College – and provide players with Remote Training Guides. These Remote Training Guides have been developed by Tom Shaw (Head of Strength & Conditioning @ Moulton College) and allow players to remotely cover aspects such as: Principles of Training, How to warm up, Plyometrics, Resistance Training and Conditioning – together with the provision of Example Sessions for them to follow.
Working in conjunction with Moulton College has enabled the Academy to develop further areas of ‘expertise’ through collaboration – all of which improve the Academy experience – and promotes continued development for the players…
Aside of the player aspect, we are also working closely with our League provider (NERF Junior Premier League) to understand what the remainder of the 2020 / 2021 Season looks like (by Age Group) and indeed to start making plans for the 2021 / 2022 Season. These aspects of our planning are normal for this time of year – probably the only aspect of normality in the most ‘un-normal’ of times…
Lastly (but by no means least important) we are working with our coaches and staff to ensure that they remain engaged and driven to provide the very best to AFC Rushden & Diamonds Academy and associated players. In our regular conversations with the coaches, their enthusiasm remains strong – even though in many cases ‘other challenges outside the football club’ are evident. Their efforts are very much appreciated and should be applauded at this very difficult time…
Hopefully in our next Academy update – we will be in a position to provide an update of our ‘return to football’ and share some ‘on the pitch’ news and success with you…
In the meantime – please all continue to stay safe & well…
Scott Carlin
Head of Academy – AFC Rushden & Diamonds
