The Soccer Skills Continue to Blow Me Away

Today was a wonderful experience, the pitch where we coached today was on the grounds of a wildlife sanctuary, We were surrounded by Zebras, Giraffes, and Antelop.  As with previous days, straight away today it was obvious the players were of a great standard. but in other ways it was completely opposite from the day before where we had 58 players were it was more a case of accommodating the players and providing an environment for them to play in. Today I was actually able to coach with the 21 players. The quality was good and the focus was body shape and pre scanning before they received the ball in order to switch the play. The players are very instinctive, and I don’t want to take this away from them. Their natural quality and innovation is something that must be praised and nurtured, but if I can help add a little something to compliment their game and add ideas to progress their game then I will feel that the coaching is worth it.

After training in the morning and then playing 11v11 in the afternoon our work with this group was done. We were able to hand out kit and supply players with boots who had previously come with broken boots or normal shoes. We took some great photos and then were on our way down the road to a primary school.

We set up, and a group of 18 boys came, around the age of ten, all bare footed and still in their school uniforms. We did little dribbling challenges, 1v1 matches, then 4v4 and 5v5 matches. Before finishing off with 9v9 match at the end “Kenya v Brazil”. I was blown away by their ability. The skills they know already are ones that we have to teach in academies. Little drag backs and step-overs are skills they already have in their locker. They are self taught. I will upload a video later, but from video you will be able to see they also have an understanding that you do not always have to go forward, they are comfortable checking out of pressure and going backwards. Again, I’m simply blown away!!

With it being a small group, we were able to give every player at least one pair of shorts or one shirt. For me this was and will always be the very best part of my day. And I wouldn’t have be able to do this without the help of many people who helped donate kit and those who have helped sponsor my trip. So thank you!!