ALL too often I hear parents, players and supporters of football clubs complaining about a lack of ambition by their club.
I often wonder if club members actually understand their club’s objectives, their mission; their vision and where the club fits into the football pyramid.
Is it a question of the club defining through a mission statement their ambition and their reason for existing?
l Is the club participating in a competitive division focused on promotion into the professional ranks?
l Is it a grassroots club where player development is the priority?
l Will the club be making sure every single kid gets fair playing time and improves their skills?
l Is it a community club, Is it a semi-professional club, or a professional one?
A club must have a clear identity and communicate this accordingly to avoid any misconceptions by members so that everyone is aiming towards the same goal.
Community clubs – These should be geared to providing opportunities for players of every skill level; promote sportsmanship; and deliver sessions aimed at developing player technical skills in a fun and stress-free environment. In essence these clubs grow their own talented players.
Academy clubs – These are all about competing at the highest level possible. They charge higher fees because they engage highly accredited coaches and support staff. They look to “attracting” driven, talented players who are ambitious. Their focus is on tactics, high performance, and promotion to higher divisions.
Parents, players and supporters frequently get obsessed about the result of each and every game. This is regardless of if the club is a community club or an academy-rated club.
A club committee will know which phase they are in at each stage of the club’s evolution and annually would assess their particular circumstances and plan ahead accordingly.
Technical directors will determine a club’s coaching philosophy, be it a development-focused philosophy or one with a professional approach.
For instance, clubs are often identified by their playing style. Naturally the skill level of players at a club will influence the style of play to be adopted.
Regardless of all the variations in playing style, formations and tactical approaches, a club’s values/culture is based on delivering what one promises in the clubs Mission Statement, vision and philosophy.
Regardless of whether one is affiliated to a community club or academy club, it is the loyalty that will flow from generation to generation that will see a club grow and develop into the very best club that it can be.
