Former English Football Association coach Scott Richardson rates the Inglewood Football Institute as amongst the best junior development programs on offer in Western Australia. The Institute offers young players, between 3 and 15, age-appropriate coaching in line with Football Federation Australia’s National Curriculum.
The combined effect of structured training cycles, accredited coaches, sports science, well-maintained playing fields and quality equipment ensures the Institute provides an optimal environment for young players to learn and development in a non-competitive setting, where the focus is on the individuals skill set and growth.
“The concepts that the club have been working with have made the Institute one of the best development program’s I have seen,” said Richardson, who coached in the English FA’s Centre of Excellence Academy. “With a little modifying I believe we will have the leading program in Western Australia.”
Richardson was appointed Inglewood’s Technical Director, a role which doubles as Institute coordinator, six months ago, only a matter of weeks before the start of the Institute term. Having initially hit the ground running, he has spent the summer break tweaking the program with the view of taking it to the next level.
“We have developed a new program which focuses on key development phases that allow the players to develop without pressure,” Richardson explained. “The new-look program is designed around the development of basic motor skills with the child’s state of physical, psychological and social development in mind.”
“The eight coaching categories cover all aspects of technical development from basic co-ordination, ball fluency, audio and visual reaction skills through to detailed understanding of position specific scenarios and the related roles within the team. The rotational structure means players are always active, always practising and always improving.”
For the new Institute term, which commences this Saturday, Richardson is joined in the coaching team by club stalwart John Papadopoulos and rising star Paul Zimarino. “John has a wealth of knowledge when it comes to youth development,” said Richardson. “Paul has a big future in the game but this will be his first exposure to coaching.”
“We will deliver exciting, progressive training sessions based on methodologies used at all levels of the game, from grassroots to youth academies and full professionals. The Institute is our most prized asset so the players are our number one priority. We believe in encouraging learning through football and development through active play.”
For further information please contact:
Scott Richardson, Technical Director – Inglewood Football Institute
Email: technical-director@inglewoodunitedfc.com.au
