The Spirit Development Academy is a newly developed segment within the GFA Academy structure. It serves as the foundation within the boys Academy and in aims to promote high performing players to the next level. 

 

In alignment with the Aztech Academy, a major focus and part of our training principles is the FA Four Corner Model. This highlights these four skills: Technical/Tactical, e.g. control and decision making - Psychological, e.g. learnability and accountability - Physical, e.g. power and speed - Social, e.g. leadership and attitude. These aspects align with what is required to become a complete footballer and further serve as a progression checklist in every players development at every level. 

 

In its debut season the Development Academy is welcoming *45* players across 5 age groups, ranging from Year 4 to Year 8. They’ll train weekly at the reputable Victoria Park hosted by several UEFA C+ qualified coaches. To enhance the progression of all players, we intend on regular age group crossover. This exposure to both older and younger players will supplement growth in confidence, mental resilience, decision making and ball experimentation. Moreover, there are plans to augment the Development Academy’s regular environment, with the potential of games and extra sessions on the periphery. 

 

“With the season fast approaching, I’m looking forward to welcoming everyone down for what should hopefully be an exciting season for these boys. They’re in a unique position which others previously haven’t had. In the past, we’ve had serious selection headaches when it comes to the Aztech Academy, with the number of quality players being very high. This meant we were left with the predicament of whether to take more players and have a weakened focus in our sessions, or we’d have to sacrifice taking players in order to have the ideal squad size. However, this is no longer an issue as we can observe and train a larger cohort whilst maintaining the quality of our sessions. I can’t wait to see how this project evolves over the course of this season and hopefully the many to come”.