by Mark Zimmerman | May 28, 2011 | Coaching, Junior Youth, Small-Sided Games, Training
From Coach Terry Michler… During the CBC Dutch Tour International Soccer Program recent spring trip to Holland (3-16 to 3-27, 2011), we paid a return visit to the professional club NEC Nijmegen, of the Dutch Eredivisie. We have met a wonderful man there named...
by Mark Zimmerman | May 9, 2011 | Coaching, Junior Youth, Senior Youth, Training
Most coaches say “I want to teach my players to love the game.” That’s an awesome goal, but how do you do that? First, you must know that you can’t “make” your players love soccer. Just like you can’t “make” someone love anything. As the coach, it may be better to...
by Mark Zimmerman | Apr 10, 2011 | Coaching, Junior Youth, Uncategorized
La Masia, aka La Cantera, the FC Barcelona Youth Academy has produced many great players including Xavi, Iniesta and Leo Messi, all three finalists (with Messi winning) for the Ballon d’Or. Interestingly, the Academy was begun by legendary Dutch Coach Rinus...
by Mark Zimmerman | Mar 30, 2011 | Coaching, Junior Youth, Professional, Uncategorized
Johan Cruyff has caused several Board Members at Ajax to resign as a result of his recent recommendations. Cruyff has always been a very opinionated man and surely he has his own vision of how fabled Ajax F.C. can regain its stature in world soccer. More...
by Mark Zimmerman | Mar 23, 2011 | Coaching, Junior Youth, Uncategorized
Found an interesting article about the importance of creating soccer-smart players. BBC Sport On-Line: “Countless reasons have been put forward to explain England’s repeated failure at international tournaments, so here is another one – a lack of...
by Mark Zimmerman | Nov 8, 2010 | Coaching, Junior Youth, Professional, Senior Youth, Small-Sided Games, Training
Interesting article from the NY Times about the Ajax Youth Academy in Holland. Gives an inside look at the “how” and “why” it is able to develop world-class players. It also compares it to the approach of other countries including the U.S. More...