In recent times, it has become clear that many aspects of traditional youth football coaching and development need to change.
In an ever-changing world, driven by progress in education, societal shifts, the internet and social media, and reduced contact time with actual footballs - coaches need to adapt too.
In "Youth Soccer Development", football coach Noel Dempsey examines where coaching has come from and where it is heading. Offering insights into how English football has developed, coaching methods, 'talent' in youngsters, and how a player's entire environment needs to be considered in coaching programmes - this book offers many touchpoints for coaches who want to advance their thinking and their coaching.
Leaving specific onfield drills and exercises to other books, "Youth Soccer Development" digs deep into 'nature versus nature', players' core beliefs, confidence, motivation, and much more. Advocating that to improve the player, you must improve the person, Dempsey puts forward a case for coaches to be realistic with their players, ensure that they work positively across all facets of their lives - especially education - and to instil a mindset that leads to players being the best person they can be.
By creating better people you are more likely to create better players.