CLOSING CEREMONY

At the end of the year, in November or the first week of December, the season ends with the ceremony in which each player will be handed his
•  Merit diploma certificate
•  Technical evaluation
in which it will be possible to observe the progress of each of them, during the year Logically there are players who register late during the year and their evaluation is shorter than the player who starts in time at the beginning of the year, but like all have to be evaluated.

The concept is very clear in its formation and the technical part is the most important
It is emphasized that it is important to understand that each player’s progress is the most important. During the two days that the player practices and plays, a follow-up is always made to correct each one according to the program that the academy has.

During the two days that the player practices and plays is always followed to correct each one according to the program that the academy has. Important to remember that the promotion of players is done at different ages to different teams and professional clubs given the level of players.

CRITERIA, OBJECTIVES AND VISION OF THE ACADEMY

The players arrived at the Augusto Palacios Apprentice Academy (APAA) in 2017 with a great deal of enthusiasm. This is why they responded so well to our training philosophy and methods. Over the past 12 years, we continue to develop players using different exercise and drills according the different age groups. The methods used, as well as introduce new exercises (with and without equipment) – from simple to complex. All the while making sure not to neglect the technical aspect of the training.
One element we have focused on is basic coordination with technique and how to play football – all according to the player’s age group.

This includes small-sided games as part of the grassroots training. This is intended to have players begin to understand their position of play within the game situation and to begin to understand match tactics. These exercises will help coaches and players better determine which players are suited best to which roles. This is partly based on individual ball skills and individual tactical abilities. Over the past year, players have become increasingly aware of defending and attacking formations and tactics during the 3 vs. 3, 5 vs. 5, and 7 vs 7 small-sided games All of this leads to the players becoming competitive in the full 11 vs 11 situation.

The training programme is intended to develop the technique of the young players first, with tactics following thereafter. This approach is important, as these players will need a strong technical base when they move into the next age group. The result will be that they will be at an advanced stage and more competitive as they progress. We encourage parents to remember that development is based on short and long-term learning according to the age groups; it also different for each child. So please be patient with your children.

The new and more experienced players at the APAA always start the year with stationery and moving-with-the ball drills and exercises. This stresses important elements important in football like control, receiving, passing with both feet & heading the ball. To begin with in the stationery position, there is a great deal of repetition in the drills. This is a good basis for the players and gets them into good habits – which the players have responded to very quickly. All groups has responded well to the training methods and has they have also adopted being comfortable using both feet.

The Academy urges parents to encourage players as much as possible in order to reinforce the feedback that is given to the players after games and training sessions. This will help to develop player’s confidence as they learn to recognize that both parents and coaches are supporting them. The relationships between players, parents and coaches within the age groups need to be consistent. It would be worthwhile to parents to talk each other to see how the different age groups are coached – this will show how different skills they are taught. Parents are also welcome to provide their input to the Academy Director. This is important so that players and parents can understand that the technical progress of each player, which is important for you and for the Academy.

Overall, over the past year the players have improved. Not only with respect to their playing, but also how to behave on and off the field. We don’t only teach the players only how to play football and the ethos and rule so the game, but also life skills. Development is a long process which take dedication, sacrifice and discipline.

Every year we seek to develop players’ confidence, communication skills and their individual social interaction skills on and off the soccer field. We focus on building these young footballers to be better peoples in the future and also people that will make a difference in the country
An element that needs to be addressed is being punctual and disciplined. Players and families need to ensure that this is maintained throughout the year and is established as a good habit. The perennial problem of low attendance on Thursdays continues unfortunately. I must remind you that the players who do not attend on Thursdays do tend to fall behind, and it is for his reason that I need to push them quite hard during Saturday training sessions.

That said though, APAA teams have been doing very well in the league have teams that have competed very well – with some success in both the league and Cup.
Something for our current players to keep in mind is that some of our players have gone on to represent South Africa national teams (U17 & U20) as well as signing professional contracts PSL clubs. Our most recent success story is that of Lyle Foster. Currently just 17 years old, he started in the APAA when he was 11 years and has gone on from strength to strength. But promotion to another team or a higher level should be considered as the only criteria which defines success.

We encourage our players and parents to take a holistic view of the player development. Gradual development and the overall molding of the player (on and off the field) is what we must strive towards.
Promotion or graduation is part of the performance and progress of all players, the main thing of the academy is the development & progressing of the players . Parents and players should not always focus when the player is promoted, because players need time & patient , not all the players will be professional the important thing is to practice & enjoy the beautiful game , as I said time will determine, many players have spent years in the academy & enjoy playing that is the most important , thing to give the value to football in practice & to improve. There is important to encourage all the players to having the positive mentality in playing football.

Remember development is the long process with a lot of dedication, sacrifice and discipline and to enjoy the beautiful game. We ready to start the new season & to continue development players in all the ages remember never- ever is late to learning and improving the sport more popular in the world world soccer
The academy also thanks the entire technical staff, coaches, medical, administrator, and Security all those who are part of the success as it is a team qualified and professionally with a lot of passion, dedication and responsibility.

I wish you all the best in this Christmas and the best New Year to come, in union with your families with all the blessings from God.

Whether your children become professional footballers or not should not take away from their enjoyment of the game or your celebration of their talent.

Enjoy. Play the Game.
Professor Augusto Palacios
Academy Director