Interview with Kelowna United Asst. Technical Director on his California invitational trip
Kelowna United Assistant Technical Director Tom Flanagan was recently invited to work with BC Soccer's U15 Boys Provincial Team Program as the Assistant Coach at their California camp.
"It was a 7 day camp in Temecula, California where the squad played versus two of California's Arsenal Club teams and one game versus Club Poway. This was the squads first camp of the program so the players and staff were excited to get started off against some decent competition. The camp went very well for the players and the coaching staff. The main focus was not to worry about results but to have good collective performances and to execute specific directives given out by the coaching staff. Out of the three games the team played, we lost, tied and won."
"The main differences between the Canadian teams and the US teams would be that the US teams have a very high comfort level on the ball in high pressured situations and have the ability to adapt quickly on the field. Developing comfort levels is our main focus with the U11's that we train in the academy. The coaching methods and criteria are the same as when myself and other local players were coming through the academy. Growing up in such an evironment not only develops good feet but also develops a footballers mind. These are the key factors that allowed myself and others to play at a high level."
No one stood out from everybody else on the squad, every team has a few players that will generate good performances on a fairly consistant basis and this is what happened in California. It was great to see a couple of the boys thrive in that high tempo environment and make a difference in the matches.
"The biggest thing I can bring back to Kelowna is the level of standards and professionalism that was set out by the coaching staff. Players were always prepared for training and focused. The staff demanded high levels of concentration and had high yet realistic expectations from every player. "
