Marlborough Football started a talent centre in term 1 of 2010. This is an invitational Academy for players 14-17 years of age who have been recognised for their ability and future potential.

Players will be identified on recommendation from their club and representative level coaches with selection and ongoing participation monitored by the Coaching Development Officer.

The academy will become tailored to run along the same guidelines as the Mainland Football invitational academy programme run in Christchurch.

The over-riding philosophy is "Long Term players Development" (LTPD). LTPD is based on the best available current research in sports science and the best practices in player development around the world, but knowledge and research continue to grow. The curriculum will include aspects of the following as considered appropriate to each group.

• Regular measurement of player Peak Height Velocity
• Individual physiological player profiles
• Periodic assessment to include endurance, speed, agility, strength, flexibility, core, functional muscle imbalances and running mechanics
• Training programmes based on the windows of train-ability and maturation
• Injury prevention programmes (proprioception)
• Muscle imbalance and bio-mechanical corrective programmes
• Football functional conditional training (everything done with a ball!)
• Physical, mental, cognitive, and emotional development via Nutrition and Psychological support programmes
• Periodisation
• Calendar planning for competition
• Continuous improvement

Talent Academy Coach - Dave Turner

 

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