Changes to coaching structure

Thu 16th Jul 2020

Dear all,

Whilst the onset of Covid-19 has been incredibly frustrating for everyone, it has given the management group time to discuss and plan for the future.

Although we will always put developing the person ahead of developing the player, we are (and will always be) committed to raising the standard of play across the board in line with our mission statement strap line - ‘Nurturing sporting intelligence; better than last week, but not as good as next week.’

The first step we have taken in this process is to secure the services of two more UEAFA ‘B’ license coaches, Gary Green and Rory Crabb. Gary will act as the lead coach for the U15s and Rory will take on the U14s, as Kryzstof has had to step down from front line duties due to work commitments.

However, both Kryzstof and Nick Whyborn (who has stepped down from the U15s for similar reasons) will remain with the club to help with training nights and filling in where needed. Both Kryzstof and Nick are UEFA ‘B’ qualified, and possess skills we do not want to lose.

The most significant change, however, is that Paul West has stepped down as Head Coach. Paul will continue to operate as the lead coach for the U16s in the 20/21 season, and will remain as a trustee. On this point, Paul has asked me to assure you that this isn’t the start of a departure. He is still driven to give every young person in our care the best experience possible - he just feels that now is the right time to hand over the reins to someone who is more qualified and suited to lead the programme into the next phase of our progression.

In Paul’s place, Ian Thompson will take up the position of ‘Head of Football’ which will amalgamate lead coach duties with directing the coaching syllabus. Amongst other things, this will mean he will adopt many of the pastoral duties Paul previously fulfilled. Furthermore, I’m pleased to inform you that Ian has agreed to join the club’s management group to help us with our governance. His past experiences of leading the foundation stage at Yeovil Town Football Club will be invaluable.

As most of you will know, Ian has been working with us in a consultancy role since the beginning of the year. His CV and credentials are of the highest order, underlined by the following extract from an email I received from the Academy Director of Southampton Football Club:

‘Ian exemplifies what is required of a modern coach. He has strong teaching skills as well as strong values and principles which will support player development through all the age groups. I could not recommend Ian higher and believe he would add great value to your football club and sporting ambitions.’

During the lockdown, Ian has been working incredibly hard to put together a library of information for our coaches. The feedback has been positive and, on the few occasions I have been able to get together with the team (at a suitable social distance), the enthusiasm on show has been palpable.

Ian has plans in place for further enhancements of our systems and curriculum, which I will share with you when the time is right. For now, though, I hope you will join me in both thanking Paul for getting us to where we are now, and welcoming Ian into his new role.

If anyone has any questions, please feel free to send me an email or give me a call:

E: beamswillis@btinternet.com
T: 07912 054091

Your faithfully,

Steve Willis
Chair of Trustees