23rd August 2022
The last few weeks with the Development Squad have seen a number of areas progress. In recent weeks I have spoken about the squad, the club and the team-around-the-team. Today it is all about the players.
Within our squad are three different groups of players. I have grouped them by their motivations for the purpose of this article. In group 1 we have those who are working hard to progress to first team football. They want to be in Chris’ squad as soon as possible, they are either eager and hungry to excel or are disappointed and feeling that they are being left behind. Sometimes they feel that being in the Development Squad is a demotion other times they see it as an opportunity. Understanding how they feel is important to the management team as it will dictate how we work with them and what we could expect.
Group 2 is made up of players that are more comfortable at this level. They may harbor a quiet dream of a first team call up in the back of their minds but have a realistic view that their level of competition is where they currently are. A few of them fear being pushed down the pecking order and losing a footing in this environment and others know that their reliability and commitment is exactly what we need to consistently put a team out. These players are our core. Without them, we cant get group 1 players the game time they need.
Group 3 is made up of new players. Everything here is a new experience and for some that is exciting whereas for others it is intimidating. They are learning fast that they have to take responsibility for attendance and availability: mums and dads are not communicated with. They need to learn the roles and un-learn some of their previous coaching from other clubs. They need to understand the stepping stone that Development Squad football can provide which includes knowing what opportunities will help and what will hinder their progression. We support this by getting into dialogue and trying things out at training sessions. A positive attitude is key.
Our ability to fight back and win 4-3 recently came from an understanding of roles and responsibilities within the squad but also management knowing what individuals bring to a moment in the game. 13 of the 16 players involved had come through the club, many of them seeing this year as different due to a new manager but also similar and familiar as the club’s ethos and standards remain. For us, finding the blend across the three groups is not easy: there is always a trade-off. But when it comes together, it feels amazing. The sense of satisfaction throughout the whole squad energises you and sets you up for the next challenge and I look forward to supporting more players at this fantastic club whatever group they are in. Who knows, maybe they might swap groups soon?
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