Next Gen Centre of Excellence

**My very first picture in a NEXT GEN TOP, many years back 😂😂**

After a lot of careful thought, I’ve made the difficult decision that this will most likely be my last summer coaching consistently in South Yorkshire.

There are a number of reasons behind this decision, some of which I’d rather keep private for now.

Over the summer, I plan to run a mixture of small-group and larger-group sessions. These will be pop-up sessions, with places allocated on a first come, first served basis.

We will also continue to honour our own OFF SZN sessions, and I’ll send those details out privately once everything has been finalised.

In the coming weeks, I’ll share a longer message about my time building Next Gen and my own future, but for now I just wanted to let everyone know the plan. I genuinely hope to see as many of you as possible over the summer. Looking back, it’s incredible to think this journey started five years ago.

This may be the end of regular coaching in South Yorkshire, although we may look to run occasional sessions during future holidays if anyone is still interested by then.

Finally, I just want to say thank you. Thank you to every player, parent and family who has supported me over the years. Your support has meant more than you probably realise, and I’m incredibly grateful to have been part of so many players’ journeys.

More information will follow soon for anyone interested.

Much love💜

OFF SZN SESSIONS ARE ON THIS EVENING📈✅

As you’re aware, it’s extremely hot again for all involved!

Make sure you apply sun cream & bring plenty of fluids.. NO underskins this evening please & thankyou 😂

See you all later🙌🏽

🚨 CUSTOMER NOTICE 🚨

Just a reminder that ALL sessions this evening have been cancelled so we can all support the lads!🏴󠁧󠁢󠁥󠁮󠁧󠁿

An email was also sent out yesterday.

Prediciton: 3-0 WIN

OFF SZN SESSIONS ARE ON THIS EVENING ✅

We will adapt session designs to ensure all players still develop & leave a better player!📈

Please ensure the following:
- Every player is wearing sun cream protection
- NO thermal skins under kits
- PLENTY of fluids

This is for the safety of every player in our care! We look forward to seeing you all player🙌🏽

U12+ ACADEMY OFF SZN SESSION THIS EVENING‼️

✅ • High repetition
✅ • High intensity Physical work

A couple of spaces have opened up if you’d like your child to attend.

⛔️ Must be signed at an academy or been part of an ETC in the past 2 seasons ⛔️

Drop us a message for more details📲

❌ NO SESSION THIS EVENING DUE TO PERSONAL REASONS ❌

Session will be rearranged in the near future! Players will be contacted asap.

Thankyou for your understanding!

Professional contract ✍🏽

Great to see Joe sign his professional contract at Stockport County!🔵⚪️

A lad who I was introduced to at Under 10’s & worked with on a 1-2-1 basis with every week!📈

Remember his sessions like it was yesterday👏🏽

Blood, sweat & no tears from these champions 📈

“Today, around 2.5 million children in the UK do not live with a father figure at home. In fact, boys are now more likely to have a smartphone than a father figure living with them”.

This is a great read about young boys / young men! Take your time to read the information if you have a son🧠

What I've learned about boys and young men Since delivering the Dimbleby Lecture, I have been overwhelmed with the reaction to the issues facing young people, particularly young men which was the subject of the talk. I spent a great deal of time listening to parents, teachers, youth workers, employers, charities and researchers but, most imp

Great way to end the first week of the OFF SZN sessions💥

Repetition, repetition, repetition

Well done to all involved this evening, a serious work out for all😅 we look forward to welcoming more players in the coming weeks

Tonight’s session made me realise that 12-14 is a difficult age to coach by any standard. It’s no longer just planning a simple session. There is a lot to consider:

📈 • Intentional practice design which is age specific. Mastering the ball looks different.

🧠• Managing emotions during duels. Emotional control during puberty can be difficult!

🩼 • Dealing with players during their growth. Intensity is important but work to rest ratio is crucial to ensure you don’t cause or make existing injuries worse.

🔑 • You can’t demand respect, it’s earned through trust. When to stretch. When to support.