Excel

Sport Academy

This page will provide information on how we approach and deliver the Academy programme. We will focus on optimal development
in both physical and psychological areas. Included are potential pathways available
throughout the different stages of their development at Excel.

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Welcome to the Excel Academy!

Welcome to the Excel Academy! This leaflet will provide information on how we approach and deliver the Academy programme. We will focus on optimal development in both physical and psychological areas. Included are potential pathways available throughout the different stages of their development at Excel. We outline our principles and methodology and hope that you, as players and parents, embrace and support the ethos while part of the Excel Academy.

If you prefer, you can download our full brochure for information about The Excel Academy.

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The Academy offers a unique opportunity for players who are of good ability and show the required level of understanding, behaviour and commitment.

We have a very successful development programme. The key to the Excel Development Programme is the nurturing structure and safe, friendly environment that is provided by the coaching sessions and the developmental Excel Sunday League. This allows us to develop players as individuals and as part of a team environment under our guidance, preparing them for more competitive matches once they are ready to progress into the external local leagues.

Foundation Phase Pathway (FPP)

From school year 2 (U7’s), Academy players have an opportunity to be selected for our Academy teams. The Academy teams initially play in the Excel Sunday League before progressing to the Watford Friendly League via our affiliated local club – Aldenham Excel FC.

Unfortunately not everyone playing in the Excel Academy will be initially selected for an Academy team due to the maximum number of players allowed in each team. We must make sure that individual players are at the required
level to make this step as they will be playing against a year above in our Sunday League. Each season we add players to the Academy teams as the game format changes. This rewards players for their continued development within the programme. Those not initially selected for the Academy teams will still have the opportunity to develop within a team in their own age group whilst continuing to participate in the Academy training groups.

We put our emphasis on the child as a footballer and a person, rather than on the competitive side of the sport, something that they will have enough time to enjoy in due course.

Foundations of Development

Psychology provides a firm foundation of mental strength and confidence. Developing a space for confidence and resilience is paramount to development in all areas of life. This develops through a consistent personal understanding that actions or behaviours can be expressed through trial and error without fearing negative consequences that decisions and mistakes can be made without fear. All our sessions are formulated so that everyone can make their own decisions and learn from them in a psychologically safe environment.

Coaches will set challenges that leave the player in control of their actions, decisions and leave them in a better place to understand and discuss solutions. This sense of control will help build concentration, motivation and confidence over time. We believe that it is of great importance that parents are involved in helping build a cohesive platform for development and that parents should fully immerse themselves with the process by getting to know the coach and understanding the principles of our approach to support the player’s learning.

Academy Brochure

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