26th January (Blackburn)
We believe that youth football has drifted away from what truly matters, the player. Talented young footballers, the future of the game, are often the victims of outdated youth development practices, by people who exploit young talent for their own self-serving agendas, using them as stepping stones for their career progressions.
A worrying trend has emerged in both elite academy and grassroots football. Thousands of young players across the country are being misused, mishandled, and held back in their development journey as a result of poor developmental practices, in the hands of people who show lack of genuine care.
Elite Development Project, founded to serve the player, is here to reshape the youth development culture and create an environment where young players can truly thrive, where adults are no longer obstacles, but catalysts in the development journey.
Across youth football, a worrying trend has emerged. Too many self-promoting leaders claim to prioritise player development, yet are first to step in front of the camera to celebrate success and first to disappear when things go wrong. They preach values they don’t live by, seeking recognition, not responsibility. Audacious adults exploit young talent, using players as stepping stones to satisfy personal self-serving agendas, secure promotions, often at the expense of player development. If this sounds familiar, it resonates with us too. EDP was created to change the narrative for good.
THE COMPLETE PACKAGE FOR OPTIMUM PLAYER DEVELOPMENT
Our player development programme is designed for players aged U7-U16, both outfield and goal-players. Led by our double UEFA A licenced, Youth Award & Advanced Youth Award Head Coaches, Darren Murray & Alex Stylianou, it is designed to replicate the youth development methodology of professional environments. It combines on-pitch coaching with off-pitch performance analysis support to consolidate learning & accelerate development
ACROSS BOLTON & BLACKBURN THROUGHOUT THE WEEK
Our sessions are taking place in Bolton & Blackburn across various locations/venues & days, for players aged U7 to U16, boys & girls. Our player development programme is suitable for any players, academy & grassroots players. We are offering big, small group & 2-2-1 sessions throughout the week. Contact us by clicking on the link below to find out more info
ELITE COACHING IN LINE WITH THE MODERN ERA
It is our belief that coaching has drifted away from what truly matters, the player. We are here to re-claim the true purpose of coaching, which is to help improve players. This means, our opinions, personal biases & preferences are of very little importance when confronted with the facts, such as, what’s best for the players. At EDP we ensure our training replicates real game scenarios by exposing players in game-related attacking & defending situations. Through high-intensity & repetitive training in game-like distances, we aim to develop the player’s ability to make & execute the right decisions. Developing the player’s understanding of the game is paramount, as this is our core business as coaches, to teach the game!
PERFORMANCE ANALYSIS SUPPORT
We believe that player development is no accident, and it definitely does not grow on trees. We believe it is a result of relentless work and meticulous attention to detail, both on and off the pitch. Players joining EDP will benefit from off-pitch provision with access to our online Hudl platform. Players will have the opportunity to access online content to enhance their understanding of the game, complete tasks as and when assigned, as well as reflect back on training sessions & games by creating their own individual clips on their own performance
''Alex led the foundation phase at Burnley during my time and always went above and beyond in all he did. As the FDP lead covering all age levels he also oversaw the pre-academy programme. Alex has progressed the programme to a higher level in player quality, level of coaching, organisation and standards. He is always willing to put in the extra hours and creates excellent relationships with all the young players. He has great energy and enthusiasm that assist in motivating the players and creating a positive environment for all the players. He is honest and caring in his interactions with parents and players''
BURNLEY F.C FORMER ACADEMY DIRECTOR
