DEVELOPING INDIVIDUAL STRENGTHS TO PROFESSIONAL LEVEL

Through both my club and school soccer work and my own academy training methodologies, I have spent many years identifying each player’s strengths while building the technical foundation needed for long-term development.

What needs to be developed is different for every player. It may be technical quality, game intelligence, decision-making, endurance or explosive speed. What matters most is understanding the individual and helping them maximise their potential.

Today I want to highlight just a few players who are still 18-19 I worked with closely, especially during the important years between 11 and 17, and continued to support through coaching and mentoring.

𝐀𝐚𝐫𝐨𝐧 𝐌𝐨𝐫𝐫𝐢𝐬 (𝐁𝐫𝐢𝐬𝐛𝐚𝐧𝐞 𝐑𝐨𝐚𝐫 𝐅𝐂): 

I started working with him from around age 9 and continued individual training until he was nearly 17. He is now playing for Brisbane Roar after scoring about 50 goals in 3 different age groups in 1 season (U18 JBNPL, U23 NPL, Men’s NPL).

𝐍𝐢𝐚𝐥𝐥 𝐓𝐡𝐨𝐦 (𝐁𝐫𝐢𝐬𝐛𝐚𝐧𝐞 𝐑𝐨𝐚𝐫 𝐅𝐂):

Niall stood out early for his football ideas, technical quality beyond what you might expect from a taller striker, and his natural goalscorer’s mentality. Scoring on his A-League debut showed his quality. Considering his record as a top scorer since U13, wider recognition has come a little late, so it is great to finally see his name spreading across the country.

𝐓𝐫𝐞𝐲 𝐊𝐢𝐧𝐠 (𝐀𝐠𝐮𝐢𝐥𝐚𝐬–𝐔𝐌𝐚𝐤 𝐅.𝐂.):

From around age 12, I focused on his individual skill development. He is a player with explosive speed, outstanding jumping ability, and strong 1v1 attacking qualities. After representing the Philippines at youth level, he now plays in the top league in the Philippines.

𝐍𝐞𝐥𝐬𝐨𝐧 𝐃𝐞𝐧𝐠 (𝐁𝐫𝐢𝐬𝐛𝐚𝐧𝐞 𝐑𝐨𝐚𝐫 𝐅𝐂):

Nelson was always a top-quality player in his age group. Not many early standouts go on to reach and remain at professional level, but he has done exactly that. He continues to grow, and with his leadership and decision-making, he is a player I always enjoy coaching closely.

I’m very proud to see their progress and success. I will continue doing my best to help more players grow in the same way.

I have also worked with many younger players who are beginning to reach important milestones. I do not post often, but I believe their growth, achievements and the work behind them are worth sharing from time to time.