Why the anti Dave Smith posts? Surely he is just implementing the Boards/CEOs policies?
Why the anti Dave Smith posts? Surely he is just implementing the Boards/CEOs policies?
I am not anti DS, my question/doubt is should such roles be filled by the same person for such extended periods?
Would you not want both a quality TD but also new ideas, new techniques, new initiatives being bought into such a role. Granted here in Aus it is a double edged sword with such few roles if long term employment could not be guaranteed why would any one ever take them on.
I have not had a child directly under any elite system which DS is responsible for so I wont comment on their effectiveness but I have seen him on weekends over previous seasons at grounds like Eddon, Cessnock etc watching the Zone Aged squads but it seemed more a PR exercise (talking with people, parents etc) than an in depth interest in the games/players/coaches that were in progress.
As for someone staying in the role for lengthy time.
Yes I agree it is important that no one stays in the position forever but it is also imperative not to turf someone out who may be good at what they are doing just cause they have been there for x amount of time. The position should ALWAYS be reviewed periodically and given to the best possible candidate whether that be the incumbent or new blood
my first post, but wanted to comment, so here goes
Have had a little to do with EJ/NNSWF program over the last few years. Personally I believe D Smith does a reasonable job, but is only one person. It is his understudies that let the program down. As previously posted just because you have a certificate does not necessarily make you a coach. The EJ program is supposed to be the pinnacle of youth development in this local area, but until better coaching is available with in the program it cannot claim to be the best.
Also facilities, I know the new facility at Speers Point will go along way to rectifying this BUT for now the facilities are a joke. No home ground, no set training facility, not good enough.
And one last thing, the selection process needs to be evaluated, kids who were developed early by their parents etc and were exceptional at 8 years of age do not always stay that way. Other kids develop and may actually be better, but reality is once in program very few kids get dropped. The common belief is that once in the program kids will develop at a rate exceeding kids outside of the program, but they don't really look outside the program to know.
The reality is that now with the NPL starting at U/13 clubs are developing programs that will pick up a 2nd phase of kids. Some of these clubs will have strong programs in place and will become a viable alternative to EJ and other programs. Some of these kids, who are probably good enough to be in EJ or other programs may develop now with good coaching, structure and a pathway that could lead them to NBN or beyond.
Most important point. The top 20 at 13 will not be the top 20 at 18. Things change, injuries, dedication, dads influence is reduced and so on. The more places that juniors can get top coaching outside of the golden pack is the key for me.Originally Posted by Why Blue
This is silly, population can be a factor if all other elements are equal. If we believe our facilities and coaches are up to scratch in comparison to other states then yes population could definitely be a factor.
Citing China / Russia / India vs Spain / Brazil / Germany etc is not the same comparison as NNSW vs other local federations, cop out.
( Playing devils advocate here, I don't necessarily think our coaching / facilities / opportunities for youth elite is equal to other federations )
PRESIDENT Steve Cucumanovski defended the decision by Newcastle Football not to implement a centrally licensed Skills Aquisition Program co-ordinated by Northern NSW Football and highlighted its track record in junior development as justification.
The SAPs, which were officially announced yesterday and will begin this year, are part of the second edition of the Football Federation Australia National Football Curriculum and are aimed at boys aged 10 to 13 years. SAPs for girls between the ages of nine and 12 will be introduced in 2015.
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The six other Northern NSW zones, including Hunter Valley and Macquarie, will have squads of 32 players in each age group.
They will train three nights a week for 36 weeks of the year and play matches against the other zones and in gala days. The best of those players will flow into the Emerging Jets programs.
The SAPs focus on four core skills: striking the ball, first touch, one-versus-one, and running with the ball.
Newcastle Football is Northern’s biggest member zone and in recent years has produced Jets A-League players Ben Kantarovski, Andrew Hoole, James Virgili and Jacob Pepper.
Cucumanovski said that after long discussions with Newcastle Football technical director Richard Hartley, operations manager Russell Henry and NNSWF it had opted to continue its own program.
Its program will include elite club-based competitions whose players will have the opportunity to train under, and be seen by, Newcastle Football coaches. It also will have a regular training group from which teams for the state titles will be chosen.
‘‘We will follow the same curriculum [as the SAP], but we didn’t want to limit it to 32 kids, especially in those age groups,’’ Cucumanovski said.
‘‘Not everyone develops at the same rate. We want to open the program up to as many players as possible.
‘‘In the tens we are looking at 160 kids [in the elite club competition]. In the elevens and twelves it is about 80.
‘‘They will come in once a week and do the exact same training as the SAP. The only difference is that it will be delivered to more kids.’’
Newcastle will not have the benefit of competing weekly against the other zone SAPs but will still participate in the under-11 and under-12 state championships.
Northern NSW chief executive David Eland was disappointed at Newcastle Football’s direction but respected its decision.
‘‘As the state body our role is to implement technical direction,’’ he said. ‘‘This program has been endorsed by FFA.
‘‘Newcastle Football’s view is very aspirational. We do not believe it can be implemented that broadly. We know the level of quality FFA are after and understand the intensity of training required.
‘‘Our SAP coaches are in Armidale this week receiving professional development so they are equipped to deliver the program.
‘‘In our discussions with Newcastle we offered some compromises. We gave them the option of having 20 core players in each squad and rotating others in and out.
‘‘They have decided to go down this path.
‘‘We are very disappointed, but the door is always open.’’
Cucumanovski was confident Newcastle Football would continue to produce high-quality players.
‘‘Our record is pretty strong,’’ he said. ‘‘If another Ben Kantarovski or Andrew Hoole popped up, it would be insane if they were overlooked because they hadn’t come through a program.’’
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Eland said the opportunity to train and play regularly against the best in each zone would put SAP players at an advantage.
‘‘It will definitely be harder for the kids outside the SAP programs to be identified,’’ he said. ‘‘It’s not the end of the world, but one of the aims is to provide a clear and consistent pathway for players.’’
Interesting development and will be worth watching how Newcastle go about their program. I agree with the numbers and kids developing at different stages, shame to think a 11yo kid cant get a run because he developed a little slower that another OR worse because his/her parents were not as "developed" as other parents.
Main problem will be coaching, how do you get enough quality coaches for 160 kids ????
Disappointing to see Elands comments, "It will definitely be harder for the kids outside the SAP programs to be identified,’’ he said. ‘‘It’s not the end of the world, but one of the aims is to provide a clear and consistent pathway for players.’’.
Typical Northern NSW our way or the highway bully tactics. They seem to forget that they are supposed to be providing opportunities for each and every child in Northern NSW who wants to participate in football. Not just the ones who pay to participate in their Emerging Jets program.
Will be interesting to see how our Elite 13's and 14's go this week at the National titles in Coffs Harbour with a change in Technical Director. Just had a look at the NNSW website and the 14's haven't had the best of starts under GVE losing 2 from 2 but the 13's seem to be going better. Good luck to the boys for the rest of the tournament.
14's now 0-3................its not the TD, its the program the selection process.................the kids................they simply are not the best available from with in this area.
How can it not be the TD? Surely they are in charge of the EJ Program and the selection process.
14's now 0-4 - not a good look.
The 14's have completed their Group matches at the National titles and have faired poorly. They have lost 5 matches and drew 1 and finished equal last. What the hell is doing there!!?? I remember the days when we were right up there challenging for Australian titles (albeit some 30 years ago). Surely questions need to be asked?
Yes could not win a game, 2 goals in 6 games, positive is their keep was named U/14 keeper of the tournament, makes you wonder what might have happened if he had not played ???? given he played for Olympic this season so came from outside the EJ program
Most everyone who has anything to do with this age group knows that the boys playing EJ's are not the best of the best as NNSWF would like for you to believe.
Most of kids in the team are 2nd or 3rd choice over kids who have left the program and frankly they play that way. Also a bigger group of Individuals you will never see, certainly only playing for them selves, not as a team.
Time for a big broom, selection process borders on being a joke.
I have said before that the EJ program serves no real purpose, except maybe to pay GVE and to inflate some ego's and results from Nationals proves this. Equal last in Under 14's and 5/7 for U/13.
Time is up.
Why would kids want to join the EJ program
Once they are in they are banned from all other sports. Back in the day we had internationals come out of the region let kids enjoy themselves till they are 15-16 then bring in the intensive training regime
Kids who are part of the EJ Are barred from other sports ie cricket, nippers, league, union, baseball, little athletics
Let them enjoy their childhood and if FOOTBALL is their passion it will come to the fore
This is good point, any kid who shows potential at 8,9,10 etc is probably going to be an athlete,with good hand eye co-ordination, so probably a good swimmer, runner, cricketer etc.
These sports may also help kids develop thier skills and fitness.
So what do EJ's say................nooooo, give them up, must concentrate 100% on football..........
So some kids give the EJ's away, so they can swim, surf, play cricket, do athletics etc.
So what's left, the die hard 100% "i'm gonna be a socceroo " tragic who is driven by thier parents lack of success......
The EJ program though good in concept is a ****in joke in how it's administered, even still now with Dave Smith gone.
hear hear or is it here here ???? there are better kids at all age groups playing in all NPL youth teams, whether their choice, or the choice of players parents in the know with coaching staff at EJ.
Ill use the Macquarie Under 12 who won the state titles in Coffs Harbour just five years ago, i think there is three or four in the EJ programme, the other 11 play NPL in either under 17/19, if it is so far below the suposed EJ programme, im sure they wouldntve/couldntve/shouldntve dropped out of the system five years down the track.
It is great to see the local talent progress through the ranks. Go Jets!
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