Children's Academy

What is a Children's Academy?

A professional football club's Children's Academy is a multi-dimensional and systematic programme which is part of the country's highest ranking youth development scheme for aspiring young football players.

Stenhousemuir Football Club is a current member of Scottish football's highest tier of for youth football in Scotland - Performance Level. By competing at this level it means that all players within the Stenhousemuir Football Club Children's Academy will therefore compete on a weekly basis at the highest possible level for young football players aged 9-12 years anywhere in the country.

Academy Overview

The Stenhousemuir Football Club Children's Academy, launched in January 2010, encompasses the training and development of our talented young players aged 8-12 years in a team environment.

Stenhousemuir Football Club is committed to developing the best young talent in Falkirk, Stirling and surrounding areas and operates a unique children's development model which protects and nurtures the football stars of tomorrow.

The Children's Academy ensures that innovative coaching practices are delivered across the areas of technical development, game awareness development, tactical development and physical development via a comprehensive sports science programme designed to meet the needs of each individual player.

High personal standards are required if players are to progress as both football players and individuals. Discipline in behaviour, timekeeping, dress code, practice schedule, taking instruction and healthy lifestyle are pivotal in the overall development of our Children's Academy players.

Both on and off the field of play it is expected that the players will always represent the Club in the correct manner, showing respect to officials, opponents, supporters and hosts/guests at all times. Players must always concentrate and listen to their coaches.

Aims & Objectives

The main aims and objectives of the Stenhousemuir Football Club Children's Academy are as follows:

1. Identify and develop players within the local vicinity to enter the Youth Development Programme;
2. Aspire to produce happy, well adjusted, successful, talented and creative young individuals;
3. Create a positive and stimulating learning environment for young players to compete against others of similar ability;
4. Create a positive culture within the Academy that 'hard work equates to success';
5. Develop and maintain high standards in all aspects of the Academy - players, coaches and parents included;
6. Comprehensively formulate a development strategy which combines physical coaching with other vital areas of education, such as discipline, self-esteem and team spirit and places strong emphasis on communication with parents;
7. Improve the social interaction of young players by encouraging teamwork and sound work ethic, as well as enhancing important personal characteristics, such as communicational skills, leadership, unselfishness and competitiveness - attributes required not only for success in football but also in everyday vocations;
8. And arguably most importantly, offer all Academy players with an opportunity to experience one of the most innovative, exciting and enjoyable football development programmes in Scotland.

Structure & Method

Structure

The Stenhousemuir Football Club Children's Academy consists of 6 key departments:

1. Technical (coaching);
2. Identification and Recruitment (scouting and talent ID);
3. Medical (physiotherapy and rehabilitation);
4. Sports Science (structured age-appropriate physiological programmes);
5. Education and Welfare (lifeskills education and personal development);
6. Administration and facilities management (coaching staff).

Method

The Stenhousemuir Football Club Children's Academy ensures player development and excellence by following a simple methodological structure: