Game on: next generation of football stars invited to hone their skills

AN April school holiday development camp will give young footballers across Geelong and the Surf Coast a chance to sharpen their skills.

Run by Coerver Coaching Geelong, the four-day program combines technical training, game-based learning and small-sided matches in an intensive but enjoyable format.

Director Adrian Leijer said the camp was designed to support players at every stage of their football journey.

“It’s a four-day camp with about 21 hours of football,” he said.

“We bring in elite athletes to speak to the kids, run quizzes and skill sessions, and by the end they’re tired but they absolutely love it.”

Sessions are tailored to ability, from beginners learning the fundamentals through to more advanced players honing their skills.

“We cater for everyone,” Leijer said. “For the three- to six-year-olds it’s about learning to love the game, and for older kids we have different levels depending on how much they want to push themselves.”

Mornings focus on technical skills and understanding the game, before players put those skills into action through matches and small-sided competitions.

Leijer said one of the biggest benefits was the immediate lift in confidence.

“You see it straight away. Even the following weekend they’re more confident on the pitch,” he said.

Coerver Coaching has been running globally for more than 40 years and is widely used by major clubs and federations, with the Geelong program supporting hundreds of local players each year.

Places for the April camp are limited. Registrations can be made via coerver.com.au or through Coerver Coaching Geelong’s social media pages.