Coerver Coaching’s holiday programs attract professional talent

Professional soccer player and coach, Masamichi Kuroyanagi, can’t wait to share his training tips and love of the game when Coerver Coaching kicks off its local school holiday program.

Since moving to the Surf Coast from Japan, the central defender quickly became a favourite among participants of Coerver’s skills-based training programs.

As well as bringing his experience from playing elite level soccer in Japan and Spain to his coaching, the 27-year-old Surf Coast FC player known affectionately as ‘Masa’ can relate to every one of his young charges.

After all, he was a ‘Coerver kid’ from age seven, when he began honing his skills in Japan with the globally recognised soccer teaching method.

Established in 1984 by Dutch football manager Weil Coerver, the revolutionary Coerver method encompasses programs for players, coaches, clubs and schools in more than 53 countries with 1.5 million participants.

Kuroyanagi was delighted to discover more than 1500 children had participated in Coerver’s training programs throughout Geelong and the Surf Coast since former Socceroo and Olympian Adrian Leijer established the local operations three years ago.

“I like to see children enjoying playing soccer and I also like to teach them the skills to enjoy playing even more,” Kuroyanagi said.

“The kids come to watch my (Surf Coast FC) games and that makes me happy and gives me a lot of energy. I am similarly happy when I go to see the kids play their games, score goals and play well. That’s what I’m here to do.”

Coerver, which marks its 40-year anniversary this year, continues to influence the way football is taught and played around the world.

For Masa, the Coerver approach is structured, effective and fun, providing his top tips for budding players.

“First one, just enjoy soccer – this is the most important one,” he said.

“Secondly, touch the ball as many times as you can in a day.

“Find your soccer idol and watch them.

“You will be inspired.”

For further information about the Coerver Coaching clinics and school holiday programs, head to coerver.com.au