YPT visits

Youth development has been the cornerstone of success at Manchester United. The principles upon which the Manchester United Youth Academy is founded are not new at the club. From the days of Sir Matt Busby and the Busby Babes, in the 1950's, to the more recent historic successes of Sir Alex Ferguson with the 1992 Youth team, featuring many of the present first team players, the Club has always set out a vision to develop the most talented young soccer players who will ultimately play in the Club's first team, and, in many cases go on to play for England.

The academy has a number of aims which are inter-related and cannot be reached independently. For example the ultimate aim of producing players for Manchester United's first team cannot be reached unless the primary aim of making soccer fun is not maintained along the way.

Also, without enjoyment the third major aim of the academy, producing players/people with high personal standards cannot be reached. The ultimate aim is to produce first team and international players but the primary aim is to make soccer fun. The academy coaches believe that without the vital ingredient of enjoyment the players will not progress. They increase the players enjoyment of the game by:

        -Improving technique and understanding: As players improve in the basic techniques of the game, passing and
         receiving the ball, dribbling, crossing and shooting, tackling and heading, and the more they understand when
         to use each technique, the more skillful they become and their enjoyment increases.

        -Improving teamwork: Another way the academy increases enjoyment of the game is through interactions with
         teammates with skillful and imaginative play. A further aim of the academy is to improve understanding of
         teamwork and the role of each position in the team. At the younger age groups especially the players play
         different positions to improve their overall play and knowledge. It is not until their physical and mental
         characteristics develop fully that their best position can be accurately identified.

The Manchester United Academy is just as intent on producing players with what they refer to as 'High Personal Standards'. The academy feels that High Personal Standards are required if the boys are to progress as players but that they also apply to many other professions and hopefully the boys will maintain these standards as part of their general life style in years to come. The academy attempts to produce these standards in the following areas:

        -Discipline Disciplined behavior both on and off the field is expected and also that the players always represent the club in the
         correct manner showing respect to officials, opponents, supporters and hosts and guests all the time. Players and their parents are
         asked to sign an agreement to comply with the Football Academy Code of Conduct.

                  -discipline in timekeeping and dress

                  -discipline in practice: taking control of their own development by hours of repetition in practice of all the
                   techniques of the game.

                  -discipline in taking instruction: by concentrating and listening to coaches.

                  -discipline in working within a team: by playing their role within the team.

                  -discipline in maintaining a healthy lifestyle: by paying attention to the correct levels of training,
                   rest and nutrition.

        -Social Interaction- The academy feels that a number of ingredients go into making a successful soccer player such as fitness,
         technique and understanding. Another vital area is personality and how a player reacts in a game, with the team, or to certain
         situations. Improved social interaction of the player is another aim of the academy. Encouraging teamwork means improving
         communication skills, leadership, unselfishness, and competitiveness, which are required in life as well as soccer.

        -Understanding Health and Fitness The academy believes that having an understanding of health and fitness is important to
         becoming a professional soccer player. The players and their parents are given lectures and instruction in the areas of nutrition,
         growth and development, procedures when injured, principles of training, hygiene, health and safety and mental preparation.

The academy staff stresses to the parents that it is important that all players have a balance between playing, training, school activities
and rest. For the physical and mental development of the players it is vital that they do not or train if they are tired and have participated
in school games or activities. Parents are expected to support the club in educating the players in the need to be disciplined in the
balance between playing and resting.