>>[Coach P] I did not intend to say that there already exists a definite competitive advantage in terms of training and player development.<<

I didn't think that you did and/or were implying that; I was asking a straightforward question because I honestly wondered if there was a belief that CUFC was offering something other clubs weren't. More on this in a minute...

>>It would seem to me, however, that this is an area where a competitive advantage needs to be established and maintained in order to attract and retain Challenge level players.<<

I could not agree more!!!

This is an area where I'd love to see clubs get creative and inventive and advertise what they are doing differently and better.

>>At first glance one might answer that the level of coaching expertise and experience constitutes an advantage in training. But I think this needs to be proven over a period of time on a week-in and week-out basis. It needs to be evidenced through performance improvement at the player and team level, but not necessarily in wins. The players need to see that they are benefitting from the training and development. I'm not saying that this is not happening. I think it is. I just don't think enough time has passed to have established this as a clear advantage.<<

When I think of training advantages, I think of the following:
  • Coaches.
  • Trainers.
  • Other players being trained.
  • Methods.
  • Frequency.
  • Flexibility.


Just a few examples...

With respect to coaches and trainers, everyone gets the best they can get.

With respect to "other players being trained" -- it helps players to train with better players (you've noted that.) This is an area where looking at win/loss rates for challenge teams gives a prospective player insight into the other players with whom she/he will train. This is one reason that the 30% win rate is such a concern at a club level.

With respect to methods, the two questions I ask are (1) does the club have a training philosophy or is it every team for itself and (2) what is the training philosophy. In terms of philosophy, is there an emphasis on short-sided games over more static drills, full-sided games over posession, and so on (almost endlessly).

With respect to frequency, how often is training offered? How flexible is the training? Are players allowed and/or encouraged to train with "better" teams as well as their own? Are outside players allowed and/or encouraged into the training environment? Etcetera.

>>I guess the real proof will show itself at tryouts next Spring.<<

Certainly retention/attraction numbers will show the long-term trend -- the question in my mind is how you get ahead of these numbers to figure out proactively what is going on.

Great discussion...thank you!!!