Go Behind The Scenes At Manchester City FC Academy With Director Mark Allen at the MCFC Coaching Symposium on Friday, May 27th
Manchester City FC Americas Cup’s Focus on the Future: Head of MCFC’s Academy Mark Allen will hold a MCFC coaching symposium on the player development, training techniques and coach philosophy used by Manchester City’s championship first team on Friday, May 27th at the So Cal Sports Complex in Oceanside.
UPDATED: GREAT NEWS – Thanks to a generous sponsorship from Elite Soccer Clubs, the #1 choice in registration software for bigger clubs, the Manchester City FC coaching symposium is now free to attend until full. Sign up today to secure your spot with discount code: MCFCFREE.
Exclusive Interview with Mark Allen – Manchester City FC Academy Director since 2009. Allen has played an important role in defining the player centred coaching philosophy at Manchester City. Two-thirds of players in MCFC’s Football Academy are drawn from the local area – an impressive 35% of academy players come from Manchester, and the net transfer fee payments in 2014-15 were the second-lowest since 2008-09. With many academy teams earning championships, the 2014/15 academy celebrated one of the most successful seasons to date – and, soccer fans know that the Manchester City First Team Squad finished the 2014-15 season in second place in the Premier League, scoring more goals than any other team – with Sergio Agüero, winner of the Golden Boot scoring a total of 26.
Manchester City FC’s Academy job is to:
Attract, develop, motivate and retain the best natural talent by producing the best possible experience … the “City Experience.”
Who is Mark Allen? As the director of the Academy, Mark Allen is responsible for one of the most prestigious player development programs — and with amazing resources, Allen’s job is develop players for the English Premier League (EPL).
The Manchester City FC Coaching Symposium is a great opportunity to learn what goes on in one of the highest rated Academies on the planet and discuss coaching youth soccer players with a leader in the industry.
Diane Scavuzzo: Welcome back to America – have American youth soccer players improved in the last few years?
Mark Allen: Most definitely, there’s a much higher tactical awareness than existed previously as well as the technical development which has improved greatly.
Diane Scavuzzo: You lived in San Diego for a while – when and why?
Mark Allen: I lived in San Diego from 1982 to 1986 – as I went to University on a soccer scholarship – and loved living there.
Diane Scavuzzo: How is youth soccer and elite player development different in England than America?
Mark Allen: There are more established soccer academies in the UK competing for players, and there is a greater tactical emphasis here.
Diane Scavuzzo: Manchester City FC focuses on developing the whole player – what does that really mean?
Mark Allen: At MCFC we hold a playing ethos and just as importantly a person ethos, as we believe good players and good people make great players.
Diane Scavuzzo: What is the most important trait of a successful coach?
Mark Allen: Aside from all the communication and technical/tactical knowledge, empathy with the players is incredibly important.
Diane Scavuzzo: What has coaching coaches taught you?
Mark Allen: Transferring your personal playing ability to coaching is not as simple as some may think.
Diane Scavuzzo: Is winning important?
Mark Allen: In the early years of a players journey, the development of technical skills where players feel comfortable with the ball outweighs any winning outcomes. Winning is an important part of sport and that will come as a byproduct of honing all the required skills and attributes.
Diane Scavuzzo: How important is coaching education?
Mark Allen: Coaching education is a vital ingredient in the development process. Players need coaching of the highest standards and the ability to convey theories into practice is the key component of a top coach.
Diane Scavuzzo: Who is your favorite soccer team besides MCFC? Who do you root for behind closed doors?
Mark Allen: I root for Cardiff City FC – my home town team.
Regardless of their success on the field, Manchester City are always looking to make the next season even better. With a strong passion for a vibrant attacking style of soccer, the club believes attitude and personality are also essential characteristics of a footballer. Developing the whole player — a player who is capable of responding to difficult challenges on and off the field is important.
As Allen said recently after the U18s were victorious on the field:
We’re here to develop footballers and, at the end of the day, winning leagues is fantastic but it’s about putting them on a journey to the first team.”
The methodology of Manchester City FC’s Academy produces record breaking achievement and delivers excellence at the club level. Want to learn more? Discover what Allen believes are the critical ingredients for successful player development?
On Friday, May 27 there is the unique opportunity to come meet and listen to Allen who is coming to America for the Manchester City FC Americas Cup youth soccer tournament held at So Cal Sports Complex in Oceanside, CA over Memorial Day Weekend. Speaking on the Manchester City FC Academy Strategy and Philosophy — with a discussion on player development at specific age groups — Allen will share his insights and experience as the head of one of the world’s out prestigious Academies.
Don’t miss Allen’s Coaching Symposium:
Coaches Symposium at Manchester City FC Americas Cup Event Schedule:
11:00 – 12:00 Watch the Manchester City FC B13 Academy team train with the MCFC Academy coaches. Head of Academy Mark Allen will provide commentary during the private session.
1:00 – 2:30 Mark Allen on Manchester City FC Academy strategy and philosophy, including discussion on the development of specific age groups.
Location: Friday, May 27th at the So Cal Sports Complex in Oceanside
Cost: $150 per participant, SoccerToday readers can enter GOALN for $55 off!
Click Here to Register for the MCFC Youth Soccer Coach Symposium – remember to use Code GOALN for the SoccerToday $55 DISCOUNT
Top Image of Mark Allen – Courtesy of MCFC, Image at 2015 Manchester City FC Americas Cup – Photo Credit: Diane Scavuzzo
Related Article: Second Annual Manchester City FC Americas Cup
Updated 5.20.16:
Originally SoccerToday readers received a $55 DISCOUNT off $150 Manchester City FC Coach Symposium Fee – with Code GOALN
