There are many varied approaches to the art of football management. When it comes to practical training sessions some like to take a more considered and detached view, whilst other like to get their boots on and direct operations from the field. England manager Roy Hodgson definitely falls into the latter category.
“Every training session that you do can be a learning curve for you, because you’re learning from the players and you’re learning from mistakes you see on the field,” Hodgson explained at the recent FA Licensed Coaches’ Club conference.
The England manager delivered an hour long practical session focusing on attacking play with Wolverhampton Wanderers’ U21 squad.
And at 65, the England manager has lost none of the enthusiasm for coaching, an aspect of his character which has seen him recruited to work in eight different countries, managing four national teams along the way.
“Sometimes players can do things that you’ve not thought about, so every training session is a learning session,” he added.
The former Fulham and Liverpool manager stressed the importance for coaches to develop communities of practice, encouraging like-minded individuals to share and develop their ideas.
“Coming to these courses and conferences can only be beneficial. Not only do you meet other people, you listen to other people talking and see other people working, but you learn a lot from other people on the course.
“You’re discussing your problems and your views on football, and they’re bouncing ideas back to you, and as a result you’re picking something up.”
The FA Licensed Coaches’ Club event held in the first week of December was attended by over 600 coaches. The main take-home message was the importance of continued professional development, something Hodgson underlined in his advice to the next generation of aspiring coaches and managers.
“Take what you’re doing seriously put all your energy, enthusiasm and passion into your work to improve yourself all the time.
“If they’re going to have long careers, which I’ve been lucky to have, they’ll need a little bit of luck along the way and they’ll also need to have a strong streak of endurance.”
Roy Hodgson was speaking at The FA Licensed Coaches’ Club conference held at St.George’s Park, The FA’s national football centre.
To read more about The FA Licensed Coaches’ Club conference click here
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