TrainingSoccer.Org was pleased to welcome Benfica to Northern Ireland.  Hugo Vicente & Edgar delivered quality clinics for local children & coaches, 'The Benfica Way'.

The action kicked off at the Ballymena United Showground's with clinics for children aged 5-16.  The talented Ballymena U16 team attended in the evening to receive coaching during the coaching clinic.

The clinics then travelled to Belfast to Orangefield OB.  Again sessions were provided for children aged 5-16 before the coaches clinic.  Orangefield U19's had the privilege of receiving coaching from the Benfica coaches.  Last year the same squad were coached by PSV Eindhoven, another event organised by TrainingSoccer.Org.

The sessions for children were all ball related, fun & pressurised focusing heavily on the technical side of the game that has helped produce one of the best footballers in the world, Ronaldo.

One thing that was evident throughout all the sessions was the fun that the Benfica coaches had with the children.  They really did get down to the kids level but at the same time didn't lose any quality.

The coaches clinics were fascinating too.  A presentation on Benfica's youth system & senior set up developing to how they teach their youth players the game.  Many things covered was getting rid of the silly warm ups & 'Premiership warm ups' that we see so many 'coaches' performing.  How you can lose 1 year development in the process of developing young players through 'silly warm ups'.  How the game has changed, especially the speed & endurance in the last 30 years.

After the presentations, Hugo Vicente conducted the sessions that coaches in attendance gained valuable sessions & training advice.

The weekend was a huge success.  One parent commented how his child gained more out of a 90 minute session than they would have received in 3 months from their club!

Tim Wareing commented, 'It is a pleasure to have Hugo & Edgar from Benfica with us again in Northern Ireland.  In the past year we have attracted Benfica to travel to Northern Ireland twice & PSV Eindhoven.  For these top European coaches to share their ideas & methods to all local children & coaches is amazing.  It helps continue to develop the local game & the children & coaches involved within.'

Wareing continued, 'It is a shame that so many missed the opportunity or lacked the desire to learn & develop their game understanding.  Too many people within the local game don't seem to want to better themselves.  This was proved to me by Academy coaches from an Irish League Club ignore the opportunity to watch a session led by the Benfica coaches straight after their game!'

'We had a family that flew in from New York especially to attend these courses.  Yet some people wouldn't drive (or walk!) 5 minutes down the road to attend.  Unfortunately this is one real reason why the overall standard of the local game doesn't move forward.'

'What is interesting is the thoughts from the Benfica coaches.  In terms of the facilities that they seen they were impressed.  Many junior & amateur clubs still play on sand & clay courts in Portugal.  The main differences they noticed in the game in Northern Ireland was the physical side & lower level of technical ability of the players.'

'They also seen a big culture difference in that players, especially children, were afraid to take risks & take players on.  They could immediately see why with the distraction from the 'coaches' & parents on the touch line.'

TrainingSoccer.Org would like to thank Hugo Vicente & Edgar from Benfica for sharing their knowledge & passion of the game.  Thank you to Ballymena United & Orangefield OB for the use of their fantastic facilities.  We also extend our thanks to our sponsor, Absolute Marketing.  Finally to all the children, parents & coaches that supported the event.

If you would like to receive more details of future courses please contact us by telephone, 077 4012 0788 or by email.  You can register to our You Tube page to be the first to see the footage from the clinics.  Simply click here.

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