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Post by cjeagle on Oct 8, 2012 9:39:39 GMT 8
sandrodad's comment
Sandro's team lost to a team with superior teamwork yesterday. He played as well as he could, scoring a goal and assisting on another but the 8-3 score was a lesson well learned for his team. They still had a lot of fun and are looking forward to improving their team play next Saturday!
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Post by polarismtr on Oct 8, 2012 18:08:56 GMT 8
Well, Barcelona's really grabbing up true Asian talents. They have 2 Korean kids in their Infantil divisions, and one of them (Seung Woo Lee) is a consistent MVP in everything he plays. They say his touch and IQ is way above his age level. Their Cameroonians are also amazing, too. I wonder if Barcelona'll do the same with Korea and grab another Pinoy. As far as i know, there are four Asians in La Masia at the moment, three S.Koreans and a Japanese. Here are some infos about them gathered on the net. Hope Sandro can follow these boys. - Paik Seungho (Cadete A:U-16) Born '97 (age 15) - Former Suwon Bluewings youth - Scouted by Barca in 2009 - Attacking Midfielder, Central Midfielder Paik has been consistently praised by Catalan media for his strong fundamentals, high football IQ and creativity. In July 2011, UEFA's official magazine "Champions" picked him as one of the 6 best prospects from the entire La Masia. He jumped to Cadete A (U-16) in the middle of 2011/12 season, even before turning 15. Though he used to be trained primarily as a striker when he was in Korea, La Masia coaches now put him on more of "Iniesta Role". Although he and his coaches seem to be worried about his relatively slow physical development, his contract has recently been renewed until 2016, which means he will keep the chance of signing pro contract with Barcelona until he gets 19. *GIF* A hat-trick by Lee Seungwoo in an international U-14 tournament, Sep 2011. - Lee Seungwoo (Cadete B:U-15) Born '98 (age 14) - Former Incheon United youth - Scouted by Barca in 2010 - Striker, Attacking Midfielder Initially, this boy didn't get as much expectation as his senior Paik did, but now he has become a monster prospect. He literally swept every MVP and Golden Boot titles in every local and international tournaments he played so far. In 2011/12 season, he played in Infantil A (U-14) team and made 40 goals plus 18 assists in 26 games. Recently Lee got promoted to Cadete B (U-15) and played in an international tournament in Italy, where his team won every six games including 3-2 win over AC Milan U-15 at the final, and he added another MVP/Top Scorer trophies to his collection. After the tourney, Goal.com compared him to Samuel Etoo. - Jang Gyeolhee (Infantil A:U-14, currently being tested at Cadete B:U-15) Born '98 (age 14) - Former Pohang Steelers youth - Scouted by Barca in 2010 - Striker Playing up front as a partner of Lee Seungwoo in the same team in 2011/12 Season, he allegedly scored double digit goals but the exact number is not known. Though it seems he too has been doing quite decently, it's an irony that the teammate who ruthlessly outshines him happens to be his fellow countryman. - Kubo Takefusa (Alevin B:U-11) Born '01 (age 11) - Former Kawasaki Frontale youth - Scouted by Barca in 2011 - Main position not yet decided It is known that Barca never accepts non-Catalan player in La Masia before they get 13 no matter how good the kid is. Instead they would bring such young non-Catalan talents to FCB Escola, which is also what happend to Sandro. However, last year this Japanese prodigy broke the tradition by getting directly accpeted to Alevin class of La Masia when he was only 10. Given his age it's too early to talk about his future at the moment, but he's already quite known to Barca fans for his exceptional raw talent and "Japanese Messi" is like his official nickname. (By the way, many people confuse Kubo as the kid from "Japanese dribbling prodigy video" which has been famous on youtube for several years, but the two are different kids.)
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Post by cjeagle on Oct 14, 2012 2:45:15 GMT 8
sandrosdad
Escola tournament game between Sandro's team and another Escola team earlier today ended in a 4-2 loss even after 2 of the opponent's goals were disallowed for offsides. Sandro scored the first goal of the game on a one touch, right footed curler from outside the box. In the afternoon friendly against CP de Sarria, Escola won 6-1 on 1 goal and 2 assists from Sandro. His goal was a right footed chip shot. It was tremendous fun for Sandro today and more very important football lessons learned on why they lost and why they won. For sure, another inspirational day for Sandro and his teammates! Thank you God!"
This is Sandros Escola team's first friendly against an outside school which they won 6-1 along with a loss against another Escola team in the same day. Good job Sandro.
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Post by sandrosdad on Oct 25, 2012 23:49:17 GMT 8
Great NEWS! This past week I was informed that the Spanish Government was happily surprised that their country was already, in a manner, helping sports development by granting temporary permission for Sandro Reyes to train in FC Barcelona. This matter arose during the bilateral talks between our officials and their Spanish counterparts as they were entering into agreements for cooperation and assistance between our countries. Their Minister went even as far as reminding the Spanish Ambassador to look into Sandro's case to ensure that he can enjoy the training offered by FC Barcelona. Anyhow, Spain officially agreed to help the Philippines' sports development including football. Muchas Gracias Espanya! www.rappler.com/nation/14803-ph,-spain-agree-to-promote-spanish-language,-culture
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Post by xclentoy on Oct 26, 2012 3:30:23 GMT 8
Great NEWS! This past week I was informed that the Spanish Government was happily surprised that their country was already, in a manner, helping sports development by granting temporary permission for Sandro Reyes to train in FC Barcelona. This matter arose during the bilateral talks between our officials and their Spanish counterparts as they were entering into agreements for cooperation and assistance between our countries. Their Minister went even as far as reminding the Spanish Ambassador to look into Sandro's case to ensure that he can enjoy the training offered by FC Barcelona. Anyhow, Spain officially agreed to help the Philippines' sports development including football. Muchas Gracias Espanya! www.rappler.com/nation/14803-ph,-spain-agree-to-promote-spanish-language,-culture This is a very good news. A lot of possibilities arise from this. Future asian argentina in the making!
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Post by locotes on Oct 26, 2012 3:55:08 GMT 8
Sandrosdad
Please keep as posted about Sando. We`are following his development. Good to know that Spain & Philippines have that mutual agreement on helping sports.
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Post by sandrosdad on Oct 28, 2012 9:16:44 GMT 8
FC Barcelona coaches and students are very kind and hospitable towards Sandro! He is feeling more and more at home each day. His performance so far is very consistent and he feels that his improvement is also very noticeable as he adopts to the philosophy and style of play! To receive regular updates on his life in and out of the pitch please like his Facebook page. We try to help him keep it fresh to inspire more Filipino players to reach for their dreams. KAYA NG PINOY! - - - "DON'T STOP BELIEVING!"(Journey original) www.facebook.com/SandroReyesPH
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Post by sandrosdad on Oct 31, 2012 19:02:27 GMT 8
Proud FILIPINO and proud parent moment for me when I received from Sandro his three official FC Barcelona Escola photos. Sometimes I still think this is all a dream but these pictures help me realize that it is all very real! Check them out on his FB page, KAYA TALAGA NG PINOY ITO!: www.facebook.com/SandroReyesPH
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Post by cjeagle on Nov 1, 2012 7:52:19 GMT 8
We are proud of your Sandro's achievements as well sandrosdad. Lets Go Sandro!
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Post by cjeagle on Nov 4, 2012 13:51:43 GMT 8
8th game today Sandro's team (wearing the Home kits) won 4-2, Sandro 2 assists. Totals so far thru 8 games: 7 goals, 9 assists and more fun than anyone can imagine!
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Post by cjeagle on Nov 5, 2012 6:29:36 GMT 8
Next week Nov. 10, Sandro's Escola team will battle Zak Gilsenan's team. It would be interesting to see how those kids have progressed since they entered Barca's Escola school together a few months ago.
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Post by jonluceroo7 on Nov 5, 2012 11:44:21 GMT 8
Totals so far thru 8 games: 7 goals, 9 assists and more fun than anyone can imagine! compare this to his peers, how does his statistics fair?
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Post by sandrosdad on Nov 13, 2012 19:08:36 GMT 8
Yesterday, my wife met with Sandro’s FCB Escola’s “tutor” assigned to Sandro. Here are the important points of this first of several regular chats and a glimpse of FCB’s secrets for its success:
1. The tutor oversees the overall development of the player. Not only as a football player, but more importantly, as a human being. The core values of humility, teamwork, kindness, generosity, hard work, etc. are far more important than being the best player skillwise.
2. Considering roughly 97% of Escola players will not make the cut to La Masia, parents and players are given a reality check. The fact that you are currently enrolled in Escola is already a major blessing as thousands of excellent players try out every year. To be among the very few chosen already means that FCB has seen your tremendous potential. FCB now wants to develop and take it to the next level.
3. However, Escola discourages parents and players from thinking that entering La Masia is the ultimate goal. Because only perhaps 3% of Escola players will make it. This does not mean that the 97% of those who do not make it are failures! Ultimately, even if you are accepted into La Masia, it does not mean that you will automatically earn a slot in the FIRST TEAM. The percentages of those who make it eventually are even lower! Much less, making it as a regular starter on the first team is even more far-fetched. Does that make the players who don’t make it that far also failures? The answer is NO. The goal is to make you into a better person not just the best player. So that whatever happens in your life later on, considering the ultra-competitive sport of football, you will have benefitted from FCB Escola’s overall education.
4. Escola does not encourage players to train in excess of the 4 times a week it devotes to football (3 days of instruction, 1 day of tournament games to practice immediately the lessons taught during the week). Players are graded based on how they implement the lessons of the week NOT on the goals or assists they make during the games!!! They are not expected, at this point of their training life, to be scorers or assist monsters. Detailed grades will be given at the end of January and June.
5. Since Escola does not want to discourage or kill the spirits of these young players, they give you up to the time you reach 12 years old to develop. At the end of this time, 97% are helped to find other clubs or pursuits to further develop themselves. Around 3% remain with FCB and are absorbed into La Masia. Once there, they are subjected to more intensive competition and demands. Some of the 97% who do not initially make it to La Masia, may still find their way into FCB if they perform well with other clubs. Tello and Cuenca are examples.
6. During the off days, Escola encourages parents to enroll their children in other pursuits. Take up another sport or play a musical instrument. Anything but football. Based on the statistics, it would be unwise to put all your focus into football as it can lead to burnout or a major letdown, or both.
7. FCB wants parents to remind their children that they should realize how blessed they are to be doing this now. They should be thankful for the sacrifice that their family is going through just to be able to send them to Escola. It is in having them realize this that they hope to make them give utmost value to the opportunity being presented to them.
8. Not even 1 in 1,000 Escola players will ever reach the highest level of first team play with FCB. But 100% of Escola players should come out as much better human beings at the end of their stay.
9. Sandro so far is doing good according to his tutor. His coach is happy with his progress despite the language barrier. In the beginning, Sandro was heaving difficulty executing the lessons because of this communication problem. But today he is much, much better and more comfortable with the style and philosophy of FCB.
10. Obviously, the philosophy of FCB is given paramount emphasis in Escola. Victory at all cost and even individual glory is discouraged. There is a higher ideal --- THE GREATER GOOD OF ALL. With the unprecedented success of FCB in world football these past few years, experts have been trying to unlock the secret of this team. Look no further. It lies in having a team philosophy, a clear goal, a plan of action and the right people to execute it. From top to bottom there is ownership of these essentials. Possession football at its finest is just the byproduct or end result of these essentials. What lies beneath is a ROCK SOLID FOUNDATION OF THESE ESSENTIALS.
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Post by teddyandtimmysdad on Nov 14, 2012 0:49:52 GMT 8
Great summary Edmund, I'm always looking forward to your updates. Will Sandro be coming home for Christmas??
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Post by sandrosdad on Nov 17, 2012 8:14:11 GMT 8
From an article in Inside Soccer, I believe this is exactly what FCB is all about---
CREATE YOUR DYNASTY: A SINGLE CLUB PLAYING PHILOSOPHY by Rossano Polvara - You have to love listening to all the pundits and managers after every game, especially after those games that may have brought about an upset that would cause discomfort for even the hardiest of footballing gastronomes. It is never with surprise that we hear of the top Clubs in the world, and especially Europe, reflect upon the failures and attribute them to the occurrence of key injuries within their starting line-up. Here is a thought – ‘Do you not have a deep bench and a viable academy behind that?’
Many of these Clubs invest millions upon millions each year on their academy system, have rosters that are almost 30 deep plus and entire set of reserve players too. Coupled with this, we are now familiar with the argument associated with the lack of development and the lack of opportunity for young players coming through the Academy system within any of the major Clubs. ‘Players rarely get to progress from the academy through to the first team’ - (You can fill in the name here with the vast majority of clubs.) While all that money invested each year into the Academy systems, we still witness an overwhelming trend of Clubs going into the transfer market to acquire new young talent, at the expense of the home grown talent within the Academy.
Header Does this policy of buying talent make sense for the Club at both the fiscal and on-field performance levels? Or is this merely a hobby of personal self gratification for the super wealthy owner? Does it really matter how one gets there as long as you get the results?
Yet there are exceptions, often at Clubs with a lesser budget and mostly within clubs with a distinct playing philosophy. Two Clubs that immediately spring to mind are Barcelona and Ajax, mostly due to their success but also their consistency. Interesting that the former’s strategy was imported from the Dutch club in the late 70’s. Two years ago I had the good fortune of attending a U16 tournament at the Ajax Academy. Most the clubs participating were European Clubs and included the likes of Ajax, Barcelona, Liverpool, Anderlecht, and AC Milan. While the games were fiercely competitive and characterized by young athletes looking to perform, what was overwhelmingly evident was the distinct playing styles adopted by each of the Clubs mentioned above. It was not surprising to see an extremely defensively minded AC Milan team square up against a far more fluid passing Barcelona team. Yes, the Italians love to defend and counter attack. The game that pitted Ajax vs Barcelona was one of very open fluid passing football, with two distinct ways of linking with the forwards. In many ways, one would not have been misplaced to think you were watching the first teams play. This in itself is an achievement for these clubs.
In contrast view the recent failings at Real Madrid, and Jose Mourinho’s dissatisfaction with the Real Madrid system – really the lack of consistency from the 2nd team with that of Los Blancos- will have raised the question of the value of a consistent playing philosophy and development approach throughout a club, and the desire to promote from within. So is there an argument for developing the players within a system, and giving them the opportunities to succeed and grow?
The questions really is why would we not develop homegrown talent? All to often we hear coaches, at all levels, complain that new players do not know how to play within the team structure. Do any players even know what that system is?
Developing a system takes times. It requires patience, and like any strategy one needs to pursue it with conviction and as you implement, be flexible to adjust to changes and allow for some tweaking. All too often a system is created but then rapidly abandoned for the sake of meaningless results. Really, is it that vital to win the U11 local tournament while playing horrid soccer. And guess what, at U12 it will be the same level of slop served up to get the results. But oh so sadly, like the farmer and his crops, you will reap what you sow. And by 14, this all unravels so quickly.
For those in a well defined system, there is nothing better than to observe players arrive to train and systematically begin to execute a complex drill with precision and ease, befitting of a fine tuned orchestra. Why are players able to do this at an early age? Familiarity and comfort. The players have been developed and instructed from the earliest of ages to play in a certain manner. Some drills are trademarks within the club, and as a player progressively develops from year to year, so are the coaches able to add tactical complexity. It is building blocks. There are no major surprises.
All to often one will hear that requesting of a coach to manage his team within a chosen system of play stifles the coach’s creative and individual flair. Really, are we so conceited that it is more about the coach than the individual player. Most of you with experience in coaching, at all levels of the game, know that regardless of a drill that is being executed, while two coaches may fundamentally follow the principles, there will always be differing elements that the players will learn from one coach versus another. As coaches, you are all individuals with very distinct positive qualities that the players will benefit from. So again with the simple foundation, players are being developed within a system they are comfortable with and with each new coach, additional elements are being added. This allows for steady progression and development of all facets of the game.
In contrast, take the player who is thrust into a new system of play each year. Often no sooner has the team come together with the new style and formation, and the season is almost over. The next year the players start at point zero. Who benefits here?
There is no doubt that the young players from both Ajax and Barcelona are able to progress into first team with relative ease, but not only do they proceed, they are able to succeed since they are comfortable with that playing style they are being thrust into. Yes, the speed and physicality will be an issue, but there is no steep tactical learning curve. Chelsea FC, although in many ways still a new academy since Roman Abromovich took over, have also started to develop a distinct style of play and testimony to this system approach is the introduction of Ryan Bertrand into the Champions League Final ahead of Fernando Torres. And he succeeded.
But you may be asking, well this only applies to the professional academies. Most definitely not. In fact at the grassroots and amateur level, this is probably even more important. How else do we at a Club level, regional and ultimately national level truly expect to develop our players.
So, if there is a compelling reason to do have a club wide playing philosophy why are more clubs not implementing their own. Frankly for two main reasons – it takes time and ongoing dedication. To create the playing philosophy requires the vision of the senior coaching staff and club administrators to formulating a longer term player development policy. This then requires the introduction and integration within the entire club in a planned methodical manner. But creating policy is one thing, implementing it is where the real work comes in. Those Clubs who have created such a philosophy and have had it successfully entrenched within the Club, typically have the following in place:
-clear principles of play, including values and attitude -a set of goals and objectives defining each principle -clear instructions and specific drills to teach each principle -a system to incorporate the principles into the season training program -follow up with each team and group to understand how well it has been incorporated -ability to review and assess the overall player development and progression
Yes, this may sound like a lot of effort, and no doubt that it is initially. Like most major changes, this will be presented with resistance, but as it becomes entrenched as part of the club’s culture, the benefits will soon become apparent as evidenced in a greater level of consistency in player and coaching development, a sense of being part of a unified club, but more importantly giving players a solid foundation upon which they can develop and ultimately succeed within.
You may be the start of something great in your area!
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