GOLD COAST UNITED FC ACADEMY GOALS

Create the best football academy in Australia Provide a development pathway for talented football players Provide coaches with a platform to develop into elite coaches Provide our 1st grade with academy players who have come through the system Implement the Gold Coast United Philosophy throughout the whole club and supporting clubs Create an environment that is fun for all and inclusive

GOLD COAST UNITED FC PHILOSOPHY

Football Philosophy All players will be developed to have a good understanding of a set of key principles and be given the training environment to excel tactically and technically to fit it to the modern style of football that is the “Gold Coast United playing style” A Pro-active style of football with effective possession and thoughtful movement provided by positive players with flair, creativity, and touch. Without possession an organized structure that disrupts the opposition forcing mistakes or regaining possession quickly. Gold Coast United want to control the game and dominate the opposition by having more technical players and better tactical awareness than other teams. A winning mentality and a growth mindset are key

IN POSSESSION KEY PRINCIPALS We want to control the game by having effective possession. Thoughtful movement and support are crucial to bring out the Gold Coast United playing style. Picking the right moment to hurt teams in behind with longer passes or breaking teams down by combining or individual skill will be key. Gold Coast United want players who are very gifted and who can produce moments of class to provide that cutting edge. KEY PRINCIPALS - Controlled build up - - Effective possession - - Combination play in wide areas - - Combination play in central areas - - Individual flair to either create chances or score -

OUT OF POSSESSION KEY PRINCIPALS We want to control the game by having the ball. We will limit the time our opponents can have possession by intelligently pressing and causing the opposition to make mistakes. Tactical discipline and awareness of the most dangerous areas are key. A mix of man orientated and zonal defending will be a key KEY PRINCIPALS - Pressure on the ball carrier as soon as possible - - Deny opponents time and space to dictate the game - - Limit opponent’s ability to create goal-scoring chances - - Awareness of main threats - - Aggressive Defending -

TRANSITION (WINNING POSSESSION BACK) Attack with quick movement and quick passing. Positive runs off the ball into areas that will effect the opposition being able to defend against us. When the counter attack is not on we maintain possession. Counterattacking is a huge part of modern day football we will have a clear counter attacking philosophy. KEY PRINCIPALS - Immediate transition into attacking mindset - - Quick forward passing - - Quick forward movement - - Make the field as big as possible -

TRANSITION (WHEN WE LOOSE POSSESSION) When we lose possession we try and win it back Immediately. If we cant win in immediately then we tactically win the ball back as soon as possible without leaving ourselves vulnerable. A mindset of “get the ball back” is crucial. KEY PRINCIPALS - Press the ball immediately - - Immediate transition into defending positions and mindset - - Limit opponents passing and movement options - - Make the field small as possible -

KEY PLAYER ATTRIBUTES - Growth mindset - - Winning mentality - - Decision making / reading the game - - Ball handling speed - - Positive - - Technical - - Football fitness -