Thinking Forward: Session Overview

This week's Maidstone cohort has had a varied session format, to meet the bespoke needs of all groups.

We began in the early morning with the Foundation Stage, working on ball manipulation. The young ballers worked on using small touches, developed through circle drills and evolved through a focus on screening technique. Jake accrued the Player of the Day award for his control and composure on the ball when taking small touches.

At Play and Progress Stages, the focus shifted to building play, using strategic passing to build towards pushing forward. Players were challenged to keep possession of the ball, whilst creating opportunities for their team, and finally, to execute finishing. Player of the Day for Play Stage went to Oliver because of his work ethic with the session focus. Coach noted his effectivity getting into defensive positions and executing counter attacks. For similar reasons, Player of the Day for the Progress Stage went to Stanley. Although coach set high expectations, he was resilient and never gave up on the focus.

At Perform Stage, players worked on passing, which developed into 2v2 attacking and defending play and passing out. Thomas got Player of the Day for his outstanding performance. He engaged well with drills, worked hard and defended and attacked consistently well which demonstrated great progress for his development stage.

And finally, the Squad Stage were working on forward passing, playing end-line games with target players. Standing out from the group today was Oscar, who sustained the focus - the principle of playing forward - right to the end, demonstrating great in-session development from drill to match.

This week we send a special shoutout to Archie and his family, who leave our provision after 3 years of training with us at the Primary division. We are wishing him and his family all the best with their next steps, and though Archie has made the decision not to pursue football further, he will be welcome at RB and will be considered a part of our journey always.

It was a lovely day's training down at the Maidstone site, and a nice little send off for Archie with the Perform Stage. Remember to those who do not yet have their kits, to order or email in to get them sorted next week, and for those of you reading who have yet to attend our provision, you can find out all information and book in for a free session HERE

Wishing everyone a lovely week ahead.

See you at the sidelines next week!