Guernsey youngsters to be trained by Dutch footballing champions

TOP consultancy coaching staff from AFC Ajax will be visiting Guernsey in May to work with youngsters from Ilha Futebol Academy.

Chris Archer, director of coaching at Ilha Futebol Academy, formed links with the Dutch champions after attending a coach’s consultancy course in April 2011.  Two of Ajax’s leading consultants will be working on behalf of IFA to deliver a bespoke coaching programme for 32 youngsters from within Guernsey.

‘The Ajax youth academy is one of a kind and is unique because of its culture, proven history of success and player development.  The coaching philosophy, facilities and innovative approach are still unmatched in the world of sport today and complement the approach we take at Ilha Futebol Academy which focuses on structured development modules designed to fast-track player performance,’ said Mr Archer.

‘Ajax’s specialist coaching programme will help educate Guernsey’s players by teaching them new methods and coaching philosophy on how to pursue football excellence.  This is an exciting prospect and with it IFA welcome two coaching staff that offer a wealth of experience.  It will be of enormous benefit to the youngsters involved and I want to thank Rihoy and Son and MOO Architecture for their support and dual sponsorship.

‘I’m very excited for those players who will be taking part and wish that I had been able to experience such an event when I was growing up on Guernsey.  Times have changed and with it football has moved on, I want the players to understand that with hard work, dedication and perseverance great things can happen.’

Rihoy & Son managing director Gavin Rihoy, whose daughter will be one of the players taking part, said the company was delighted to be involved.

‘Rihoy & Son has a long association with football on the island our links go back 85 years.  Rihoy & Son has proudly sponsored both mini and senior football for 10 years.  We were more than happy to extend that support to Ilha Futebol Academy and have no doubt that all of the youngsters will benefit from their time with Europe’s most successful youth academy.

Jamie Falla from MOO Architecture said the chance to train with professional clubs was rare.

‘Living on Guernsey has so many opportunities and benefits for youngsters but the limited access to coaching professionals is a challenge.  This is a once in a lifetime experience for these youngsters to learn from a club that is well known for its conveyor belt of youth talent and outstanding performances.’

Anyone wanting to know more about Ilha Futebol Academy’s professional coaching programmes can contact Chris Archer at chris@ilhafutebolacademy.co.uk

Tags: Ilha Futebol Academy, Rihoy & Son

Category: Community, Sport