Opinions
We have gathered in one place the opinions of people who have worked with Marcin Gabor and the Football Development Institute on various levels.
It is worth reading the individual statements to get to know the Institute from the inside.
Gabriele Negri (Italy)
I had a great time in Sevilla. During the week there, I was able to see how the analysis department works: from data collection to data analysis, and finally, how the information is presented to Coaches and used to support players’ technical improvement. It was an immersive 360° experience that gave me plenty of ideas and insights for my own work. The Sevilla FC staff were very willing to share information and answer all my questions, and thanks to this, it was an experience of high value. Sevilla FC is a top Club in the field of football data, and there is so much to learn.
This was my first experience with FDI, and given the quality of this one, I think I would consider more in the future. I also highly recommend this experience to anyone working in football. FDI makes the experience very easy, handling all the organisation with the Club, so all that’s left for participants is to enjoy the experience.
Konstantinos Kynigopoulos (Greece)
First of all, the whole experience was something great. Special thanks to Anna Gabor (travel coordinator by FDI) for all the provided information and help with flights, hotel, tickets, transport arrangements on site, as well as support in other matters and comprehensive answers to every question. The by FDI chosen hotel was perfect and it was a terrific choice to stay there. I have nothing less to say than congratulations to the organisation of the internship for FDI.
All the people at FC Utrecht treated us – Interns – very well and they were all very kind. The Club representatives were very willing to explain everything to us and give their best in order to pass on all this knowledge. You could look into their eyes that they were enjoying it. And for me, this is one of the most important things. FC Utrecht Academy and all the organisation that they have it is at the same level as they are as humans.
Emmanuel Ogundare (USA/Portugal)
Following the completion of a great week spent on the scouting internship with FC Utrecht organised by Football Development Institute, I would like to express my appreciation to FDI for putting together this amazing educational trip. Also, I am extending my appreciation to the entire staff at FC Utrecht for their hospitality and welcoming spirit.
The trip started with a great presentation about the overview of FC Utrecht academy scouting structure delivered by the Head of Youth Academy. This gave an outline as to what was to be covered for the week long period. We talked about the different stages for player development (U11-U18) and I was made to understand how the age groups are grouped into phases. This gave a good overview of what to look for in different phases when scouting for players. During the week, we talked about player profiles. This is a good tool for analysing players, helping to understand a player’s characteristics and how they differ from other players that play in the same position. It was interesting to see how organised the scouting network with the Club worked and how it has aided the Club in carefully selecting players into the academy.
The internship supervisor spoke about the playing style as it applied to the U17 PF team and it was interesting to see how the same style was also implemented across almost all age groups in the academy. We got to watch one of the recruitment teams and were given the opportunity to give our opinions on players we thought should be considered. At the end of the week, we got to enjoy a series of matches from different age groups in the academy.
From the first presentation by Academy Director, he mentioned that “Everything is Connected”, and at the end of the week I could see how true the statement is from scouting to coaching and recruitment of players to a Club.
After this Internship, I know that I want to take part in another one organised by the FDI soon.
Dominik Gucia (Poland)
I am very satisfied with the scouting internship at FC Utrecht. Everything went successfully and on schedule. Exactly as communicated in the programme by FDI. The activities were conducted in a professional manner, by the right people and we were able to participate in interesting conversations. The people working at the Club are very open and available really throughout the day. And especially the internship supervisor deserves positive words.
The programme prepared by FC Utrecht – in cooperation with FDI – was very interesting, extensive and varied. In fact, from morning to evening we had each day filled to the brim. What I enjoyed the most was the “shadow team” game, when we were given team line-ups and were able to discuss the players and their profiles with the Club representatives. All with a view to a potential transfer to the academy.