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.
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.
Mikołaj Bębenek (Poland)
I evaluate both the internship and its organisation by the FDI very positively. The internship programme – constructed by FC Utrecht in cooperation with FDI – was very intensive and at the same time valuable. I also liked the attitude of the people working at FC Utrecht towards the Interns. Everyone was very open and friendly. I would also add that the whole agenda went according to plan, without any delays.
I am eager to participate in internships organised by FDI again.
Jakub Witkowski (Poland)
The organisational aspects deserve a mention. I acquired a lot of new knowledge, which was based on the specific style of play by PSV. This is characterised by on-field dominance and a lot of position switching. I was also interested in the working methodology, and one of the highlights is the dividing of the pitch into “boxes” rather than zones. In addition, the issues of “action types” and “cognitive skills” were also interesting. I think this is knowledge that could be very important for me in the future. I am also very pleased with the openness of the people working at PSV – this made it easy to learn new information. Every question asked was answered and questions could be asked at virtually any time of the day.
I would like to thank the Football Development Institute for this internship, as I only found out about the event through the Institute. The efficient contact with the FDI and the completion of the formalities is a pleasure. Prompt and factual responses. I believe there will be another opportunity to use your services in the future.