West Ham United FC Academy to train Phuket youths

PHUKET: Having trained English Premier League stars Joe Cole, Rio Ferdinand and Frank Lampard Jr, West Ham Academy’s coaches are coming to Phuket to do what they do best – teach others to play at the top of their game.

The Elite Residential Soccer Course Phuket 2014, organized by the Bangkok Soccer School and featuring West Ham United FC Academy Coaches, will take place on Thanyapura grounds from July 6 to 11.

“Course participants will immerse themselves in the spirit of world-class football, and improve their ability and confidence as players,” said an announcement of the event.

“The aim of the training camp is to inspire children aged 8 to 16 who have aspirations within football – whether it be to play to their highest possible ability, obtain a scholarship at a university or play professionally – to show them the level that they need to reach, and assist them in attaining it.”

THE PROGRAM

Sessions during the course will incorporate exercises, games and drills designed to challenge and train the player’s body and mind, and help them focus on key elements of the game.

Technical workshops will look at the ideas and philosophy of the West Ham United Academy, and the key attributes that are necessary to become a “complete player”. This will include a focus on the social, physical and psychological aspects needed by individual players. In addition, essential information about diet and nutrition will be provided to help players perform to their maximum level.

The program will consist of two coaching sessions per day Monday to Friday, with evening activities and an off-campus field trip for participants.

THE COACHES

Among the coaches travelling to Phuket will be Mark Phillips, an experienced player and manager, and a coach to The Academy’s elder players. Mark will be accompanied by Bob Glozier, known as Mr West Ham, an experienced professional player for West Ham United who now coaches Academy boys of all ages. Rick Simons, an experienced player who is now scouting and coaching West Ham United’s youngest players will also attend. The fourth coach is Carl Walker, currently the U8’s coach and a scout for the age group.

With just four West Ham Academy coaches travelling to Phuket, the numbers of players who can benefit from this unique experience is limited to 64. A Bangkok Soccer School coach will assist one West Ham Academy coach at all times and each team of two coaches will be limited to 16 kids.

THE ACADEMY

Fifteen years after the famous Bobby Moore and Geoff Hurst began their careers at West Ham United, “The Academy”, as it has since become known, has been under the direction of Tony Carr MBE. In recent years, the England team has relied on his apprentices – five of whom took the field for Chelsea and Manchester United in the 2008 Champions League final.

Like other academies in England, the training activity behind the scenes at West Ham United is very secretive. In Phuket, young players will have the opportunity to receive the training given to the best players in England.

Those wanting to sign their child up for the five night session, which includes pick up and drop off at Phuket International Airport, evening activities, a field trip and round-the-clock supervision can email coaching@bangkoksocerschools.com or contact Stuart Welham on 021-494 647, 083-270 3337 or email him at s.welham@ bangkoksoccerschools.com.

The full residential course package price is 40,000 baht with a 5,000 baht discount available for early booking (before May 31). The non-residential early bird package is 18,000 baht; 20,000 baht if booked in June 2014. There is a deposit of 20 per cent payable upon booking with the balance to be paid by June 15.