Youth Development Program
At Glaslough Villa FC, we are passionate about nurturing the next generation of footballers. Our Youth Development Program is at the core of our club’s mission to promote football at all levels, ensuring that young players in our community receive high-quality training, guidance, and opportunities to develop their skills both on and off the pitch.
Our program focuses on instilling the values of teamwork, respect, discipline, and sportsmanship while creating an environment where every child, regardless of ability, can enjoy the game, grow in confidence, and reach their full potential.
Program Overview
The Glaslough Villa FC Youth Development Program is designed to cater to boys and girls of all age groups, from early beginners to talented youths preparing for competitive football. We offer:
- Structured Coaching Sessions: Age-appropriate coaching sessions are delivered by coaches who follow modern training methodologies approved by Football Association of Ireland (FAI). Our coaches are dedicated to creating a positive and supportive environment where young players can thrive.
- Skills Development: Our sessions focus on the technical, tactical, and physical aspects of football. Players learn essential skills such as dribbling, passing, shooting, and defending while also developing their game understanding, positioning, and decision-making on the field.
- Physical and Mental Well-being: We emphasise the importance of physical fitness, healthy lifestyles, and mental well-being. Through football, young players learn the value of hard work, perseverance, and goal-setting, which can benefit them beyond the sport.
- Competitions and Tournaments: As part of our youth development structure, players participate in local leagues and tournaments. This provides them with valuable match experience and the chance to compete against teams from across County Monaghan and beyond.
- Pathway to Senior Football: For talented and dedicated youth players, there is a clear pathway from the academy to our senior teams. We believe in promoting from within and giving local talent the opportunity to play at higher levels.
Coaching Philosophy and Qualified Coaches
Our coaching philosophy is based on long-term player development, following the FAI Player Development Pathway. This means that while we encourage competitive play, our primary focus is on skill acquisition, enjoyment, and fostering a love for the game. Winning is a bonus, but learning and growing as a player is our priority.
Our coaching philosophy is based on long-term player development, following the FAI Player Development Pathway. This means that while we encourage competitive play, our primary focus is on skill acquisition, enjoyment, and fostering a love for the game. Winning is a bonus, but learning and growing as a player is our priority.
All our coaches are fully vetted and follow the club’s Safeguarding Policy to ensure a safe and supportive environment for all children.
Additional Programs and Workshops
In addition to regular football training, our Youth Development Program offers the following:
- Player Workshops: We regularly host educational workshops on topics such as nutrition, injury prevention, and mental health. These workshops help our young players gain knowledge on how to take care of their bodies and minds, ensuring they stay fit, healthy, and focused.
- Parent Involvement: We recognise the importance of parents in the development of young athletes. Glaslough Villa FC encourages parents to get involved by attending games, supporting their children’s progress, and even volunteering in various club roles. We also hold occasional parent-coaching sessions to keep families informed of our training methods and philosophies.
Safeguarding and Child Protection
At Glaslough Villa FC, safeguarding the welfare of young players is of utmost importance. We are fully compliant with Irish child protection laws and follow the guidance of Sport Ireland and FAI in implementing robust safeguarding policies. All coaches and volunteers working with children undergo Garda vetting and child protection training to ensure the safety and well-being of our youth members.
Our goal is to provide a safe, welcoming, and supportive environment for all children, ensuring that they can enjoy playing football while developing essential life skills.
Get Involved
If you’re interested in enrolling your child in our Youth Development Program or would like more information on how to get involved, please contact us through our Join the Team page or visit us during one of our youth training sessions. We welcome new players (spaces limited) and look forward to helping your child develop their skills and passion for football.
Glaslough Villa FC
Founded 1990