Atmosphere and environment Atmosphere We encourage a friendly and fun atmosphere where players can have a laugh at themselves and with each other. However we supervise to ensure players don’t overstep the line. The football is very important and must be taken seriously by every player. However each player should be allowed to play with a smile on their face. We facilitate this by allowing them to make mistakes without criticism and praising brave and decisive decisions. Thus we praise or address the process rather than the outcome (which is not variable due to the opposition). We guide players to understand the consequences and benefits of the choices they make but do not condition them to make a set response to a set scenario. This is because every scenario in football is unique and so the player should be able to respond dynamically to the unique set of circumstances. Instead, by restricting their choices, they become predictable and will play ‘like a robot’ or a reflection of their coach, rather than the creative and dynamic player they aspire to be. The environment we provide allows players to express themselves in their own way and become the footballer, they would like to be. Environment The playing environment is purposely relaxed to help take pressure away from the players. We would like the players to feel comfortable with each other and the coaches and so encourage a fun atmosphere. In contrast we still ensure that training and matches are taken very seriously by the players. Our coaches are trained to keep a happy balance between the two to ensure a friendly but structured and serious environment is established.