Introduction

Welcome to Yate Town Development F.C.

We are the Development section of
Yate Town Football Club, whose senior 1st Team play in the BGB Southern League.

The Development section play matches in the Midland Junior Premier Football League (MJPFL) against sides from other Semi Professional Clubs from the South West to the Midlands.

Sessions are run by an experienced F.A. Licensed Coach.

The Club is F.A. Charter Standard.

Aims

The club aims to progress some of the most talented youngsters from the local area in their football career to move them onto a higher standard of football by educating them in the technical and tactical side of the game. There is also an opportunity to progress through to the senior sides of the club.

Match day Environment

Players, coaches and parents sign a strict set of Rules and Agreements when they join to ensure they behave in all aspects of the club. This allows a safe environment to play football in.

Parents are not allowed to coach or shout at players on the sidelines This is policed by a Parent’s Liaison Officer. Coaches must limit their instruction to when the ball is out of play or the opposite side of the field and not commentate play.

Good training and match day facilities are provided. Food and drink is provided for players after the game to replenish lost energy and to encourage socialising and friendship.

Value added

Rather than measuring success through the number of trophies we win, we purposely play in the most challenging standard available to give our players an environment where they can progress.

We instead measure success through how much each player has progressed and reached their potential whilst playing at the club

Exit Routes

Our long term aim is to progress players to their fullest potential. When they are well on their way to achieving this goal, there are opportunities to progress onto the next level, whether it be through progressing from the Under' 16’s into the senior sides of the club or to a Professional Club. There are regularly scouts from a number of professional clubs who watch our games.

Professional Club Friendly Matches

During the season each team plays a few friendly matches against professional clubs. These clubs have included Bristol Rovers, Cardiff City,  Oxford United, Southampton,  Swindon Town  and Yeovil Town.
This is a special opportunity to test our players against the highest standard around

Respect

We fully endorse the Football Association’s Respect Campaign and actively work to make sure the playing environment is safe and welcoming.

Barriers are placed at all matches to keep spectators a safe distance from the pitch. They must remain the opposite side of the field to the coaches and players who are restricted to separate technical areas.

Technical

Players are encouraged to learn by their own mistakes. The coaches refrain from criticising players for making mistakes, but instead guide them to make better decisions. They also refrain from shouting at players as they are playing during competition

“Why should we give the solution for the children when the children can find the solution for themselves” - Nico Romeijn (KNVB - Dutch F.A.)

Tactical

Players are given a variety of systems and tactics to learn so they can grow into competent and educated adult players who have the knowledge and flexibility to play in a variety of formations.

"Luck is what happens when preparation and organisation meet opportunity" - Pat Riley

Style of Play

All teams are encouraged to play a positive attacking style of play through passing and retaining possession. However they are also taught a variety of styles of play around this base.

“I go much faster
Than those who run
Without thinking”
- Edson Arantes do Nascimento (Pele), 1977

Video Feedback

We have used video feedback this season to allow players to look back at their own performance.

This form of reflection is considered one of the most effective ways of improving performance. we plan to increase our video footage.

Our Philosophy

To give players an environment where they have the freedom to learn and make mistakes without fear of criticism, nor of failure. To educate the players and give them the knowledge and experience to play the game to a higher standard whilst developing their own individual style of play. To encourage the participation of football through non-stressful competition so that players have fun and the motivation to stay in sport for the rest of their lives.

“The only sure way to avoid making mistakes is to have no new ideas”
– Albert Einstein

Training and Matches

Matches and training are currently at Yate Outdoor Sports Complex,
Broad Lane, Yate, Bristol.
Matches are usually played on a Saturday morning.

Training during the season is currently at the following times: -
Under 13's - Wednesday's 6:30-8:00pm
Under 14's - Wednesday's 7:30-9:00pm
Under 15's - Thursday's 7:30-9:00pm
Under 16's - Thursday's 8:30-10:00pm
(these times may change next season)

If a player is unable to make their age group session, they may attend another age group's training instead

Joe White (Bristol Rovers Reserves)

“I played for Yate Town Development for 2 years. I genuinely enjoyed my time there. The coaching was always very good.

It was a friendly and enjoyable, yet disciplined environment.  Not only was the level of coaching very good, they made sure that the players enjoyed themselves and the team spirit was fantastic. The most important thing is that results are not the be all and end all. They never verbally abuse any individual and you are encouraged to play your natural game and be relaxed.

After all Yate Town Development are trying to develop players NOT win trophies at all costs and single people out. This environment I recommend to any youth player as it will undoubtedly improve your game as it did mine.

They undoubtedly made my game better and are one of the reasons that i am fortunate enough to play for Bristol Rovers. Several players are now playing for Football League Academies. Yate Town Development is a must for any young aspiring player"

Sean Rigg (Bristol Rovers 1st Team)

"Being part of the development squad was a very helpful part of starting my real football career. The coaching was very enjoyable and has helped me push on further in my career which was important.

The coaching involved good technique work and good coaching which was made easy to take in. The development squad was a good start for me and gave me a real boost to my career "