In training the coaches at Wrightchoice ensure that each player has plenty of contact time with the football and this has a lot to do with how we feel the game should be played. We want each player on the field of play to master the ball and be comfortable with the ball in their control. Therefore, we encourage players to be creative when in possession of the ball and to have an awareness of various attacking and defensive situations. Throughout the Wrightchoice teams, we encourage attacking free-flowing technical football where players are encouraged to demonstrate the techniques they have practiced in training in the match situation.

The following approach is one that mirrors the development strategy of professional youth academies throughout Europe. Our idea is that by nurturing all our players in this style will give all our members the best development experience. Also, although our players will end up playing the game at various levels, we are giving each player the best possible opportunity to enter the elite pathway of development at some stage of their involvement in football.

Goalkeeper - This is a vital position because this player has a perfect view of everything happening on the pitch and it helps if this player gives information to the players in front of him. The goalkeeper is usually the player who starts most of the attacks, therefore it is important that he has good distribution and selects passes well. If possible, we like the goalie to roll the ball out to the feet of defenders to start attacks.

Defender - Players in this position are expected to have an awareness of any attacking threat to the team. Defenders must be disciplined and if needed they must ensure they maintain their defensive position. Our philosophy is that defenders should pass the ball well to the midfield and be confident in supporting the midfield during attacking moves.

Midfield (centre) - This is the engine room of the team; this player must be willing to work extremely hard for the team. Being in the centre of the pitch means that this player must be aware of his surroundings both in attacking and defensive situations. A dominant midfield player with good passing and control has the ability to control the game.

Midfield (left & right) - These two positions complete the midfield and make up the creative hub of the team. When the team is in possession we expect these players to provide width to make the pitch as large as possible and allow the team space to play. We like our left and right midfielder's to have good control of the ball when dribbling and it helps if they have a decent eye for goal.

Striker - This is a favorite for many young players as it means they are furthest forward on the pitch and in theory have an opportunity to get plenty of strikes on goal. However it is also important for strikers to work hard when the team is not in possession by closing down defenders and being available as soon as the team is in possession. Good ball control and a keen eye for goal are welcome for this position.

Position rotation - Outlined above are basic requirements for each position on the pitch. We are aware that we are working with young children who are in very early ages of their development; therefore we are firmly against telling a player that he is a ‘defender’ or ‘midfield’ player so early in their football experience. This is the reason why you will see Wrightchoice managers rotating players around on the pitch during our matches. We think that this is extremely beneficial for young players as it means they can appreciate what is required for each position and it allows them to develop the skills needed. Also, it gives players a strong sense of team cohesion and collective responsibility if they appreciate what others have to experience from time to time, and this all works towards our players being well-rounded individuals both on and off the pitch.

Our philosophy and its relation to ‘winning’ - As outlined elsewhere on the site, we are less concerned about winning our matches than we are about creating the best possible environment to nurture young people. Therefore rotating players and encouraging players to be creative when in possession of the ball may mean that games are lost or are not won as convincingly at the current level. However in contrast, by developing players in such a way, we are certain that later on in their development our players will be more technically able and psychologically aware on the pitch than the majority of players in their age group. Therefore if necessary, we will sacrifice winning in certain matches now, in order to produce more able players who have a greater chance of success when it matters in the future.

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