Learns by teaching

30 Coaches from three different countries are gathered this week in Trondheim to obtain and share knowledge about talent development.

By: Chris Thomas Skogli
Published: 14.10.2009 19:37, edited: 14.10.2009 19:38
UEFA Study Group Luxemburg

STUDY YOUTH DEVELOPMENT: David Zenner (bottom left) and the rest of the group members from Luxembourg at Lerkendal. (larger image)

UEFA Study Group Scheme is an initiative from UEFA to gather information and study the development of talent in Europe. This week a group of choaches and leaders from Luxembourg, Northern Ireland and Serbia are in place in Trondheim to take a closer look at the Norwegian U-national teams and how Rosenborg work with player development.

On Tuesday, The Football Association of Norway (NFF) had the word and the coaches for the Under 15 and Under 21 national team were amoung those who shared their experiences and practices with the group. Tuesday afternoon and Wednesday were all dedicated to Rosenborg. The group of coaches and managers visited both the training session of the U16- and the U19 team, and they were in talks with sporslig director Erik Hoftun and talent development Trond Nordsteien

David Zenner from Luxembourg Football Association are among the 30 participants. He works with the organization of children and youth football and has benefited greatly from the week so far.

- It is great for little Luxembourg to travel, for example, to Norway and get a close glimpse of how it is run here. Among other things I have noticed that the work with young players in Norway is very well structured, and that there are also many girls who play soccer here, says David Zenner to RBK.no.

- Found of Rosenborg's talent strategy
In addition to a insight into the Norwegian national team the group has been learning about Rosenborg's values, learning and development systems and history. They've also got a guided tour of ABRA-hallen (indoor pitch) and Lerkendal.

- I was really impressed with ABRA-hallen, its cover and structure. Something like that, I have not seen before. Also we have met sports director Erik Hoftun. It is easy to understand why he is so well liked in the club and in Trondheim. I also like good club strategy regaring the talent development where they start with nearly a thousand children, and finally ends up with the one or two best best taking the step up on the first team, says Zenner.

UEFA Study Group Scheme has only been in existence for just over a year, but Zenner feel this is an important measure that must continue in the future.

- We coaches are always coaches and are continuously looking to learn more. Such a trip is very good for us, and we create good relationships with participants from other countries. We have visited Slovenia and France and also get a lot out of learning how others do it. UEFA Study Group Scheme is something that I hope will continue in the future, concludes Zenner.

Rosenborg learns by sharing knowledge
Rosenborg also participated in UEFA Study Group Scheme. Early in 2009 RBK's Youth player developer Trond Nordsteien traveked with a group of coaches to Spain where they gained an insight into the Spanish learning routines, as well as the youth work of clubs like Real Madrid and Barcelona.

- We get to teach, receive confirmations and gain references around Europe, says Trond Nordsteien to RBK.no.

- All member countries of UEFA are obliged to contribute, but they also get to participate in such groups themselves. One learns by sharing. And it is of course fun that the Norwegian Football Association decide to add this event to Trondheim.

READ MORE ABOUT UEFA STUDY GROUP SCHEME

Tippeligatabellen

  k s u t p
1 Aalesund 0 0 0 0 0
2 Brann 0 0 0 0 0
3 Haugesund 0 0 0 0 0
4 Hønefoss 0 0 0 0 0
5 Kongsvinger 0 0 0 0 0
6 Lillestrøm 0 0 0 0 0
7 Molde 0 0 0 0 0
8 Odd Grenland 0 0 0 0 0
9 Rosenborg 0 0 0 0 0
10 Sandefjord 0 0 0 0 0
11 Stabæk 0 0 0 0 0
12 Start 0 0 0 0 0
13 Strømsgodset 0 0 0 0 0
14 Tromsø 0 0 0 0 0
15 Viking 0 0 0 0 0
16 Vålerenga 0 0 0 0 0