Rochdale AFC Academy Talent Recruitment Plan 2018/19
The Rochdale AFC Academy has a clear vision to recruit and develop players who meet the club's requirements for the first team or potential sale. They aim to streamline their scouting network within and around Rochdale, providing local players the chance to represent their hometown team. The academy operates various age-specific programs, development centers, and phases to nurture talent and create pathways into the academy. With targeted approaches and strategic partnerships, the club is enhancing opportunities for aspiring players in the region.
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Rochdale AFC Academy Talent Identification and Recruitment Plan 2018/19 1
Vision for next 3 years To recruit and develop players that have the traits and fundamentals that the club require to represent the 1st team or to be sold on. To have a streamlined and effective scouting network both within Rochdale and also the surrounding areas, that gives local players the opportunity to play for their home town team. To provide a seamless multi-disciplinary strategy and communication system across the scouting network. 2
Age Specific U7 & U8s A high performing Pre academy operated by Academy coaches and aimed at creating a new U9s age group every year. Links with community programmes and initiatives plus Rochdale Schools Cup to recruit and develop players between 7-11 Development Centres in Wythenshawe (7-11) and Ormskirk (9-12) aimed at developing players into our lower age groups Development Centres across the 13-16 age groups based in Hyde but under Rochdale AFC name to form and create pathways into academy. Open Trials twice a year Elite Development Squad- U17/U18 group with the aim of developing players good enough to join Youth Team while receiving an education. 3
Phase Specific Foundation phase - This phase has a Pre Academy at U7s/U8s to ensure that there is a smooth transition into U9s and Academy football. Development centres in Wythenshawe and Ormskirk helps to fill any gaps from these phase, plus a scouting network for these age groups. Links with schools and local clubs also assists in the phase specific. Youth Development Phase- This phase has a development centre based at Hyde, which links closely with the Academy to provide players with opportunity to progress. Links with local schools and also schoolboys teams (Liverpool) plus a scouting network allows for the Youth Development Phase to be well recruited. Professional Development Phase- Information from other Academies of players who have been released. Looking to promote own U16s where possible into Professional Development Phase. 4
Identification of Target Groups Links with Liverpool Schoolboys in particular allows for a targeted approach to this area. Players from this area meet the requirements of what is needed to be a Rochdale AFC Academy player and have proved successful. The club is beginning to create links with local schools and clubs to enhance opportunity within the local area. Scouts are deployed around the Greater Manchester area also for greater coverage. 5
Strategy on Identification and Recruitment of Early/Late Developers Provision for Late Developers The Academy realises not all players mature at the same rate and therefore we support the Birth Bias theory and always refer to the 4 Corner and Long Term Player Development theories when making important decisions around the recruitment of young boys. Talent ID & Recruitment The Scout Assessment Criteria form has provision for the recording of Date of Birth (Birth Bias) and Early/Normal/Late Developer (Physical Maturation), in order for the department to make an informed judgement and possible recommendation. The Physical identification can only be done on a visual against his peers of the same age, due to the lack of pre information on the player. The Academy has a close relationship with local professional clubs and throughout the phases will always look at players released because of late maturation. Rochdale AFC Academy will always give players a chance if they meet the recommended criteria and fit with our ethos and philosophy. Games/Training One example to support Late Developers is that we regularly allow players of this nature to play an age group down in the games programme, but train with their own age group to ensure they don t fall behind their peers. Another example is that we utilise our Academy Development Centres to provide a drop back to a less intense environment if players are struggling in their current development programme, and to watch and nurture potential players. Also, utilising the important strategies mentioned in KPI 2, such as the Positive Learning Environment, Age Group Characteristics, Differentiation and Coaching Styles philosophies, Academy coaches portray a calm and understanding environment for all. 6
Strategy on Dealing With Agents The Academy has a zero tolerance on schoolboy players having representatives. The club has a designated player representative for any players/families wishing to receive support when necessary. 7
Policy for scouts attending games Academy Scouts/Spotters attend external games by seeking permission through the Academy Secretary prior to the game, by communication via email to the host Club. Academy Scouts/Spotters will make themselves known to the relevant person on arrival. All Academy Scouts/Spotters have Rochdale AFC Academy Staff Passes and I.D. All Academy Scouts/Spotters have FA Enhanced DBS Disclosures All Academy Scouts/Spotters endeavour to have FA Talent I.D. qualifications Academy Scouts/Spotters follow Good Practice in conjunction with FA guidelines and Codes of Conduct. 8
Access Policy for External Scouts Any clubs wishing to send scouts to view Academy games can only do so with prior permission from the Academy Manager. This will be in writing no later than 48 hours previous to the date of the requested game. When permission granted, this policy will be sent to the requesting club to be circulated to scouts attending RAFC Academy games The named scout will be added to the Scouts Register On Arrival, the scout will make themselves known to an Academy staff member and show official ID The scout will sign the Scout Register The scout will wear the RAFC Scout ID Badge at all times whilst on site The scout will not approach any player or parent direct Any scouts on site that are not on the register will be challenged and if necessary asked to leave 9
Protocol for approach by Scouts Academy Scouts/Spotters approaching relevant parties will always introduce themselves in a polite and friendly manner and will show their I.D. Staff Pass Scouts/Spotters will conform with the relevant club policy on scouts approaching players. Scouts/Spotters will identify any players by name, followed with a positive brief report on the player s attributes and contribution to the game. Scouts/Spotters will initially speak to the Coach or Academy Manager to request contact details of parents and or a meeting on the day Scouts/Spotters will not approach parents and players direct. All Academy Scouts/Spotters have Rochdale AFC Academy Staff Passes and I.D. All Academy Scouts/Spotters have FA Enhanced DBS Disclosures All Academy Scouts/Spotters endeavour to have FA Talent I.D. qualifications Academy Scouts/Spotters follow Good Practice in conjunction with FA guidelines and Codes of Conduct. 10
Activity Plan for Recruitment In Foundation Phase The Academy Head of Recruitment manages all Activity plans and records weekly attendance on PMA The Academy realises that the Foundation Phase is the fundamental window to support the long term sustainability of the Academy and the Club. Therefore it is crucial we get success in the recruitment of 5-12 year olds, especially with the other Premier League, Championship and League 1 & 2 clubs so close to our catchment area. The Academy also utilises other staff in the Club to cover all areas of Greater Manchester. Craig Chappell- Rochdale Developing partnerships and links with schools and grassroots clubs within the Rochdale area to provide local children with the opportunity to represent their local club. This is looking to cover primary and secondary schools as well as the numerous age groups within local clubs. Scouting Timetable Monday- Friday 9am-5pm to develop increase number of partnerships. Adam Cree Wythenshaw Adam has a great network in the Wythenshaw area, with links to local schools and clubs. His main area is within the younger age groups but often has a positive impact on the older age groups also and kids identify players here too. Scouting Timetable (subject to other commitments): Monday-Friday Evenings 5.00 9.00PM (Junior Club training sessions) Sunday 9.00AM 5.00PM (Junior Leagues, Festivals and Tournaments) All Academy scouts work locally and regionally, and occasionally nationally. 11
Joe Holt Joe works across a number of different schools within the Wilmslow area. He also runs his own academy where he coaches various age groups from the foundation ages. Through this he has good links with schools and grass roots clubs alike. Scouting Timetable Monday-Friday evenings 5pm-9pm Saturday/Sundays 9am-2pm Danny Lloyd Danny works in schools over in South Manchester and Trafford and regularly finds good talent for the Academy. Scouting Timetable (subject to other commitments): Monday-Friday 9.00AM 5.00PM (School Sessions) Saturday 9.00AM 5.00PM (Junior Leagues, Festivals and Tournaments) Together the staff cover a lot of ground and the current crop of Foundation Phase players are of a good footing and potential, linked to the Academy Football Philosophy, Player Profiles and Position Specifics Traits and Fundamentals. 12
Activity Plan for Recruitment in Youth The Academy Head of Recruitment manages all Activity plans and records weekly attendance on PMA Development Phase Following the Foundation Phase Recruitment Strategy, the Youth Development Phase is a more targeted approach to fill any gaps. The recruitment drive period covers the whole season. The Academy also utilises other staff in the Club to cover all areas of Greater Manchester. Craig Chappell- Rochdale Developing partnerships and links with schools and grassroots clubs within the Rochdale area to provide local children with the opportunity to represent their local club. This is looking to cover primary and secondary schools as well as the numerous age groups within local clubs. Scouting Timetable Monday- Friday 9am-5pm to develop increase number of partnerships. 13
Carl Giles- Liverpool Carl has fantastic knowledge of the Liverpool area as he is heavily involved in the successful schoolboys set up. Mainly oversees the YDP age groups but also has knowledge of the top end of FP for his schoolboys group. Scouting Timetable Saturday/Sundays- 9.00am-1.00pm Weekday evenings when possible. Joe Holt Joe works across a number of different schools within the Wilmslow area. He also runs his own academy where he coaches various age groups from the foundation ages. Through this he has good links with schools and grass roots clubs alike. Scouting Timetable Monday-Friday evenings 5pm-9pm Saturday/Sundays 9am-2pm The Head of Recruitment also liaises with local professional clubs who are always looking for other clubs to support their exit strategies. Local grass roots finals, festivals and national tournaments are also covered. All Academy scouts work locally and regionally, and occasionally nationally. Together the staff and partners cover a lot of ground and the current crop of Youth Development Phase players are of a good footing and potential, linked to the Academy Football Philosophy, Player Profiles and Position Specifics Traits and Fundamentals. 14
Activity Plan for Recruitment in the The Academy Head of Recruitment manages all Activity plans and records weekly attendance on PMA Professional Development Phase Following the Foundation Phase and Youth Development Phase Recruitment Strategies, the Professional Development Phase is a targeted approach to fill any gaps. The recruitment drive period covers the whole season. The Academy also utilises other staff in the Club to cover all areas of Greater Manchester. Larry Redmond Academy Head of Recruitment At this phase the Head of Recruitment is more active in working with local Colleges and Universities, as well as local semi- professional and non-league clubs, where late developers or released players may turn up playing again. Scouting Timetable (subject to other commitments): Monday-Friday 9.00AM 9.00PM (Daytime and Evenings) Paul Brady Paul covers the North West looking at potential new scholarship recruits and players released from other clubs. Paul also works for the first team and is allocated certain games to scout for. Scouting Timetable (subject to other commitments): Monday-Friday 9.00AM 9.00PM (Daytime and Evenings) Local grass roots youth league finals, festivals and national tournaments are also covered. All Academy scouts work locally and regionally, and occasionally nationally. Together the staff and partners cover a lot of ground and the current crop of Professional Development Phase players are of a good footing and potential, linked to the Academy Football Philosophy, Player Profiles and Position Specifics Traits and Fundamentals. 15
Tracking of Players Players who have been scouted are now uploaded onto our database on PMA. It has a record of where they were seen and where with a report next to them. It has information into next steps (watched, trialled, trialled and released, signed. This will allow for greater tracking of players who were trialled and then unsuccessful and allow the Academy to see if there is further development with these players. 16
Organisational chart of Talent ID and Recruitment Area 17
8. Recruitment Structure Head 0f Academy Recruitment Larry Redmond PTE Academy Trial/Contract Adam Cree 7-12 but also access to 13-16 (Bonus Scheme) (Wythenshawe) Carl Giles Mainly 12-16 but covers below also (Bonus Scheme) (Liverpool) Paul Brady 1st Team and Academy (North West) Matthew Knowles 7-16 (Rochdale/Bury & Surrounding area) Joe Holt All age groups (Bonus Scheme) (Wilmslow) Football in the Community Keith Hicks FTE (Rochdale) School Scouting Network (Greater Manchester) Grass Roots/School Contacts/Talent Spotters
Job Descriptions and Responsibilities of Talent ID and Recruitment Staff JOB DESCRIPTION HEAD OF ACADEMY RECRUITMENT (PTE) Reporting to: Academy Manager Responsibilities: To manage and co-ordinate the department, including managing a team of scouts to identify and recruit elite players to Rochdale AFC at Academy and Youth team level in line with club and academy philosophies and player profiles. KEY RESPONSBILITIES A member of the Academy Management Team Develop, Define & Monitor the Academy Football Philosophy on a day to day basis Develop, Define & Monitor the Academy Performance Plan on a day to day basis Manage the Transition of Academy Players through each stage of the Performance Pathway To support and implement the process of Setting Productivity Targets To support the Academy Human Resource process where appropriate Provide evidence to support the Season Operational Record and EPPP Audit process. Attend and support Multi-Disciplinary meetings Chair Talent Identification & Recruitment meetings Manage the effective and efficient operation of the Clubs Academy Recruitment Strategy. 19
JOB DESCRIPTION HEAD OF ACADEMY RECRUITMENT (PTE) - continued Ensure the Rochdale AFC Academy Talent Identification & Recruitment Performance Management Application is fully utilised, updated and operational. To manage and deploy the Academy Recruitment Scouts for the U8-16 age groups andensure good communication and working relationship with the Academy coaches and the Football in the Community Trust. Organise, brief and monitor the performance of a team of part-time Academy scouts To comply with all scout policies and procedures implemented by the department and ensure the team under your management also comply. To manage, regularly update and analyse the success of the department through the scout database Attend meetings and assist in the delivery of In-service training for the department as directed by the Academy manager. To play a full role in identifying and recruiting players and Communicate with parents and guardians. Liaise with the Academy staff with regards the club and academy philosophies and player profiles and ensure a smooth introduction into the Academy for all players To liaise with the Lead Phase Coaches and keep regular reports on the progress of Academy players with regards retention and release, linked to the database. Ensure contact networks are built, extended and serviced regularly in conjunction with the Academy Manager. Work within deadlines agreed with the Club and attend appropriate meetings. Any other scouting requirements as directed by the Academy Manager. 20
Academy Scout Role The role of the Academy Scout is an integral piece of the overall framework on which the Academy operates. Scouts are the first face of the Club and Academy and therefore it is vitally important they follow the Scout Job description and accompanying protocol. The Primary role of the Scout is to: Have an understanding of the Academy Player profiles Be able to spot potential talent linked to the Academy Playing Philosophy Excellent Communication Skills Discuss the needs of the Academy with the Head of Recruitment Be familiar with the Academy Player Profiles (per relevant Phase) Be familiar with the Academy Grading System (per relevant Phase) Visit Academy Training and Games on a regular basis Comply with Scout Approach protocol Produce scouting reports for each game attended (linked to profiles and grading) Propose Trialists Liaise with staff, player and family during Trial period Discuss Performance of trialists with Phase Lead Coaches 21
Development Centres The club has a number of development centres across the different ages. At 13-16 there is a full development centre based at Hyde under the bracket of Rochdale AFC Development Centre. A development centre is in Wythenshawe for ages 9-12 and also in Ormskirk for the same age groups. There is also a development centre in Bolton that caters for some age groups between 7-16 The development centres follow the same programme of the club ensuring that the same messages and information is given across this. All coaches are at least FA Level 2 with many coaches holding qualifications above this. 22
ROCHDALE ACADEMY PROGRESSION PATHWAYS Bolton Centre Development Centres U7 U16 Elite Development Centres U17 U18 Plus Education Liverpool Centre Bolton Centre Burscough E.D.S. Manchester E.D.S. Manchester Centre Rochdale Centre ROCHDALE AFC ACADEMY U9 U18 1ST TEAM Birmingham E.D.S. Rochdale E.D.S. Wythenshawe Centre
Academy Actively supporting Amateur Junior Clubs The Academy is currently putting together a programme to support and link with Amateur Junior Clubs in the Borough. It is importantly to ensure that all Rochdale players have the same opportunity to represent their hometown club and play at the highest level possible. When officially linked Memorandum of Understanding will be drawn up and signed to ensure formal agreements for both parties. 24
Rochdale AFC Academy Proposal 3 CPD sessions per year for your club CPD 1- coaches. A CPD for your coaches where our academy staff can come into your environment and deliver sessions to selective age groups around topics/themes suggested buy you CPD 2- the players. A CPD event for players which would involve players from your club come into our environment and train with their age groups over a week period CPD 3- the board. A CPD event to assist in the structure and development of your current philosophy and visions for your club Goalkeeping training with our Academy GK coach regularly throughout the season Tickets for a League 1 fixture in the 2017/18 season Potential Player visits to your club Opportunity for fixtures v our academy teams
The Academy actively supports Local Schools The Academy is currently putting together a programme to support and link with Local schools. This two way agreement is to enhance and develop links further across the Borough to ensure that all Rochdale players have the same opportunity to represent their hometown club and play at the highest level possible. When officially linked Memorandum of Understanding will be drawn up and signed to ensure formal agreements for both parties. 26
Rochdale AFC Academy Proposal Willingness to create opportunity for Rochdale players to represent their home town club 6x FREE coaching sessions from our academy staff on a yearly basis 3 sessions for the best players in years 7/8/9 (22 altogether) 3 sessions for the best players in years 10/11 (22 altogether) Provide the school with equipment at the end of the season Presence at school events such as celebration assemblies, careers fairs etc Potential visits from players and/or club members Organisation and implementation of Rochdale Schools Cup with final potentially on Crown Oil Arena Pitch.
Links with District Schools Associations Rochdale AFC Academy have a fantastic link with Liverpool Schoolboys Association, often providing Liverpool based players with opportunities to join the club having signed a number of players over the past two seasons. Liverpool Schoolboys coaches are invited to coach education and CPD events at the club as well as organising matches throughout the season. The Academy also have links with schoolboys associations around the Greater Manchester, with numerous players throughout the Academy representing their schoolboys sides. 28
Understanding of Gifted and Talented The club s understanding around Gifted and Talented Players are players who have the potential to develop beyond what is expected at their age. The scouts as part of their new CPD will be viewing and observing Academy fixtures to have a greater understanding of current players. This will enhance and further the scouting decisions and also when thinking about when recruiting for a certain age group would it prevent excelling a Gifted and Talented player from below. The scouts will be encouraged to find players who have the potential to be Gifted and Talented. 29
Strategy on internal assessment/benchmarking Of players to inform external scouting The Academy Talent ID & Recruitment department works very closely with the Coaching Team and Academy Management Team to produce a needs analysis strategy per season. This is reviewed regularly throughout each season to ensure all positions at all age groups are covered. This is aligned to the Academy Performance Targets together with the Position Specific Player Profiles. Any requests for players are then handed to the relevant scouts for them to begin their identification process. The Academy uses a 4 cornered approach to assessing potential players. This consists of a 5 point scoring system for each area and the club s non negotiables of Compete/Press/Run/Contact/Retain see attached These are linked to the internal 6/12 week reviews 30
Link the player profiles Into scouting process The Academy uses a 4 cornered approach to assessing potential players. This consists of a 5 point scoring system for each area and the club s non negotiables of Compete/Press/Run/Contact/Retain. This provides an overall assessment which is carefully reviewed before trial see attached These are linked to the internal 6/12 week reviews 31
Flexibility of Trial Process The trial process of players within our Academy ensures players are given the maximum opportunity to gain a contract. Once players come into our environment we look to make a decision very quickly to either offer a contract, put them on a trialist contract, or inform them that their trial wont be taken any further. The trial may be extended if a decision is borderline, or if an injury or other mitigating circumstance has occurred. With this process we look to offer them our development centre in order to keep them within our system and offer opportunities in the future to rejoin our academy set up. We want to have an open door approach where players who initially may not be at the required level have an opportunity to rejoin our academy set up in the future. 32
Exit Strategy/feedback process The Academy has a 4 cornered feedback form and letter aligned to the internal/external assessment process and 6/12 week reviews see attached on audit tool 33
Trialist assessment form aligned to Scout assessment form The Academy uses a 4 cornered approach to assessing potential players. This is consistent to reviews, coaching and scouting This consists of a 5 point scoring system for each area and the club s non negotiables of Compete/Press/Run/Contact/Retain see attached These are linked to the internal 6/12 week reviews 34
Systematic profiling approach when assessing players This will be enhanced for the forthcoming season with the new CPD for Scouts/Spotters (slide 39) where the understanding between the scouting network and the coaching network will become clearer as the scouts become more educated in the way that the club works with philosophy and traits of the club at the forefront of this. 35
Multi-disciplinary approach in Decision making on recruitment A number of different departments are involved when making a decision on players who attend the Academy on trial. The age group coach and phase lead have the most contact time with the player and will often give recommendations to Academy Manager who ultimately has the final decision on a player. In some circumstances the Sport Science department and Medical department are asked for assistance in making a decision on a player to ensure that the correct decision on the player is made. 36
Manage Talent Pathway within The Academy The Academy has begun formulating a database of players on PMA who have been scouted. Reports are sent by the scouts to HoR or Operations to input and upload onto the database. This will allow us to be able to keep tabs on certain players and identify what teams that they come from which will assist in the links with local grassroots clubs. All Scouts/Spotters will undergo training to be able to upload themselves so all scouts have access and get target certain age groups and players based on previous scouting also. 37
Record of player movement from And to Amateur Football & Phase by Phase Progression The Academy analyses when players entered the Academy. This highlights the success of the Talent ID scouting system from amateur football and the success of the Academy retention. 38
Scouting Education All Scouts/Spotters advised to complete FA Talent ID Level 1 online course RAFC have recently requested a FA Talent ID L2 course and are awaiting a response. The club has began to put together CPD days for our scouting network. This will include: Attendance at Rochdale Academy matches to view the current level of academy players CPD days to ensure all scouts are adhering to FA and club rules and regulations and that full understanding of what the club is after from players. Application has been unsuccessful to the FA to internally host FA Talent ID qualifications and will keep persisting to ensure that the club can internally host this. 39
