Southampton have released a detailed video explaining how and why their academy set up has been so successful over the years, and it makes for a very interesting watch.
?
The Saints have a strong reputation for producing home-grown talent and have contributed stars such as Alan Shearer, Gareth Bale, Theo Walcott, Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain, Adam Lallana, Luke Shaw, James Ward-Prowse and Calum Chambers to the Premier League and – in the case of Bale – beyond.
Many have often wondered just how Saints’ academy has remained so consistent at producing players over the years, and the video highlights principles one might not necessarily expect.
?
Judging from the video which saw the Premier League visit their Staplewood Campus, the youth staff are very “pro-normality” meaning they like to set their youngsters up with a good education for a life away from football.
Education manager Toby Redwood revealed that there is emphasis placed on getting the kids to be able to understand information that will be given to them at half-time in matches, and that football can be a ‘short career.’
?
The academy also has a ’10 commandments’ board hung up for all to see in every classroom, with rules such as having one’s shirt tucked in at all times, a shaking hands policy, being on time, being honest and always being professional.
Former academy graduate turned Premier League star Ward-Prowse said: “The introduction of the Southampton way came in during the academy times and is manifesto of how things are done here – everybody knows that and abides to it.”
?
The youngsters are put on a ‘life skills’ programme which teaches them about things such as equality, diversity and the dangers of social media, as well as learning about traditional subjects.
Orienteering and scavenger hunts are encouraged in order to aid communication and teamwork.
Furthermore, the starlets are given information packs to help them when they get older, with things such as recipes, how to iron a shirt and how to change a fuse.
?
Essentially, what makes Southampton’s academy so successful is the fact the club prepares their youngsters for life away from football and are given all the tools to help them become potential future first-teamers.?
admin
