Unlocking Potentials: Insights from the IKF Workshop with Premier League Academy Scouts

by Chittu Shetty September 25, 2023

A pretty impressive IKF Workshop with Premier League Academy scouts Jimmy Hayes and Chris McGrath was conducted in the city recently, where aspiring footballers received personalized feedback and insights for their footballing journeys.

The recent IKF Workshop held in India was nothing short of a footballing extravaganza. With a solid turnout of enthusiastic young talents, the workshop provided a unique opportunity for aspiring footballers to showcase their skills, learn from seasoned professionals, and receive invaluable feedback from Premier League Academy scouts Jimmy Hayes and Chris McGrath.

The event, organized by India Khelo Football (IKF), was an immersive experience that left a profound impact on both players and parents alike.

The Workshop Experience

The day commenced with players divided into two sets, each comprising two groups. The workshop kicked off with a series of drills meticulously designed to assess the participants’ technical prowess, ball control, and communication on the field. This initial phase set the tone for the day, allowing the scouts to observe the players’ individual skills and how they worked together as a team.

Following the drills, a short yet intense 7×7 football game took center stage. The players exhibited their talent, demonstrating their ability to apply their skills in a competitive setting. It was during this game that the scouts had the opportunity to identify standout performers.

One-on-One Feedback

After the spirited game, each player received personalized one-on-one feedback sessions with Jimmy Hayes and Chris McGrath. These sessions proved to be invaluable, as the scouts provided insights into each player’s strengths and areas for improvement. The feedback was constructive, focusing on key aspects of the players’ performance and offering guidance on how they could enhance their game.

Interaction with Scouts

The interaction didn’t end with the feedback sessions. The scouts also engaged with the players and their parents, discussing the players’ development and potential pathways in football. For parents, this was a unique opportunity to gain insight into their children’s footballing journeys and to understand how they could support their young athletes in reaching their goals.

Interview with Scouts

During the workshop, we had the privilege of conducting an interview with the two scouts, Jimmy Hayes and Chris McGrath. Their wealth of experience and insights shed light on various aspects of scouting and player development.

When asked about the progress of Indian football, Jimmy Hayes remarked “This is the 3rd time I am in India collaborating with India Khelo Football and what they are doing is amazing. And Actually, the quality of football each time I am seeing is getting higher.”

Agreeing the improving standards, fellow scout Chris McGrath also added that while Indian players may have started their football journeys later than their European counterparts, their potential for growth remains immense. “Yes Absolutely, I remember the first time we came to India and watched the players we realized that they had lots to improve on. One of the reasons for that is they started playing the game very late. Over in England, kids take up football at 5-6 years, it seemed here it was at 12-13 so the natural growth has not happened for them. Now we can see an improvement in these set of players. They may not be cut out for Premier League football but that doesn’t mean they can’t play at next levels.”

Regarding the scouting process, Jimmy emphasized the importance of technical ability as a fundamental factor. He encouraged young players to enjoy the game, practice diligently, and identify areas for improvement. Chris stressed that players should understand their goals and play to their strengths while working on their weaknesses.

Chris also touched upon the honest and transparent approach taken during feedback sessions. He emphasized that players are provided with constructive criticism, focusing on both strengths and areas requiring improvement. This feedback is crucial for players to recognize their potential and work towards achieving it.

Player Testimonials:

We also spoke with some of the participants. Abner Fernandes, a workshop attendee, praised the event’s organization, simplicity of drills, and seamless online registration process. “The drills were very simple and easy to perform. Nothing too complicated, It was simple and effective. The process of the workshop was also conducted and taken care of very well.” Adding about the scouts feedback, “The only thing the scouts kept repeating to me was that if you’re a good player , coaches will not focus on the things you did well during the match but they Will try to nit pick and find faults in your game. The only field of improvement is to reduce those tiny errors. You might Score hattrick but if you have 2 mispasses , you’ll be pulled out on that and on not the 3 goals scored.”

Reshmi, a 16-year-old talent from Dombivali and the only female participant, expressed her excitement about the workshop, “It was amazing, both scouts were very good and explained to us on what to work on going forward.”

The IKF Workshop with Premier League Academy scouts Jimmy Hayes and Chris McGrath was a resounding success. It not only provided a platform for young footballers to showcase their skills but also offered a pathway for improvement and development. The scouts’ expertise, coupled with the enthusiasm of the participants, created an atmosphere of learning and growth.

As Indian football continues to rise on the global stage, workshops like these play a pivotal role in nurturing and honing the talents of the future. With each passing year, the workshop serves as a beacon of hope for aspiring footballers, reminding them that the sky is the limit.

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