Youth System Overview

Craig McWhirter , Director of Youth gives a simple overview of the "Youth System" within Dunfermline Athletic.

YOUTH SYSTEM OVERVIEW

Craig McWhirter , Director of Youth gives a simple overview of the "Youth System" within Dunfermline Athletic.

There are basically three components to the Youth System at present: Under 19's; Under 13's, 14's, 15's and 17's (SFA Youth Initiative); and several squads, under 12 and down. The last category is currently partially managed as part of the SFA Initiative Tier.

Overview of Youth System Structure

The operation of the Under 19's is a shared responsibility as there is generally direct footballing input and management from the first team/reserve team coaches. The SFA Youth Initiative is a very structured tier, with strict SFA guidelines on operating procedures etc. but in return can yield grants to help support and develop the squads. From season 2009/10 Under 11's and 12's will become part of this programme.

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

The Club is currently determining its long term Youth policy as most feel this should be the bedrock of the future. Historically, it has not yielded the return in terms of first team players that it might have but this has largely been down to lack of resources and management capacity.

Older Groups

In an ideal world of unlimited resources we would continue to develop things along the path that the SFA have outlined, and there is no doubt that full-time football for all of the 19's is the best solution for all. This season there has been a mix of full-time and part-time and it has been very difficult to manage daytime, evening and combined training. Various funding options are being explored but it is essential that a Youth System (Under 17's and younger) has a clear progression path.

Note that the 19's have worked with a very young squad this year, and whilst results have been a bit mixed, some very good performances have shown that with better facilities and more availability of younger players to the coaching staff that a lot is possible.

Note there are no SFA grants available for operating this age group as it is not actually within a "Youth" structure, and therefore funds have to be found to operate it, either from within the club's budgets or from external fund raising, sponsorship of players etc.  

Initiative Tier

DAFC operates within the higher band of the SFA Initiative Programme which is referred to as the Performance Tier (along with SPL and 3 other non-SPL clubs). Within the Initiative tier there are two key areas which we need to focus on improving.

1.                   We need to recruit and additional senior coach, probably as Head of Youth to take care of all day to day footballing matters, coach recruitment, assessment and education, setting programmes etc. This would free Hamish French up to focus on the 19's squad.

2.                   The facilities at the Fleet Parks in Rosyth require improvement. A stable, permanent home would be a preference..

As always, the competing demands for financial and other resources will make this job difficult but it is essential that we have first class coaches and facilities in order to attract and develop the best youngsters.

Under 12's and Below

This is currently split in two, with some squads under the auspices of the Initiative tier and some with the Academy under Roger Arnott. Excellent links have now been established with the schools and regional development squads and this should help ensure the club gets access to the best very young players.

Summary of Youth Initiative Criteria

• Head of Youth - Full time
• 2 x Level 4 Coaches per squad - (11's, 12's) 13's, 14's, 15's, 17's
• Support/Specialist Coaches (Scouts)
• Minimum of 2 Youth License Holders
• Sports Scientist
• Sports Nutritionist
• Physiotherapist
• Training - playing ratio minimum 3:1