Coaching

Wilton United AFC places a great emphasis on the coaching of our young players.

All coaches are actively encouraged to attend coaching courses when possible. We host regular FAI Led programmes at our club ranging from the PDP 1 up to the FAI C License.

‍Beginning at our Academy, we have taken the strategic decision to take our volunteer parents and offer them coaching qualifications supported by the club.

We believe that by integrating the FAI Education programs with these parents, we can support their development as coaches to the ultimate benefit to our players, our coaches and our club.

We combine this with our existing coaching structure so that we continue to develop new coaching talent while maintaining the club coaching ethos

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Coach Education

Wilton United AFC places an emphasis on the education of our coaches through formal and informal pathways. Formally, we partner the FAI to offer qualified coaching qualifications. 

Informally, our club Coaching Forum provides a platform for practical experiences and discussions on football related matters. Beginning at an academy level, our philosophy is to develop our coaches in a similar way to developing players and we have a proud record of retaining our coaches through age groups allowing us to grow and learn together. 

Our recommended pathway offers programs with our academy partners Coerver Couching that begin the coaching journey for new or inexperienced coaches. The progression of this is the FAI PDP 3 level program and the 2021-2025 FAI Coaching Pathway program (below)

At each age group, different milestones are achieved, and coach education plays a key part when accompanied by practical experience. 

Wilton’s Coaching Pathway

U6/7

FAI PDP 1
Basic Principles
Coach up to 10 players
Understand a session plan

Basic Rules
Controlling a ball
Defence v Attack
Fun

Add coaches

4v4
35mx25m
No GK

U8/9

FAI PDP 1

5v5 format
Organising training
Communicating Effectively

Passing and Shooting
Speed and Dribbling
Positional awareness (D, M, F)

Identify strong coaches
Identify potential
Team Managers

5v5 
45mx25m

U10/11

FAI PDP 2

Defining teams based on ability

7v7 format
Formation and structures (basic)

Understanding favourite position
Introduction to matchday preparations (warm ups, team talks)

Consolidation of coaching structures
Creation of initial graded structures before competitive leagues

7v7  

65mx40m

U12

FAI PDP 3

9v9 format
Competitive games
Managing a squad (training, nutrition, wellness)

Competitive football
Success and failure
Match formations

Competitive teams 
Strength and depth of educated

9v9 

Box-Box

U14/16

UEFA C
UEFA B

11v11 Rules of play
Player attrition
Tactical mastery

Positional excellence
Set piece management
Commitment Dedication

High performing team
Underage successes

11v11
Full Pitch

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