Derby County’s Under-18s took another step forward in their pre-season preparations this week as they trained at St George’s Park following their 3-0 weekend victory over Carlisle United.
However, it was an exercise that proved to be beneficial not just for the players, but also for one of the coaches in particular.
Rory Delap, Derby’s professional development phase coach, opted to begin an 18-month FA Advanced Youth Award last month and the opportunity for his Under-18s to train at the national football centre coincided very nicely with his course commitments.
Speaking to Delap following the conclusion of the training session, he explained to RamsTV: “This is the advanced youth award and it’s the highest level you can get in terms of youth coaching badges within the FA.
“What happens is that the game is broken down into a four-corner model: technical/ tactical, psychological, social and physical.
“You take an extensive look at the Under-16-23 age group, however, you can go younger or even older in some circumstances.”
On the specifics of the award, the former Republic of Ireland international went on to say: “This award is about ownership and we do to try and give everyone who is observing an input into the sessions.
“The training session that the Under-18s did was based around set plays and was about them being creative and having the courage to come up with new things and ideas.
“Everyone from lots of different clubs have commented on the intensity and how hard the lads work and that is a great thing to hear being the coach.”
Coaching awards aside, Delap was also keen to discuss the condition of the Under-18s following their impressive win over Carlisle last Saturday.
He believes that the fixture away from home served as a “invaluable”, especially for the new first-year scholars as it forced them to adapt their game preparation due to the early start because of the travel.
Delap added: “It was typical Carlisle weather which not many of the lads were used to but I thought it was a great exercise, although there were a few raised eyebrows at the journey!
“During pre-season, we don’t tend to travel that far for games because it’s a different routine for the lads having to get up early and eat at different times.
“The preparation from it all is invaluable. It was a great exercise and the last 70 minutes of play was a really positive performance from them all.
“We’ve had two games this week but now it is about getting towards that starting XI ahead of the upcoming season.
“It is crucial for the lads really to go out and show what they’ve got.”
