SPORTING CP
SPORTING CP
STRATEGIC IMPORTANCE
QUALITY AREAS SNAPSHOT
› Academy directors Paulo Gomes and Tomaz Morais, together with the
recruitment and the academy players' development – which happens in and out of the four lines.
multidisciplinary coordinators, initiated the new sporting policy and strategy three and a half years ago. The main focus is
FINANCES › Academy budget is 10-15% of total club budget. › No performance bonuses. FACILITIES › They have a dorm which has acts as a residence for 66 academy players.
› Team work and a good team spirit are key parts of transitioning. HUMAN CAPITAL › The Academy organises an annual internal education plan directed for all the Player Centred Model staff. › Hiring coaches is an internal decision based on a set of principles; the main one is having a pedagogical profile. BUY-IN FROM CLUB › The academy's mindset is not the same as the first team. Instead, a game model promotes a long-term development pathway. › There is still a very strong connection with the first team, and a monthly strategy meeting exists between the Sports Director, Academy Football Director, Technical Director, First Team Technical Staff, B Team Coach and age-grade Head Coaches. COMMUNITY CONNECTIVITY › Community and stakeholders relations are very important and there is a strong tradition of this.
players in each position. The goal is to have the 3 best players in each position. › The methodology of scouting includes an education plan, but the scouts connect with the families and act as educators for the players. › Not all the players play in regular games… they can also play in schools, beach football and, sometimes, in other sports. PRODUCTIVITY › The development process is split U7s-U13s, U14s-U17s, U19s-U23s. After U16s level, competition becomes increasingly important. Players are required to find consistency before representing the A/B teams (the B team plays in Portugal’s third division). › Coaches and physios have and do move from academy to first team. › The Academy goal (KPI) is to produce at least three first team players and at least 80% of players for the B team. › The transition process is easier when they have a first-team coach who gives young players a chance.
COGNITIVE CARE › Club has a core set of values. › Scouts and team managers are responsible for communication and relationship with parents and schools. Club works with a group of schools. › Athletic and mental education is a key part of player development. Players are also taught to use all techniques, cognitive skills, and quick decision making. They are also educated about nutrition, recovery, strength, discipline, and social media/communications. › Players are taught to keep it simple. Quality of movement is very important. But it’s not just football, the overall strategy also includes how to live a good athletic lifestyle, and comes with an individual development plan.
TALENT IDENTIFICATION › They have 5 academies in 5 different areas. › Scouting is a very important part of development, and the academy scouting department consists of 200-300 volunteers working across various regions in Portugal. › They have shadow teams for all generations and aim to have 5
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YOUTH FOOTBALL 2021-23
YOUTH FOOTBALL 2021-23
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