Performance Football Courses
Our Performance Football Courses are aimed at ambitious young players who want more from their coaching experience than just kicking a ball in to a net. Delivered by our experienced, qualified Football Association coaching staff, these high-level courses will focus on defending, controlling possession, finishing and staying on the ball. We believe these are the 4 main areas of football development we will look to improve the player as we believe these are the main topics of development which are needed most frequently by the player on the football pitch.
We will also look to improve the players tactical understanding by presenting different match scenarios and using q & a techniques to test tactical knowledge, by giving ownership to the player we believe a growth mindset will develop which will aid individual decision making on the football pitch.
We will ensure each player will learn in a challenging but fun environment where they will feel secure in their training and development.

Course outline
The courses will be delivered by former Premier League Footballer, and current Bristol City U18 coach Trevor Challis.
Coaching Curriculum
Staying on the ball: 1 v 1 duels
Coaching Points | Learning Activities |
---|---|
Varying skills when facing-up an opponent | Matched up 1 v 1, 2 v 2, 3 v 3, 4 v 4 |
Turning & protecting the ball with back to an opponent | Different shapes – circles/boxes, etc |
How to face up an opponent | Grid-work |
Recognising the space to turn | Phases of play/match scenarios |
Defending 1 v 1 or in a unit
Coaching Points | Learning Activities |
---|---|
Body-shape, angle and speed of approach to opponent | Matched up 1 v 1, 2 v 2, 3 v 3, 4 v 4 |
Physical contact and timing of tackle | Small-sided games |
Pressure and balance (in 2’s and 3’s) | Functions, defence v attack |
Recovery runs, why and where? | Games/phases of play |
Finishing
Coaching Points | Learning Activities |
---|---|
Body-shape and angle of approach | Functional practices/repetition |
Shot selection, why? | Functions/phases of play/small-sided games |
Awareness of Goalkeeper position | Functions/small-sided games/repetition |
Anticipation in and around the box | Small-sided games (2 x Goalkeepers) |
Controlling possession
Coaching Points | Learning Activities |
---|---|
Passing long and short | Functions/block practices |
Different types of passes (disguised, etc) | Small-sided games, 11 v 11 |
Tempo of passing (quick and slow) | Phases of play, small-sided games |
Receiving, including aerial | Block repetition practices/small-sided games |
Facilities
Registration & coaching will take place at the Clifton College Sports Ground in Abbots Leigh, on the biggest and best 3rd Generation pitch in the South of England. This pitch is fully F.A. approved, making it the ideal artificial surface for football. Previous clubs who have used the pitch include Bristol Rovers, Bristol City, Bristol Rugby, Bath Rugby and England Rugby U20s.
Coaching will take place in all-weather conditions, with the main pavilion being used for drying off and warming-up when the weather gets too extreme!

Course Information
- Arrival @ 0800 – 0900, course finish time @ 1600, pick up available until 1800
- registration @ the Clifton College Sports Ground, Abbots Leigh
- course tailored towards the enjoyment & improvement of each individual player
- fun learning environment allows players of all abilities to develop their skills
- coaches all qualified & DBS checked, with First Aid qualified staff on site
- short term and long term goal setting with the longevity to improve the player
- coaching taking place at the Clifton College Sports Ground at Abbots Leigh, with it’s fantastic 3G football pitch
Kit requirements: Clothing for the course should include shirt, shorts, jumper, tracksuit and appropriate footwear (astroturf trainers & moulded studs can be worn). Warm wet-weather gear should also be brought along. Shinpads are ESSENTIAL for this course. There is no need for attendees to bring any valuables for these courses, although a mobile phone may be brought and left with staff during the day.
Meal arrangements: a hot lunch will be provided each day at the Sports Ground, please inform us of any special dietary requirements in advance. Attendees should bring water bottles to fill up during the day.
Course price = £50 for 1 day performance course
**the 10% discount previously offered to Clifton College students & previous bookers will no longer be available, however course prices have been reduced to reflect this fact**
