THE IFA METHOD
AT IFA OUR MISSION IS TO PUT PLAYER DEVELOPMENT ABOVE ALL ELSE
Under the direction of our Technical Director Mark Spalding, IFA has developed an extensive training and development model for our players and teams.
OUR PLAYER MODEL
At IFA we have built a player development methodology designed to help players grow in ability, in awareness, as athletes with the right attitude. We aim to prepare players for the current and future demands of soccer at all levels and assist them in reaching their highest potential.
Our four player development pillars guide our development methodology.
Ability
Awareness
Athlete
Attitude
Our development methodology is divided into four key stages.
Foundation (U7-U9)
Formation (U10-U12)
Intermediate (U13-U15)
Progress (U16 - U19)
Every IFA training session is broken down into two components:
Objectives - What our players learn: During the session, players get an opportunity to learn key player objectives that are age and stage appropriate.
Behaviors - What our players show: These are actions that players perform in sessions and games that are directly related to what they have learnt.
THE TECHNICAL DRIVE OF AN IFA PLAYER
HOW DO WE ACHIEVE THESE AIMS?
IFA has a structured, age-appropriate learning objectives for each phase. See an example from our foundations phase.
OUR GAME MODEL
The IFA Game Model has been designed to create an environment for our players, teams and coaches to develop and compete according to our player development methodology.
IFA teams strive to achieve Control via our four Guiding Principles:
Control the ball: Attractive and purposeful possession
Control the field: Forcing the opposition to play when out of possession
Control the boxes: Being ruthless in both boxes to outscore the opponent
Control ourselves: A You v You mindset. We focus on what we can control.
This allows our players to be:
Innovative: Players are encouraged to use their initiative and find solutions to challenges
Flexible: Players understand their role within the team and are selfless in their actions
Accountable: Players are responsible for their development. They take every opportunity to improve.
Our teams focus on three key areas:
Intensity: Maximum effort in every action.
Attack with pace
Desire to win the ball
High energy moments
Front Footed: Defend Forward
High press
Counter pressing
First contacts
Attack Focused: Outscore the opposition
Individual creativity
Obsessed to break lines
Get in the box
OUR COACH MODEL
Our player development methodology and game model are just ideas on a piece of paper. It is our coaching staff that bring these to life and execute our vision on and off the field. We are proud to have an outstanding and inspirational group of coaches at IFA.
THE IFA COACHING PROGRESS
Hiring: The club goes through a robust hiring process for new coaches which includes on-field evaluation and appropriate background checks.
Placement: We work with coaches to place them in the most appropriate age and stage environment within the club.
Support: IFA coaches are supported by our Technical Director, Regional managers and age-group leads. Our periodization plan and extensive session library provide coaches the tools they need to deliver the IFA method.
Development: IFA supports all coaches in their relative coaching journeys with license reimbursement and ongoing professional development opportunities both within and outside the club. Coaches receive seasonal evaluations from the club’s technical leadership.
