ALLAN D’CRUZ
PANJIM: We have seen various coaching camps and coaches training programme in the State, but the recently held World Coaches Programme conducted by Nertherlands Football Federation offered a whole new experience to the coaches, players and the viewers too.
Led by instructor Bert Zuurman, the World Coaches Programme, which was held for over five days at Duler Stadium, Mapusa, wasn’t just ordinary coaching programme. The coaches were taught and trained to convey messages to the kids in a fun filled manner while learning and playing ‘The Beautiful Game’.
“We know everyone conducts coaching programmes but ours was a little different. For instance, we had decided on the theme of water and waste here in Goa. It is really important to learn about the social issues and we always try to combine football with life skills through this programme,” explained instructor Bert Zuurman.
“This is really important because as per our observations and studies we have noticed that the children and the players believe whatever the coaches say and they play a major influence on children.” added Zuurman.
“We all know the power of football, as it’s the most powerful sports in the world. Everyone likes to play football and almost everyone wants to play football now. We are using the power of football to influence the children.” explaned Bert.
Zuurman played and coached in Holland and also worked in India. When asked about his expectations before coming to Goa and how was the response he received, the Dutch said, “I have worked in India before and my expectations before coming to Goa were very high. I am very happy with the response I got here because the coaches were highly involved in the sessions. That was fantastic.”
However, the former Ozone FC coach quickly added that there was a tremendous difference in coaching in Europe and India. “In India the coaches doesn’t express immediately. In Europe the coaches have plenty of questions to ask. They question on every activity asking about the reasons to do it but here in India, the trainees believe whatever we say,” added Zuurman.
“It’s good to interact with the participants and more questions should be asked during the programmes. That is the big different.” added Zuurman.
World Coaches Programme had many women coaches and Bert was full of praise towards the State for their support and promotion towards women’s football.
“It is really great to see women participating in the programme. I am also aware of the GFA-Vedanta Women’s League. ‘Football for all’ is one of our aims and I believe that every girl deserves to play football. Women’s football is on the rise in the world; and in India too, huge efforts are being taken for the upbringing of women into the sport. Through the Vedanta Women’s Football League, it is really necessary to develop the players at the grassroots level and I am happy with the way things are going on here at the moment,” explained Zuurman.
However, Bert had certain observations at the end of the camp and said, “We have to improve the coaching skills of the coaches as they are the ones who make the difference. We need to use the best coaches in the youth development programme. If you are planning to develop youth or women’s football you need to start at the bottom. We have to work at different age stages and we have to provide an access for the girls to play. Another important factor is infrastructure and right knowledge,” concluded Zuurman.
