Forum focused on youth

The club licensing system, the challenges facing club academies and the future of youth football were all on the agenda as the fourth UEFA Elite Club Youth Coaches Forum met in Cannes on Tuesday morning.

Big names
The forum preceded the ninth UEFA Elite Youth Football Conference, which opened on Tuesday afternoon, and was led by the UEFA technical director Andy Roxburgh with representatives of some of the top clubs in Europe, including AC Milan, FC Internazionale Milano, Manchester United FC, Chelsea FC, FC Bayern München, FC Porto and Olympique Lyonnais, present. Dr Viacheslav Koloskov, a member of the Executive Committees of both UEFA and FIFA, welcomed the forum participants on behalf of the UEFA President Michel Platini and the UEFA Executive Committee, adding: "I wish you every success in your work with young players. You have the future in your hands."

Mutual benefits
The UEFA Development and Technical Assistance Committee member Campbell Ogilvie also welcomed those present and emphasised the benefits the forum could bring, saying: "There are many areas of mutual interest and challenges that are shared across Europe." Andy Roxburgh began by setting out the aims of the forum, placing particular emphasis on the fact that the issues raised and the ideas proposed would be considered by UEFA, and adding that the intention was to offer the attendees the opportunity to exchange views, offer proposals, provide and receive information, improve relationships – both between the clubs themselves and between the clubs and the national associations – make contacts and discuss the trends in youth developments.

'Taking care of tomorrow'
The first item on the agenda was the club licensing system and its impact, with UEFA's technical director adding the intention of the licensing system had been to force the club to "take care of tomorrow". A key issue raised was the fact that youth coaching is often seen as a stepping stone towards a position in the senior game, and the idea was proposed that training should be more specific for youth coaches. "Globally, coaching needs to be recognised as a profession," said Roxburgh, who added that UEFA has recently launched an Elite Youth 'A' Licence aimed at raising coaching standards still further.

Academy issues
Next was the major issues and challenges facing club academies and it quickly became apparent there was one major problem concerning virtually all those present; many players moved abroad in their mid-teens. That led to a discussion on what constitutes a homegrown player and an expressed wish to protect both young players and the clubs that develop them. The access to young players and the time they are allowed to train was also raised. The focus was then directed to what more UEFA and the associations can do to support the academies, and all present were keen to see more open lines of communication to allow clubs and associations to work in closer harmony. The invitation of club representatives to this conference was highly appreciated and would help in terms of communication.

'Powerful voice'
The forum participants were given the chance to suggest key factors that should be included in the new licence before attention was drawn to the UEFA Coaches' Circle and the Training Ground area of uefa.com, and the facilities they provide. The meeting was brought to a conclusion with a review of proceedings. "The future of the game depends on thew quality of youth development," Roxburgh said before bringing the forum to a close.