Santisteban's philosophies pay off

As the UEFA European Under-17 Championship begins in Denmark, uefa.com profiles the man many credit with Spain's remarkable record in youth football.

New standards
Spain will be one of the sides to beat at this summer's UEFA European Under-17 Championship - due in no small part to their remarkable coach Juan Santisteban. In the 1950s, Santisteban was a member of the famous Real Madrid CF side which set new standards for European club football, since taking charge of Spanish youth football he has raised the level in that arena too.

Illustrious career
Madrid won the first five European Champions’ Club Cups, with Santisteban picking up four winners' medals. His illustrious playing career, which ended in 1968, also took in spells with AC Venezia, Real Betis Balompié and finally the Baltimore Bays in the United States.

Seven titles
Santisteban's coaching career began with his beloved Real Madrid CF's youth sides in 1970, before becoming assistant coach at the club for 16 years. Since joining the Spanish national association in 1988, he has won seven youth competition titles.

Tough childhood
In human terms, Santisteban has never forgotten his own tough upbringing. After losing both parents by the age of six in the Spanish Civil War, he spent his childhood in an orphanage with around 300 other kids. Football turned out to be his salvation. In a football match against a youth team from Real Madrid when he was 15 he played so well that the club decided to sign him.

'Pay back the game'
"I didn't have a childhood," he once said. "So I always try to give other people an enjoyable upbringing. Football took me out of a miserable existence and I have always tried to pay back the game for all it has done for me and my life."

Special award
As a coach, Santisteban's record in UEFA youth competitions is second to none. What is more, the players he has brought through at Under-16 level have gone on to win further honours, including the likes of Iker Casillas, Ivan de la Peña and Joseba Etxeberría. It is no wonder then that in August 2001, in recognition of his lifetime contribution to football, that Santisteban received the Special UEFA President's Award at the gala in Monaco.

Unique philosophy
Despite his unparalleled success, the remarkable thing about Santisteban's philosophy is that it is not based on results. His basic premise is that his teams exist for the education of young footballers. He insists that all training work is done with a ball and he always places the emphasis on skill and technique rather than physical development. During matches, he preaches fair play at all times and only gets angry if his team starts hitting long balls and forgets about playing good football.

Mutual benefit
Win or lose, his Spain side seem sure to bring those same qualities to this summer's Under-17 finals in Denmark - to the mutual benefit of the players and fans alike.