NSR Australia interviewed soccer coach Tony Campbell from Western Australia and asked him about what he looks for in a student athlete. Tony has 21 years of coaching experience, including State division 1 coaching and holds a C soccer coach licence.
We were lucky enough to get first hand insight into what he looks for in an athlete and how to develop your soccer career from an early age.
1. What do you look for in a player?
Technique, technique, technique. It’s as simple as that. Due to the limited time and number of players, athletes have to show that they are comfortable on the ball when they get it. Do they have the ability to control the ball to their advantage and make the right pass? If a player has that then they go right to the top of the pile. In addition to that, if players can also show good movement off the ball then they get full ticks from me.
2. How has NSR Australia helped athletes in your program?
It’s really about opportunities, alternative pathways where they can make the most of the talent they have.
3. What makes a well-rounded player?
Good technique and movement off the ball are the fundamentals. From there awareness in defence and attack in regards to positioning and quick decision making. And of course the only thing that makes all of that happen… working hard in training and games
4. Best piece of advice given to you buy a fellow coach or player that you would like to pass on?
Raise expectations, be pleased at your achievements but never satisfied. Players aren’t born talented it comes down to hard work and testing yourself against the best
5. Looking at successful players who have come through your federation/association what are the fundamental assets that set them apart from others?
They have this winning mentality and that drive to take on the best and be confident enough to beat them. But this is all on the background of hard work and practice.
6. How can parents/family nurture and help their kids if they want to pursue soccer outside of weekend games?
There are private clinics which are good as it gets the kids on the ball more (provided it’s not high intense games or fitness work) but they need to be kicking the ball around at home, against a wall, with their dad or mum etc. I also think parents need to have that right mix of being honest with their child but not cruel in terms of how they are developing. There are 2 extremes of parents, those that praise continuously regardless of performance and those that yell and scream. Both methods are wrong. Oh and of course remember that there are millions of players who play this game so in the end just enjoy it and do your best.