Soccer school defends itself over selection

THE selection policy for the Lloyds TSB soccer school has come under fire from GFA clubs and parents. There have been accusations of bias, so the simple and positive reaction from the GFA was to call a meeting at its headquarters at the Corbet Field.

The invitation was open to all GFA clubs and predictably the attendance was poor, with only Rovers and Rangers turning out.

That seemed to indicate that most clubs were happy with the situation, but was that the case?

The process will always have critics, mainly from parents if their son or daughter is not selected, or from clubs who think one of their better players has been omitted.

Phil Corbet, who co-ordinates the school, chaired the meeting and was sympathetic with some of the views expressed.

Chris Loveridge, a youth coach with Rangers, said: 'I applaud the soccer school but it is open to club bias. The selection policy is not fair.

'Can it be right that it will not select a player if he has a bad attitude, when in fact we club coaches know their true attitude? The players have to be given a chance.'

Ian Ozanne, representing Rovers, felt the soccer school coaches should liaise more with club coaches on the selection policy which, Corbet agreed, was a weakness and would be corrected.

Mac Gallienne, also from Rangers, agreed. 'We are not for one minute questioning the ability of the school's coaches. They do a great job, but feel strongly that they talk more to youth coaches of any club, because they know the players' strengths and weaknesses more than anyone.'

The selection policy consists of a series of skills and tests taken from the FA handbook. Also players are watched numerous times by the soccer school coaches before the selection process.

There is a total of 13 coaches, including a goalkeeping one. The selection of players is now completed and they meet on Fridays for regular training sessions; there are 64 boys and 26 girls involved.

Indeed, the meeting was useful despite a poor attendance, but criticism of the selection policy will always remain a big issue, especially among the clubs who shout it from the rooftops but fail to turn up for a meeting to discuss their grievances.

A soccer school is the best thing to happen in local football in recent years and if we can enhance our best young players' abilities further, to produce future Muratti players, then the minimal complaints the GFA gets suggest there is not too much to worry about.

Remember, every one of the coaches involved with the school is doing it voluntarily - including Corbet - and put in many hours of their spare time.

n?A SHOCK result at the Corbet Field on Monday evening has meant Belgraves are looking over their shoulders with the emergence of Vale Rec as contenders for the crown of being Youth Two champions.

A convincing 3-0 win for Tony Clarkson's improving side has opened up the league chase with five games to play.

The sides have to meet again and the previously unbeaten Bels need to improve their temperament if they are to lift the championship.

The yellow-and-greens' attitude was excellent and they kept their cool to record a valuable win. Ben Ferbrache, Emile Thompson and James Shorto were the goal scorers.

North beat Sylvans 4-2 on the same evening, with two goals apiece from John Loaring and Alex Le Prevost.

Congratulations to Sylvans on reaching the Old Vic final. Martyn de Garis was delighted that his under-18 side had beaten St Martin's in the semi-final 3-0, the first time in four years his Youth One side had done so.