Before the Park to Pro journey get’s underway, our head of player and coach development Adam Clark has answered some questions. Get all the latest updates through our Facebook, Twitter and Instagram channels. Follow us now!!
Why did you set up Park to Pro?
I formed Park to Pro to give players and coaches the opportunity to reach their personal goals. There are a number of ways we can achieve this, but firstly the player/coach in question needs to understand their competency level. After this we can work closely together in improving the areas that need it most.
What do you hope to achieve?
I hope to assist in the progression of as many players and coaches in reaching their goals. As most will know, participants in this sport have aspirations to make it to higher levels of the game. With the correct guidance and dedication from a team of knowledgeable staff we can give them a great chance of achieving this.
There are a number of partners within Park to Pro. How will these help players and coaches?
We have a number of company partners that have joined us on our journey. After having numerous conversations during lockdown, they all showed desire to be apart of our project. We now have professionals in place who can assist with most areas in player progression.
Elsewhere we have a partnership with Real Madrid Foundation, who will be visiting the UK at the end of October. This will be an extremely good opportunity for all players (7-16), within the area.
Can you explain how the player pathway will work?
Initially players will come into one of our centres and outline their personal goals with their coach. After this the coach will give an objective evaluation on where this player is at currently, in reaching their goals. They will then work together in achieving what is needed to not only meet targets, but exceed them.
Upon the first set of targets being reached, there will then be an opportunity to formulate new goals which will work in achieving the ‘bigger’ targets. In the meantime, the player in question will be training in our centre or playing in our representative squad.
…..and the coach pathway?
The coach pathway will work similar to that of a player, in which he’ll have his/her goals set out accordingly and will work alongside me in achieving these. There will be opportunities to assist and lead within our training centre, as well as being part of our coach mentorship programme. (Keep your eyes peeled for this – it will be coming soon).
What can players expect when training with Park to Pro?
All of our players can expect a challenging environment where they will be regularly pushed outside their comfort zone. By doing this we will give them an opportunity to learn in situations that are normally seen on a match day. Having clear references in place as a guide for all of our coaches and players will ensure that we are working as well as we can, in improving these goals.
Do you have any involvement in football, outside Park to Pro?
Yes, outside of Park to Pro I manage Tadley Calleva first team. They currently ply their trade in the Wessex Premier League and have now started the 2020/21 season. All of our players within our training centre will receive a season ticket to all home games, so I hope to see you at a game soon!
Have you any advice for any players, that are aspiring to improve their game?
Try and learn where your incompetencies are and how you can improve them. While doing this, don’t ever give up as improvements can take a lot of time. Enjoy every moment, as it’s another opportunity to learn and improve.
…..and for coaches?
Read, reflect, write down reflections and evaluate. While doing this get on the pitch as much as possible!
What’s coming up next for Park to Pro?
We are just at the beginning of our journey and will be releasing many exciting projects over the next 12 months. There will be opportunities afforded to players and a coach mentorship programme for those that want to improve. As a company the aims will be to expand across Berkshire and to improve players/coach performance.
