How to prepare for the Football Academy - Top tips from the Head Coach
Are you joining this summer’s Football Academy at Lord Wandsworth College?
Last week, we recommended 8 things to pack before English Study Camps and this week we have asked our Head Coach, Stewart Brown, to give you some advice on how to prepare for the Football Academy so you can arrive ready.
As you gear up for this summer programme, it's essential to be well-prepared physically, mentally, and practically. Here are some valuable tips and advice from Stewart to help you get ready.
Stewart Brown - Head Coach at the Football Academy
Before Arrival
1. Build Your Stamina
The Head Coach emphasises the importance of endurance. You should be able to run continuously for at least 10 minutes at any speed. Incorporate regular cardio workouts such as jogging, cycling, or swimming into your routine to build your stamina and cardiovascular fitness.
2. Essential Gear: Shin pads and Boots
Don’t forget your equipment! The Head Coach insists on bringing at least two sets of shin pads to each session. This ensures you have a backup in case one set gets damaged or lost. Additionally, you'll need the appropriate footwear: boots for grass surfaces and trainers for indoor or artificial pitches.
3. Optional but Beneficial: GPS Vests
If you have your own GPS vest, feel free to bring it. These vests can provide valuable data on your performance, helping you and your coaches track metrics like distance covered, speed, and heart rate.
2024 Football Academy Puma kit modelled by our Sales Executive, Carlo.
During the Football Academy
1. Maintain a Sports-Related Diet
Nutrition is a crucial part of any athlete's regimen. A balanced diet rich in protein, healthy fats, carbohydrates, vitamins, and minerals will fuel your body for intense training sessions. Ensure your meals are well-rounded, including lean meats, fish, eggs, nuts, fruits, vegetables, and whole grains. Staying hydrated is equally important, so drink plenty of water throughout the day.
LWC food hall
2. Prioritise Sleep
Adequate rest is essential for recovery and performance. Aim for at least 8 hours of quality sleep each night. Proper sleep helps your body repair muscles, consolidate memory, and rejuvenate for the next day’s activities.
3. Language and Learning Resources
Football is a global game, and communicating clearly can be a significant advantage. Everyone is coming to English Study Camps to improve their English along with their football skills, so if necessary, carry a translation book related to sports and football-specific terminology. This can help you communicate better with international teammates and coaches.
4. Educational Reading: Autobiographies
Learning from the experiences of successful players who have overcome challenges can be incredibly motivating. Bring along an autobiography of a football player who has faced and conquered adversity. Their stories can provide insights and inspiration as you navigate your own path.
5. Motivational Music
Music can be a powerful tool to boost your motivation and focus. Create a playlist of your favourite motivational songs to listen to before training or matches. This can help you get in the right mindset and elevate your performance.
Playing football at Lord Wandsworth College
Preparing for the Football Academy at Lord Wandsworth College requires you to look at different areas such as physical training, proper nutrition, mental preparedness, and practical readiness. By following these tips from the Head Coach, Stewart, you'll be well on your way to making a strong impression and maximising your potential at the academy.
Remember that dedication and hard work are the keys to success!
We look forward to welcoming you to the English Study Camps Football Academy this summer!
Head Coach - Stewart Brown