Meeting with KNVB Coach/Rep
Allo,
Week 2 has been everything that I wanted it to be. I have a established a routine, everyday I bike to the club, train personally, work on my coaching book, learn dutch, and watch Excelsior practices.
Yesterday I met with Arend Regeer, Regional Coach of District A. He had a nice power point presentation on how KNVB works. KNVB is the governing body of all the amatuer clubs. This is like the Canadian National Assoc. overlooking all the provincial assoc. It was interesting to note, that all areas of The Netherlands are getting the same information, in regards, to what needs to be taught ie. formation, skills etc, so when the play on a regional team or National team, all the players are on the same page.
KNVB does not govern the professioal team, so there is always debate between the two; however, they are becoming more parallel in their idealogies. I am in a great position because I am able to get the view of the Technical Director of a Professional Club (Marco van Lochem, Rotterdam Excelsior), the view of a KNVB representative Arend Regeer, and next week I am meeting with my second uncle who is the president of an Amateur Club,I will keep you posted.
On a lighter note,
I watched a U9 game, Excelsior vs Feyenoord. There is a huge rival in the youth age groups because they are both from Rotterdam, more importanly, Excelsior is never suppose to win as Feyenoord is a much bigger club with much deeper pockets.
The game was very intense, I was in awe, 9 years olds looking and playing soccer like adults. It was amazing to watch, better voetball then I see most adults in Canada play. The game it self was interesting to watch, Feyenoord played a mostly passing game while Excelsior played a more individual game. Excelsior won the game 2-1, on a great deke and blistering shot into the top corner, Unreal! Did I mention 9 year olds!?!? It was rewarding to know what I am teaching back home is correct, technique, technique, technique. Also, all the players played in position, they understand the game and how it should be played. When the game was over, Excelior players were chanting for 10 minutes!!
On an even lighter note,
I was also in awe of the mullets in Holland, OMG, I have a picture I will try and post asap.
Talk soon,