Tournaments

Achievement Overview

Our Under-12 squad secured first place at the South London Regional Championship, competing against 16 teams from boroughs including Croydon, Lambeth, Southwark, and Greenwich. The tournament spanned 6 weeks, with matches held at various venues across the region.

Preparation Process

The team underwent 8 months of structured preparation, training three times weekly with additional weekend sessions. Focus areas included formation play (4-3-3 system), set-piece routines, pressing strategies, and transition phases. Fitness testing tracked improvements in speed, endurance, and agility.

Tournament Performance

• Played 8 matches: 6 wins, 1 draw, 1 loss
• Scored 23 goals, conceded 7
• Three players finished as joint top scorers with 5 goals each
• Goalkeeper maintained clean sheets in 4 matches
• Team awarded Fair Play Trophy for exemplary conduct

Development Impact

Following this success, 5 players received trials with professional academy programmes. The experience strengthened team cohesion and individual confidence. Parents reported improved discipline, time management, and academic performance alongside sporting achievements.

Training Camps

Programme Structure

Three-week intensive course held at our Wandsworth Common facility during August. Daily sessions ran from 9:00 to 15:00, Monday through Friday. Participants divided into four age groups: 7-8, 9-10, 11-12, and 13-14 years. Maximum group size of 22 players ensured individual attention.

Coaching Team

Led by head coach with UEFA A License and 12 years experience at academy level. Support staff included former League One midfielder, qualified physiotherapist, and sports nutritionist. All coaches hold enhanced DBS certificates and current first aid qualifications.

Technical Curriculum

• Ball mastery: 1,000 touches daily programme
• Passing: short, medium, long range accuracy drills
• Dribbling: close control, change of direction, speed variations
• Shooting: technique, power, placement, finishing in the box
• Defending: positioning, tackling, intercepting, covering
• Game intelligence: reading play, decision making, spatial awareness

Additional Components

Daily video analysis sessions reviewing professional matches and participant performances. Sports science workshops covering hydration, nutrition, injury prevention, and recovery. Guest speakers included current professional players. End-of-camp tournament with family attendance and individual awards ceremony.

Community

Partnership Scope

Formal agreement with 12 primary schools across Wandsworth and Merton boroughs, serving areas including Tooting, Balham, Wimbledon, and Colliers Wood. Programme launched September 2023 after 6 months planning with headteachers and PE coordinators.

Delivery Model

Each school receives 1-hour coaching session weekly during PE curriculum time. Sessions delivered by Level 2 qualified coaches, working alongside school teaching staff. Content aligned with National Curriculum requirements for Key Stage 2 physical education. Seasonal variation includes indoor futsal during winter months.

Resources Provided

• Complete equipment sets: balls, cones, bibs, goals
• Lesson plans and assessment frameworks
• Teacher training workshops (4 sessions annually)
• Progress tracking system for pupil development
• Free coaching manuals and skill cards

Talent Pathway

Students showing aptitude and enthusiasm receive invitations to free trial sessions at Baciqi academy. Currently 47 participants have progressed from school sessions to regular academy training. Scholarship scheme available for families requiring financial support, covering 50-100% of fees based on circumstances.

Measurable Outcomes

Post-programme surveys show 78% increase in regular physical activity among participants. School reports indicate improved concentration and classroom behaviour. Parent feedback highlights enhanced social skills and confidence. Three schools have established after-school clubs as direct result of programme.

Tournaments

Tournament Details

Four-day competition held in Amsterdam, Netherlands, during October half-term. Format included group stage (4 teams per group) followed by knockout rounds. Our Under-14 squad competed against Ajax Academy, Club Brugge Youth, Schalke 04 Junior Team, and Paris Saint-Germain Development Squad, among others.

Match Results

• Group Stage: 2 wins, 1 draw (qualified 2nd in group)
• Quarter-final: Won 3-1 against German opposition
• Semi-final: Lost 2-1 to eventual champions Ajax
• Third-place play-off: Won 4-2 on penalties

Individual Recognition

Two Baciqi players selected for tournament Team of the Week by coaching panel. Our central midfielder received Best Playmaker award after creating 11 goal-scoring opportunities across 5 matches. Goalkeeper made crucial penalty save in third-place match, earning Player of the Match honours.

Learning Experience

Exposure to continental playing styles provided valuable tactical education. Dutch teams demonstrated superior technical skills and possession play. German opponents showed physical intensity and direct approach. French academy exhibited excellent individual technique. Our coaching staff compiled detailed analysis reports for future training focus.

Cultural Benefits

Players experienced international travel, stayed in sports accommodation, and participated in cultural activities including stadium tour of Johan Cruyff Arena. Team-building exercises strengthened group dynamics. Many participants cite this as highlight of their youth career to date.

Training Camps

Programme Leadership

Head coach spent 15 years as professional goalkeeper, including 8 seasons in Championship with 247 appearances. Holds UEFA B Licence and FA Advanced Goalkeeping Certificate. Assisted by current National League goalkeeper who trains alongside academy participants.

Technical Training

Comprehensive curriculum covering fundamental and advanced techniques. Shot-stopping sessions focus on positioning angles, footwork patterns, diving mechanics, and hand positioning. Distribution training includes throwing accuracy, goal kicks for distance and placement, and quick release techniques for counter-attacks.

Specialist Areas

• High ball handling: catching, punching, claiming crosses
• One-on-one situations: narrowing angles, timing challenges
• Sweeper-keeper skills: reading through balls, interceptions
• Set-piece organization: positioning defenders, communication
• Penalty saving: psychology, analysis, positioning
• Footwork and agility: ladder drills, cone work, plyometrics

Mental Preparation

Sessions with sports psychologist address concentration maintenance, error recovery, pressure management, and communication skills. Video analysis reviews decision-making in match situations. Participants maintain training diaries tracking progress and setting weekly targets.

Physical Conditioning

Strength and conditioning programme designed specifically for goalkeepers. Focus on explosive power, core stability, flexibility, and injury prevention. Gym sessions twice weekly supplemented by home exercise programmes. Nutrition guidance provided for optimal performance and recovery.

Community

Programme Origins

Launched January 2024 following consultation with local sports development officers and women's football organisations. Research identified lack of accessible opportunities for girls aged 6-15 in South London area. Funding secured through Sport England grant and partnership with Wandsworth Council.

Delivery Locations

Free taster sessions held at 8 community venues including Wandsworth Park, Tooting Bec Common, King George's Park, and indoor sports halls in Balham and Streatham. Sessions scheduled weekday evenings and Saturday mornings to accommodate school and family commitments.

Coaching Approach

All sessions delivered by FA Level 2 qualified female coaches with experience in girls' and women's football. Emphasis on creating supportive, non-competitive environment for beginners. Small-sided games format ensures maximum ball contact and participation. Progressive skill development pathway from basic ball familiarisation to structured match play.

Participation Growth

• Month 1: 45 registrations across all age groups
• Month 2: 82 participants, added extra sessions
• Month 3: 127 regular attendees, formed 6 training groups
• Current: 3 competitive teams entered in local league

Partnership Network

Collaboration established with Wimbledon Women's FC, providing pathway for talented players aged 14+. Equipment donations received from Chelsea FC Foundation. Link with London FA ensures coaches receive ongoing professional development. Several participants have attended FA Girls' Football Week events at Wembley Stadium.

Family Engagement

Parent workshops cover nutrition, sports psychology, and supporting young athletes. Family fun days include mixed games and BBQ events. WhatsApp groups facilitate communication and car-sharing arrangements. Feedback surveys show 94% satisfaction rating and strong demand for programme expansion.