Posted by Marketing, 27th October 2015
Something that GIS has always been proud about is the close relationships we have with our professional partner clubs. Being so involved with the key people at each club academy ensures we get access to the very best coaching that is available, guaranteeing a fantastic learning experience for the players and coaches that attend our ID camps and Academy Tours.
One such academy is Stoke City in the English Premier League and their Academy Director, David Wright. David started his soccer career on the pitch, progressing through the youth ranks of his local team, Portsmouth F.C, where he captained the youth side and eventually earned himself a full time professional contract, and appeared for the first team aged just 17.
Unfortunately David’s career was cut short through injury, but during his time in the professional game he developed a strong passion for, and was already heavily involved in Youth Development Schemes.
Following David’s early exit from playing, he dedicated his time and efforts to following the passion he had established for coaching and development. This led him to undertake UEFA and FA coaching qualifications and increase his theoretical knowledge at degree level, obtaining a Bachelors Degree (BA Hons in Educational Studies and a Bsc Hons in Sport and Exercise Science). While studying, David continued to work with the young, as a sports coordinator at a Primary School where he ran a variety of programmes during and after school, allowing him to continue to truly understand how young people best learn and develop.
David’s first professional coaching role came back at his former club Portsmouth, where he became Youth Development Coach. Over a period of 7 years at the club David’s passion and dedication led him to progress through the coaching ranks where he became Development Centre Manager and then eventually Assistant Academy Manager. During this time David was responsible for the development of children of all ages from 6 through to 18, introducing them to sports science related issues and the importance of a healthy lifestyle to aid their future development. His final role as Assistant Academy Manager gave him responsibility for the day to day management of the U9 – U16 coaching programme along with the recruitment strategy across all academy ages.
In 2010, the opportunity came for David to join Premier League side Stoke City as Assistant Academy Manager where he was again responsible for the U9 – U16 coaching programmes, with a primary focus of implementing a technical programme. Again, David’s talents were immediately recognised as only 14 months into the role he was promoted to Academy Manager where he was responsible for the overall Academy. During his time as Academy Manager, David was influential in helping the academy attain and maintain category one status – the highest level within the Elite Player Performance Plan (EPPP) Scheme initiated by the English Premier League.
After 2 years as Academy Manager, David was eventually given the role of Academy Director at the Premier League side, and is where he remains to this day.
David Wright’s coaching expertise:
- UEFA A Licence
- UEFA B Licence
- FA Advanced Youth Award
- FA Youth Coaches Award (12-16)
- FA Youth Awards 1-3
- FA Talent ID
GIS are privileged and proud to work with such a driven, passionate and talented coach, who understands the way elite young talent can be nurtured and developed to reach the highest levels in the game. Being able to offer this kind of expertise to our US partner youth club players and coaches is key to why GIS is a leader in its field.
To learn more about partnering with GIS and how you can get your club involved in training experiences at professional academies, under the guidance of coaches like David Wright, visit www.globalimagesports.com or email: info@globalimagesports.com.
Stoke City National Camp
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