This week the young student players at IHM Football Academy were treated to a day with ex Manchester United coach Mike Phelan. The players visited the home of FC United for a day’s coaching and seminars looking at careers in football. Following on from a very successful day at the IHM Football Academy at Ellesmere College earlier in the term, The Manchester players were treated to the same event in Manchester this week when they travelled to the Broadhurt Park, the home of FC United.
The day was a mixture of seminars from Dave Horrocks, who is renowned for his work in elite sporting performance, having worked as a consultant with Manchester United FC and numerous governing bodies, including British Cycling, the FA and the Premier League. In the sessions Dave gave the players an in-depth presentation on opportunities and careers is sport, along with guidance on the qualifications needed for different roles. A second presentation then looked more into the playing side of the game, looking at the way the players could improve themselves, including their fitness and specific requirements for positions in football.
Following the classroom-based sessions, it was then out on the pitch to be coached by ex Manchester United coach Mike Phelan. Mike has had a fantastic footballing career, starting out as a player with Premier League Burnley FC and then moving on to play for Norwich City, Manchester United and West Bromwich Albion, along with winning a cap for England. Mike then moved into coaching. As a coach and manager, Mike has been at some of the biggest clubs in England and arguably at the biggest club in the world. He was assistant manager twice at Manchester United alongside Sir Alex Fergurson and Ole Gunner Solskjaer.
Mike delivered a fantastic possession session for the players along with a transition drill, progressing into a finishing session. On the pitch they then finished off with a small sided game incorporating what the players had done in the session. As part of the coaching Mike spoke a lot about the finer details he used to instil into the players at Manchester United.
The day was a fantastic experience for the young players. To be coached by a top professional who has worked with the top players in the world is a once in a lifetime experience and something they can remember for the rest of their careers. Hopefully some of the IHM players will be able to progress onto the professional game and be part of the type of set ups that Mike has been involved in over the years.
Topping off the day was a questions and answers session with Mike, where the players got to find out lots of behind-the-scenes information about his time at Manchester United. Head of football, Sam, said of the day:
“What a great day for the boys. They were in front of some of the most experienced people in the game and they were transfixed by every word they said.
To have that level of coach at the academy is fantastic, just a great experience for the lads.
Mike and Dave were great, they really engaged with the players and included them all. A great day all in all.”
A massive thank you to Mike, Dave and their team for inviting the players along to the day.
Hopefully we will be able to have a follow up later in the season.
If you’d like to be part of the IHM Football Academy and experience these fantastic opportunities, contact us now to see how you can join us in Manchester during 2024.
