From August 9 to 15, a delegation of the Ukrainian Football Association visited Manchester to complete an educational program at the City Football Academy. The group included 16 representatives from clubs in the PRO League and Elite League of the National League of the Future, as well as five coaches of girls' teams from various leagues in Ukraine (from U-15 to Prime League), along with association heads for specific programs.

— How did everything go? What do you think of the training program? 

— In my opinion, everything went very well. The program was intense on one hand and interesting on the other. Even if we were tired, we didn't notice it because the lecturers were very engaging and provided a lot of useful information. 

The training took place at Manchester City's facilities, so everything around us was fascinating: fields, training processes, children, stadium tours. We were lucky to observe the first team's preparations for the start of the season. Overall, there was a lot of interesting information. I think it will take me some time to digest all this.

— What did you pay attention to in the work of Manchester City's Academy and what would it be good for our youth sector to adopt?

— If I were an academy director, I would take on a lot. Maybe even everything. At least 90 percent. This applies, I emphasize, to the development of coaches and preparation of children up to 12-13 years old. I believe that in this aspect they have a very universal program that can be easily and boldly implemented in Ukraine. Because it is well-grounded and has extensive experience in developing players.

— And what about the development of coaches?

— There won't be talented children without talented coaches. And it's hardest for coaches to work with young children. At this age, a player’s mind is like a blank sheet of paper. If a child misses something or loses it, it will be very difficult to make up for it in an academic setting. Almost impossible. Therefore, they specifically train coaches on how to work with this category of children. How to behave, be both a coach and a psychologist and a parent.

— Do the aspects that should be transferred to Ukraine depend primarily on financial factors? 

— No. This is a matter of personal qualities and approach to work. A coach must be positively oriented, well attuned to children. Have a creative approach to developing their wards. There's no criticism of children at all there. That's the most important thing. Of course, you also need to understand pure football training. This should go hand in hand with the human qualities of a mentor.

— What do you think about the group of Ukrainian specialists who attended this training? 

— I believe that our youth football is in good hands. We have very capable organizers. The group consisted of specialists of different ages. There were girls too. Everyone was very active, asked many questions. There was great interest and enthusiasm. I liked this because only such people can achieve results. People who are not afraid to admit they don't know something.