WHUIA National Camp 2011 - Rome, GA - CAMP 2 Day 1

Hammer time.

It's Round 2 here in Rome, Georgia. 80+ soccer players from the US, Canada and Mexico are here for the West Ham United International Academy National Camp 2011. They'll be working with some outstanding coaches from the Academy of Football in London, England:

Tony Carr - MBE Director of the Academy

Paul Heffer - Assistant Director 

Ian Yuill - Technical Skills Director

Mark Phillips - Academy Coach

Ian Bishop - WHUIA Ambassador, Scout and ex professional player

James Meara - International Academy Coach and ex professional player 

Plus a few other great coaches and staff - all at the Darlington School in Rome, GA.

                                                                                                                                        
So, here's a breakdown of the day from the start - and the start is early in the morning.........

Pinnies. Lots of them. Jeremy washed the lot - then we ironed, counted and folded the lot. I need to make sure each coach gets their 'gear' and also make sure they bring it back at the end. Kevin on the balls - he pumped up 80 odd for the incoming players. He's the assistant goalkeeping coach and plays here in Atlanta. 

Every player gets 2 sets of kit, a ball, bag, drink bottle etc. The bottle is pretty vital given the temperature around 5pm can be in the 

90's and humid. Now, it may become evident that I am a little over the top about West Ham, but imagine my surprise when these naturally occuring 'hammers' bottles appeared on the table in front of Sean, the Trainer.

Tracey, who plays and coaches with the West Ham United Ladies, is on the shirt distribution. I thought pinnies were bad - we are talking 2 sets for every player - on the right a couple of the early birds checking in - Marcus and Sascha with Abby - who helped direct the lads as they checked in.

So, what are we in store for? I'll tell you - simply the best soccer camp in North America - coaching staff, philosophy and venue. West Ham United has very high expectations of players across the board. It is an honor to represent the club, not a given right and only the most determined make the grade.

Here is Tony Carr MBE working with my U15 group. Already demonstrated they mean business. Tony has been at the club for 38 years. He worked with the boys and ran a simple

drill which involved passing the ball between 4 players - a main person has to play off the back foot and find the open man. Sound easy and it should be really - but it is still challenging to all. Many of the Academy practices are surprisingly simple and do not involve opposition. It is primarily about developing routine to the extent that a motor program becomes automonous and can therefore be excuted under pressure. OK - bit of a mouthful that one - basically when under pressure in sport you can only do what has been learned effectively. Oh and remember this - practice does not make perfect. It makes permanent. Only perfect practice make perfect - so be prepared to slow down and master a skill - adding opposition does not help that. Imagine if you threw pancakes at your kids as they were learning to feed themsleves. They'd starve in a week..

Forever West Ham? Absolutely.

 Finally - just for the twins, here is Nanny Rae....!

 Day 2 Tomorrow. National Camp v The Weather...