Russell Osman is an ex-England International footballer,
capped by England on eleven occasions at full international
level. He was also capped at Youth level, Under 21, and 'B'
levels, as well as captaining under 16's Schools at rugby.
He played over 800 first team league games for Ipswich Town,
Leicester City, Southampton and Bristol City. At Ipswich he
was a member of the team that won the UEFA Cup in 1981 and
came runners up, in what is now called the Premier league,
in 1980/81 and 1981/82.
He managed Bristol City and Cardiff City and gained his Full
FA Coaching license in 1993. He also worked for the Bristol
City Academy as a coach, and was coach for a season to the
England Under 18 side that included Michael Owen and Rio Ferdinand.
Russell explains why he founded the Academy:
“I have had twenty-eight years experience of being
involved with professional football at all levels, playing,
coaching, management, player management, and television commentary
work. The reason for setting up the Russell Osman Soccer Academy
is to provide more quality coaching for the younger players
in the South West. Considering the number of Youth players
playing organised football in the region it has always puzzled
me why the South West does not produce more professional footballers.
The Russell Osman Soccer Academy is an independent Academy
that will be providing holiday-time Soccer Schools and after-school
Evening Soccer Courses throughout the year. We will also provide
coaching sessions for coaches and team managers, fitness courses
and, in the future, through our association with STDB Sports
Travel Company, tours and tournaments both in the UK and worldwide”.
Our main priority though is the development of all youth soccer
players, boys and  girls,
aiming to help them reach their full potential on the football
field. I know from experience that some kids lose interest
in football because they don't feel that their talent will
ever be recognised. I will personally guarantee them that,
through my contacts in the professional game, if they have
the ability they will be seen. All players will be provided
with assessment forms and their progress carefully monitored,
as much for our benefit as for the benefit of the players
themselves, their parents and their team managers. As a parent
myself, with three soccer-mad sons, (the oldest of which has
just agreed to sign YTS with Bristol City Academy), I have
watched local youth soccer for over ten years. I believe there
is a gap in the development of these players due to the lack
of time available for coaches to provide enough coaching.
The Russell Osman Soccer Academy will be providing serious
quality coaching for these players. It is not a child-minding
service. We aim to get these players playing to the highest
standard possible. I would like to be able to forge an ongoing
relationship with all the Youth Football Clubs in the region
and work hand in hand in the development of our talented players.
Remember all players who can kick a ball have a talent. I
want all the players who have attended a Soccer School or
Evening Course to go back to their own club as improved players.
The Clubs should then benefit from having better players in
their squad to select from.
This region should not be looked upon as a football wilderness
anymore, but as an area where we care about the way our youngsters
progress through their early years. Between us we can provide
the coaching, the direction, the opportunity, the motivation
and the support. There should be no reason why the best of
our young players do not go on to be professional footballers,
if that is what they want. But also, between us, we can help
all the players go on and play at their highest level.
What other benefits are there for your Club? Apart from having
improved players available to choose from, if fifteen or more
of your players attend a Soccer School then I, and some of
my qualified coaches, will come along and provide a free session
of coaching for your club at your convenience. All coaches,
managers and parents from your club will be welcome to watch
any or all of the coaching sessions. All our coaches have
recognised coaching qualifications and have also attended
a Child Protection course. There will also be qualified first
aid personnel in attendance at all venues.
The coaching programme will be organised by myself with an
emphasis on developing the basic ball skills to as high a
standard as possible, and will include up to date coaching
methods and practices. Most importantly our coaching sessions
will be based around the players having FUN:
F: Freeing the mind
U: Unleashing the spirit
N: Nurturing the talent
FREEBIES!!
Having attended a week long soccer school, each player will
receive a football and a Russell Osman Soccer Academy T-shirt,
plus a voucher for a Pizza or Pasta meal (when accompanied
by an adult) redeemable at any Bottelino's Restaurant.
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