Junior to Senior Transition

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Junior to SeniorTransition
Graham McNaney Community Football Manager
ARL Development February 2008
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Is There A Drop-Off?

• Yes - there is evidence that not all juniors join
  a senior club
• This drop-off is over and above the normal
  player-related reasons
• Remember, players at this age are also
  experiencing various life issues

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Why Is There A Drop-Off?

• Cultural change teenager to adult
• May no longer be with close mates
• Pressure (players are paid, club finances)
• May no longer be the best player
• General acceptance into an adult world

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What Can We Do?

• Identify the issues that create tension when
  juniors move to a senior club
• Introduce programs that will make the transition
  as smooth as possible

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Orientation

• Initiate contact with players during their last
  year as juniors
• Have a QA session
• Invite them to spend time at the senior club
  (informally at this stage)

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Mentor Program

• Have senior players train on selected occasions
  with the juniors in their last year
• Have 2 or 3 seniors work with small junior groups
  outside backs, halves, forwards
• Identify high-level juniors and hold a couple of
  specialist sessions
• Have senior team occasionally attend junior games
  and training

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Liaison Role

• Appoint a Liaison Officer
• Select someone who can relate to juniors
• It is key that this person is the primary contact
  between junior and seniors
• Have Liaison Officer report frequently on
  activities

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Social Activities

• Conduct some junior only functions in players
  last year
• Non alcohol (golf, cricket, beach, BBQ)
• Conduct some mixed functions and introduce
  juniors to adult environment
• Constantly remind juniors of policies regarding
  Code of Conduct, alcohol, drink-driving etc.

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Formal Education

• National Code of Conduct
• Drinking policy
• Drug policy
• Team travel policy

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First Grade Coach Role

• Crucial that the Coach become a father figure
  to juniors in the early stages of the transition
  period
• Coach must explain in detail the clubs and
  teams expectations (preferable to do this during
  juniors last season)
• Coach must conduct regular feedback sessions

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Its A Different World

• First day at school
• First day at work

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• Questions