From Grassroots to Academy- What We Should Really Be Looking for in Young Players?

Danny Brain - Lead Youth Development Phase coach

Having worked in academy football for 14 years, I’ve spent a lot of time watching grassroots football and observing players as they enter the academy environment. One message I feel is important to share with grassroots coaches is this: we are not looking for the finished product.

At academy level, the focus is always on potential. I’m often drawn to players who show curiosity and bravery those willing to try new things, even when they don’t always come off. Mistakes are part of learning, and players who are confident enough to experiment are often the ones who develop most over time.

Alongside technical ability, I pay close attention to the psychological and behavioural attributes of the player. A positive attitude and a genuine willingness to learn stand out immediately. I’m particularly interested in how players respond to mistakes, setbacks, or difficult moments within a game.

Do they react positively? Do they try again? Do they attempt to apply feedback and solve problems for themselves rather than relying solely on constant instruction when things aren’t going their way? These behaviours often tell us far more about a player’s long-term potential than their current performance.

One of the biggest misconceptions across the Foundation Phase and Youth Development Phase is the belief that size and speed are essential at a young age. While physical development is important over time, early physical maturity is not a reliable indicator of future success.

Through my own experiences, I’ve seen many late developers go on to have excellent careers in the game. Often, these players learn to rely on decision-making, awareness, adaptability, and game understanding qualities that become crucial as players progress and physical differences begin to even out.

I currently work as the Lead Youth Development Phase coach at a Category 1 football club, but my journey to this point has been shaped by much more than tactical or technical knowledge. For me, coaching goes far beyond football content.

Coaching is about communication, building relationships, leading by example, and being adaptable to the needs of each individual. Some of the most valuable learning experiences

I’ve had to adapt early in my career, delivering PPA sessions to large school classes with children of varying abilities.

Managing groups of 30+ children required constant adaptation, adjusting communication, remaining patient, maintaining authority, and still ensuring sessions were engaging and enjoyable for everyone. Those experiences have had a lasting impact on how I coach today.

As grassroots coaches, the environments you create matter. Encouraging players to be brave, curious, and resilient while supporting them through mistakes can make a huge difference to their long-term development.

That’s what Coaches Hub is about: sharing experiences, learning from one another, and continuing to improve the environments we provide for young players at every level of the game.