BRAZILIAN SOCCER SCHOOLS PHILOSOPHY
Our training philosophy, put simply, is for players to become technically competent with the ball, work to develop the required physical components before going on to excel in game situations. We aim to continue raising the bar of player development to levels not seen, perhaps not yet dreamed of, creating the complete eleven-a-side player.
Our program is of a long term nature with the emphasis initially placed on the individual rather than a team methodology. We believe the game should first be seen as an individual pursuit and complete domination and mastery of the tool of the game, the ball, be attained before the player moves into game play.
BSS Founder Simon Clifford drew the analogy with music in that a young and aspiring musician would spend a minimum of three or four years perfecting and developing the command of their instrument before being invited to perform in an orchestra.
The individual nature of Brazilian Soccer Schools training is supplemented by an increased number of training hours, where through constant repetition players can refine and improve both basic and complex skills. Futebol de Salão allows the core moves and skills taught and assessed in sessions to be integrated into the insanely fast, tightly compressed & highly pressurised environments of junior & youth 5-a-side futsal or 7-a-side football.
Working with a smaller (size 2) and heavily weighted (10% rebound) Futebol de Salão ball, which is particularly essential in the early years, aids the accelerated and all round development of the individual in their competitive game situations. The small sided games & drills together with the specialist ball provides the best complete skill & attribute building environment for junior & youth 9-a-side & 11-a-side football.
As players grow older the focus is still very much on technical development alongside a far greater emphasis on physical training, game play and tactical training.
Conventional footballs (size 4 and 5) are used for longer passing, heading and shooting, alongside balls of other weights and varieties used to achieve specific learning outcomes. A size 1 and weighted ball has been designed to aid the development of our youngest players, whilst the slightly weighted (30% rebound) size 4 Futsal ball is used on grass to support older players converting their skills to the 11-a-side game.
Brazilian Soccer Schools’ training sessions vary in duration depending on age. A typical two-hour training session would be split into thirds constituting individual ball work, paired or group work and game play. The sessions and game play are of a very intense nature with little time for stopping or instruction.
Elite Brazilian Soccer School players are encouraged to train for two-hours each day within their regional program. Brazilian Soccer Schools also encourage players to devote an hour a day to individual practice working with a ball following the Brazilian Soccer Schools Skills Badge Scheme very much in the same way a musician would practising their instrument.
“I used to train at Brazilian Soccer Schools two or three times a week. We used a small ball, which was supposed to improve technique and touch, and it was a good thing to do, especially being a defender, as the better you are on the ball the better it is for your game. ”
Micah Richards
Former England International
BSS METHODOLOGY
The central aim of Brazilian Soccer Schools is to encourage all children to spend longer individual time working with the ball practising, improving, developing and perfecting their skills moves & ball mastery techniques using both feet in equal measure.
- Emphasis on individual skills
- Futebol de Salão/Small Sided Game focus
- Increased personal time training with the ball
- Physical, mental & tactical training
SCIENCE BEHIND BRAZILIAN SOCCER SCHOOLS
- University of Northumbria carried out a study comparing training sessions at Brazilian Soccer Schools and those at a professional Football Club’s Academy. Whilst at training sessions, the percentage of time that the players were engaged “on task” was: Pro Club – 16%, Brazilian Soccer Schools – 53% (the average for elite sports coaching worldwide is around 20-30%). Of this “on-task” time, the following statistics were derived from the time spent undertaking “motor appropriate activities” – namely activities which will improve the players football at their appropriate level: Pro Club – 33%, Brazilian Soccer School – 92%.
- Charles Buckley, Manchester Metropolitan University: Dr. Buckley compared the benefits of children training with Futebol de Salão to show a far greater improvement, particularly with the juggling and dribbling tests that were carried out. Dr. Buckley concluded that “Futebol de Salão, when compared to conventional approaches to soccer skill development appears to offer exciting potential for improving performance.
- Per Game: % of time the ball is out of play Vs Touches Per Minute (TPM)
- 11-a-side: 34.62% Vs 0.60 TPM
- 7-a-side: 14.11% Vs 0.769 TPM
- 5-a-side: 1.78% Vs 2.73 TPM
- Futsal: 11.59% Vs 2.60 TPM
- Futebol de Salão: 5.12% Vv 7.95 TPM
Source: Academic research provided by the FA and FIFA research departments.
- Iain Milligan, Andy Borrie and Rob Horn, Technical Analysis of Futebol de Salão and Mini-football.
“The results from this study indicate that Futebol de Salão provides players with greater opportunities to perform basic football techniques compared to Mini-football. It is suggested that more effective participation through increased ball contact accelerates the acquisition of technique.”
PARENT TESTIMONIALS
Here are several compelling Testimonials from Parents who have expressed their experiences with our most successful & longest running Franchise in the Northern Beaches area of Sydney;
2010-2015 Testimonials
”Dear NB BSS,
We’d like to thank you all immensely for your dedicated coaching and development of our son Charlie Entwistle over the last 9 months. We have no doubt that Charlie’s selection into the Central Coast Mariners Academy U10’s SAP is as a result of his training with the Northern Beaches Brazilian Soccer School.
In the July Winter School holidays of this year we decided to put Charlie, our son, into a Brazilian Soccer Schools holiday camp at Pittwater RSL. He enjoyed the camps so much he never wanted to leave. Towards the end of the camp the coaching staff pulled us aside as they could see potential in Charlie, and they suggested that Charlie attend weekly regular training sessions with the Brazilian Soccer School to further develop his skills. So we then carried on with further training on Tuesday nights. Charlie’s foot work and skills with a soccer ball just improved immediately and his desire to get better at juggling and do everything to impress his coaches just shone through. Charlie was excelling at the Tuesday night training sessions and so it was suggested that he attend the Academy Training Sessions as well on a Thursday night at Harbord Kickoff. So we did. The benefits of Charlie attending this Academy session with other highly skilled players were huge. He constantly strived to better his skills and could test them out against other very well equipped players.
And my greatest compliments to the coaching staff. Watching all these young boys listen to their coaches was amazing. I’ve coached myself for a few years and have never had the control of my players like these guys. The coaches are unbelievable. They take their time with the kids, show and tell them everything they need and want to hear.
We’d never heard of Futsal before. Ian asked us to trial Charlie at AIS at Narrabeen. Charlie went through the 3 trials and got down to the last 18.
Unfortunately Charlie missed out. But he did get a flash pair of Futsal boots which became his lifeline. He has to wear these to training every week and every time he had to put shoes on.
Being local grassroots soccer club members at Forest Killarney FC and from one of those clubs not having any rep programs or development squads, we were unaware of the SAP system so they worked very hard on Charlie and wanted us to trial Charlie in one of these elite FFA programs. We chose the Central Coast Mariners Academy as we were moving up the coast for business. We trialled Charlie in the U9 SAP first as he is only 8. After the first trial, I was pulled aside by the coaching staff and was told Charlie’s foot work was too good as it’s a skills based squad, so they put him into the U10 SAP trials. After all 3 trials, Charlie now plays for the Central Coast Mariners Academy U10’s team.
This is very exciting news for us and Charlie. We’d really like to thank BSS and the coaching team. Without their knowledge of the game and skills we would never have thought Charlie could have gone this far. Even though we now reside on the Central Coast, we are still travelling down to Sydney to finish off the term with NB BSS. We can’t miss out on the coaching these guys give. The Mariners program has started but Charlie just loves the programs BSS have created.
If any parent wants to see their kids football skills improve don’t hesitate on giving NB BSS a go.
Thanks
Simon Entwistle“.
“I would just like to thank BSS for their amazing coaching over the last 2 years. You are doing great things for the area and take a real interest in the kids as individuals which is rare to find. Ben got into North Shore Mariners SAP Rep Squad, and I know that the skills he learnt with you were a big part of this!
Keep us posted for upcoming camps, etc. The new Development Squad programme sounds very exciting!
Thanks again, Kath”
“I think the new Academy and location will be brilliant! I just wanted to say a big thank you for all the coaching from you and your team. You’ve done a great job in developing Charlie as a player over the last 2 and a bit years. He is really looking forward to playing for Northbridge FC next year in there Elite Junior Development Program. Great that some of his team mates from BSS will be joining him! They can only go from strength to strength….Cheers
Sara“.
“Glad to see things’re going good on those beautiful Northern Beaches!
Also thrilled to see NBSS is going so well for you.
When we left Sydney you asked me to make sure Leo got some ‘proper’ training – so I wanted to fill you in where he’s at. This kid might look good on your credentials some day….
In March of this year Leo travelled to Sydney with Wynton Rufer personally to represent his NZ Elite Academy. They played a tournament in Blacktown and met with the Western Sydney football team. This prior to Leo’s club season beginning.
Western Springs is my boys’ club in NZ, and they have a new Head Coach (dude called Neil Emblen, ex-EPL player and current All Whites Assistant Coach). He’s breathed new life into the club. Neil is mentoring the prem teams – Leo being in his 10th Grade prems – and subsequently started a Youth Academy, to which both Leo & Harper belong.
Back to Leo…
After participating in tournaments throughout the season & coming third overall in the Auckland Premier 10th grade, the team focus was always on the Nationals held in October. Over the course of 3 days, the boys lifted their game/came together as a team and ended up with played 10, won 10. Taking the finals 3-0 with young Leo playing the entire game and scoring 2 of the 3 goals. NZ’s 10th Grade champions.
And now the winter season’s over Leo continues to play with Wynton Rufer Academy Saturday mornings, to train with Neil Emblen Academy twice a week, and adds in futsal on a Friday night for good measure.
Thanks for recognising that special drive in Leo. FYI, when we were in Dubai Harper & Leo were inaugural members of the FCBarcelona Escola (Dubai), and Leo received similar comments to yours from his head coach – a gentleman named Josep Gombau – a name you may recognise from the A-League, as current Adelaide coach. It always gives me immense satisfaction to keep you guys informed of how the little’uns are progressing. I hope he does you proud! Oliver & I continue to be impressed.
Hopefully within the next couple years you can add him onto your ‘I coached this one’ list!
All the best with things in gorgeous Sydney.
Take care,
Lisa“.
”My son Mitchell joined BSS in August 2012 after the Parents of one of his local club teammates recommended it. He attended the regular skills training sessions and was selected to play the Sunday games in the newly formed BSS FC playing in the Liga Academy competition during Term 4.
In these games he has played a year up in the under 9’s and the BSS coaching improved his skills immensely.
Just recently he trialled for the MWFA SAP U9 Squad and was selected along with his friend Tian mentioned above!
We seriously believe the time spent training and skills taught him at BSS gave him the edge for being selected. Playing practice games at the coaching sessions at BSS with older children have improved his skills and there is total respect for the younger players when playing with the older children. The coaches are all very positive and encouraging, which dramatically improves their confidence and techniques.
Mitch has requested that he continues to attend BSS through future Camps and training sessions wherever possible even though he will attend the elite FFA SAP pathway.
Sue Sutton“.
“On behalf of Tian, John and myself, we would like to thank you for allowing Tian to join the Northern Beaches Brazilian Soccer School that you have set up and coached this season. You have done an amazing job with all the kids (in all ages), and with the help of your assistant coaches (especially Marty Judge). Tian has enjoyed it immensely and has come away with more skills than when he started and hopefully that will help him become a better soccer player overall.
The opportunity to play with the squad has played a big part in Tian being successfully chosen in a squad of 20 training and playing in the FFA Skill Acquisition Programme run by Manly United. Tian has not only been able to learn to control the ball much more, but has enjoyed the whole experience you have provided, which credit should be given to yourself, and Marty for making the children feel so special.. We’re not sure where the Manly United FC SAP will go as yet, but are hopeful that the right sort of people are running it and developing these kids appropriately along the way.
Our best wishes and gratitude for all you have done for Tian thus far.
Shelly, John and Tian Rae“.
NBBSS NOTE: Tian Rae has been one of the best & consistent performers for his age group at Manly United FC in their BYL squads for the last few seasons.
Marty Judge has progressed through the FFA ranks after his first ever role in coaching with NB BSS as a 17 year old and is now current Australia U17s Joeys Assistant Coach.
“Joe started BSS at age 5. He has just been selected into the representative level Manly United U9 SAP squad with his mates Marin and Ryan (also BSS). All three benefited hugely from the BSS training, Holiday Camps, SIC Cup, NBFA Futsal Comps and BSS’s summer invitational Gala Days. They have also made a great network of friends From other schools and clubs.
Thanks BSS!
Rich Lacey“.
NBBSS NOTE: Joe Lacey & Marin France have been selected for Sydney FC U13 BYL Squad in 2020
2016 & 2017 Testimonials
“We would like to say a huge thank you to you and the BSS team for your coaching and support of Noah leading to his selection into Manly United’s Under 9 SAP Squad. Noah has had a fantastic year under your watch at BSS and along with all the other squad members has dramatically improved his ball skills and decision making ability as a result of your intensive coaching sessions. The passion and discipline that you and the team bring to the boys as well as your focus on developing their strengths as individuals is an absolutely credit to you. The training sessions as well as the opportunities to play in competitions at such a high level of football have made Noah’s skills improve beyond belief in just a year. Noah has made some great friends at BSS and we will all look back on this time as such a fantastic experience. We hope our association with you and your school continues for many years to come and wish you all the best of luck for the future.
Many thanks again, we are very grateful for everything you have done over the past year.
Andy and Roz Miller“.
“I wanted to thank you and your coaching team for the extraordinary level of development our son Noah has achieved over the past year in the BSS program. The level of consistent focus on skills and gameplay tactics has paid off immensely and we have seen Noah rapidly move through higher and higher levels of performance. I also wanted to thank you for ensuring the kids are playing regularly in competitive tournament environments which has increased the level of enthusiasm and interest Noah has in the game.
Although there will be and already are many more development and club opportunities for the BSS kids as they come through your program, we look forward to continuing with the BSS program as I see it playing an important and ongoing part of Noah’s development”.
Regards
Geoff Greenburg“.
”Our 9 year old son Oli Franz has been attending the soccer programs at BSS in the past 4 years. All BSS coaches, but particularly Coach Ian has assembled an enthusiastic and knowledgeable coaching staff. The soccer instruction is top notch and is presented to the young players in a way that will challenge them to improve, but is easily understood and fun to participate in. Training sessions are well planned and organized with great eyes on basic and fundamental skills. The children are moving every second, never standing still or wasting time. The coaches are fully involved in all of the coaching and instruct each and every player. As great as the soccer instruction is, what we are most pleased with and impressed by is the connection all of the coaches and the BSS players have made with our son. It is easy to see that the coaches not only have a passion for soccer, but also truly enjoy working with children. Through their interactions, the coaches have made a very positive impact on our son’ soccer skills resulting him to be selected to the SAP team of North Shore Mariners.
Renata and Tomas Franz“.
NBBSS NOTE: The following Testimonial is one of our favourite player transformations and 2017 success stories from very humble beginnings…….
“Thank you for the efforts you’ve put into moulding my son, Callum into the soccer player he is today!
It was only just two years ago when Callum attended your skills program at Warringah Rec Centre North Manly for term 4 and then term 1, the following year.
From there he trialled and gained a position for CC Strikers division one red team (a good start)….
After the winter comp and winning every single game, Callum then trialled and was accepted into your Development Program.
This is where he really started to absorb the beautiful game football. His overall skills, ability and game play really started to show!
Come the end of Callum’s second season with CC Strikers, he was scoring goals for fun every week.
Next was the biggest test by far!
Manly United Football Club SAP trials.
Callum was putting forward all he had learnt with the Brazilian Soccer School up against all the best boys on the Northern Beaches. He was up against Manly United’s existing SAP and Development squads from last year, plus all the best from the local winter comp teams.
After 4 separate trials lasting all week, Callum was invited to join Manly United Football Club SAP (rep soccer) U10 team for 2017… an absolute amazing achievement from a 9 year old who struggled to kick a ball just two years ago!
You have not only made a young boys dream come true but you have also made me one of the proudest dads who loves the game football.
I can’t honestly thank you and your team enough!! I don’t know where my boys’ career will take him? But I will always know where it started!!!
The Northern Beaches Brazilian Soccer School…
Thanks again
Jason Hillier“.
NBBSS NOTE: Callum Hillier has excelled in the Manly United SAP program and has now been selected for Manly United BYL U13s for 2020 and was very close to selection for Sydney FC.
“My son Ollie Burden started the BSS program early 2014 at the age of 10 during his 3 years with BSS he quickly developed and grew into a confident and most of all physically & mentally tough player.
He’s been playing Division 1 club football for 2 years, played 2 Kanga Cup Finals, won MVP Kanga Cup 2017, won NSW School State Futsal Championship 2017, Golden Boot SIC 2017 and just been selected for our local Rep Team Manly United in NSW BYL for 2018.
The introduction to this first class tactical and physical training at this age is vital for any young ambitious footballer, we highly recommend the BSS program to any parent looking for training at this level and believe me – parents alone can’t deliver this !
Just like to say a big thanks for BSS team for starting the ball rolling not only my sons development but for many more talented young BSS players
Steve Burden“.
NBBSS NOTE: Ollie Burden has now been selected for Sydney FC BYL U16 in 2020
2018 & 2019 Testimonials
“Harlow made the rep Manly Uniteds SAP squad! We just wanted to say a huge thank you to you for all your time spent with him over the passed few years. You have given him so many opportunities to extend and challenge himself and you have pushed him and praised him and always seen the best in him. From our experience BSS is a stand out for the squads and despite this opportunity, we’ll be making sure H still spends as much time with you as possible. We can’t talk highly enough of your coaching. The level of development speaks for itself when you see the number of BSS kids making the grades at Manly United. Thanks again. Best coach ever according to our boys!
Kate Graham“.
“We would like to thank all the coaching staff at BSS over the past year. Max started at BSS through the holiday camps in 2017 and then progressed into the development squad in 2018 where he became the player he is today. His skill level and his knowledge of the game has improved dramatically from the intensive coaching sessions. In one year Max has gone from playing at his local club to representing BSS at the Sydney International Cup (and winning every game!), playing in the new Premier Academy League for BSS, going to Brazil to play in the Ibercup next year also for BSS. And to top it off Max has gained selection in Manly SAP team for U9 – which is what he only dreamed of at the beginning of the year. Max will continue to be a part of the holiday camps this year and his little brother can’t wait to join BSS next year. Thanks again for everything – we really appreciate your passion and dedication in developing young players to be the best they can be.
Miranda & Matt Felton“.
“I just wanted to let you guys know how well the Development Squad has improved my kids performances on the field this year.
Having enrolled my 11 year old son and 13 year old daughter has given them the opportunity to train up to 3 times a week (with quality trainers and planned sessions), as well as club training on top of that. Training sessions are held rain or shine with the astro courts as a back up if turf fields are closed.
I have no doubt that my daughter would not have been able to accomplish being named in the MUFC GYL U14 squad for 2020 if it were not for her undertaking the NB BSS Development Squad sessions, especially since she was not previously in the Manly United system.
Jason Muller“.
“We were introduced to BSS Northern Beaches two years ago when our eldest son joined the program. Since then our younger son has also become part of it. As a direct result, the boys’ skill level has improved dramatically and they’ve become cognisant that improvement comes through discipline, consistency and hard work. The coaches at BSS have been instrumental in instilling this into them.
George & Harry have been offered so many opportunities as a result of being part of the BSS Family. We were fortunate enough to go to Brazil in January 2019 on the BSS Iber Cup Tour where they had exposure to playing against some of the best teams in the world, as well as experiencing a vastly different culture. They’ve also been part of the Rizzo Cup, SIC Cup, Mongo Cup and have played for a year in the Premier Academy League. The teams have had great success in the cups and these are things that wouldn’t have been possible for the boys to participate in prior to this. They are now playing Futsal for BSS which is something new for them and they’re loving the different nature of the game.
Both of our boys have been accepted into the SAP program for 2020 at Manly United FC and we know that this wouldn’t have happened without the training and support they’ve received from BSS. A special shout out to the amazing coaches, in particular, Paulo, Bruno and Lucas who are exemplary role models to the younger children.
Gavin & Alexandra Russell“.
