International Soccer School Manager, Dave Bailey takes time out of his schedule to answer a few questions on this year's Grand Skills Final from training to finding our winner.
Q. The Grand Skills Final 2009 took place from the 19th to the 23rd November, how did it go?
A. The event went very well, the boys and girls were selected to take part because of their
display of ability during our UK and International Programmes throughout the 2008.09 season. The finalists first and foremost displayed great attitude when playing out of their comfort zone. Some did well whereas some struggled with the level of competition.
Q. You chose an all star team to play the Football Studies Programme, how were they picked?
A. The team was selected through a series of tests and the game situations we put them through during the training sessions. Not all players were selected and so some had to deal with the
disappointment which was a test in itself. With some players I found that they held back from showing the initial ability that was spotted during the original meetings and they will be kicking themselves for not going for it, but they should all be proud of what they had achieved throughout the event.
Q. The game was a win for the Grand Skills finalists. As the coach leading this team and also being Head Coach of the Football Studies Programme, who were you supporting?
A. It was very difficult in some respects, but as head coach for the Football Studies programme it was an interesting game to view as it showed the level we are looking at in relation to our expectations. I have to say the Football Studies Programme looked very good for an hour playing some good football on a weathered pitch. If they had taken their chances in the first half it would have been a real test of character for the Grand Skills Finalists. The substitutions made for the Grand Skills Finalist seemed to swing the game as the Football Studies Programme dropped a gear and lost focus after they went behind to a penalty. Overall a well played game with some great performances, a job well done by all on both teams.
Q. You had to pick an overall winner from the finalists, who won and why?
A. The overall winner was Grant Fadden from Chilliwack, Canada for his consistency which at the elite level is needed. He also shown great improvement from the summer in his ability and athleticism.
Q. Overall all everyone seemed to have good time, what are your thoughts?
A. Coming to the Reebok Stadium and being apart of an English Premier League Football Club was dream come true for many and to stay in our 4* Hotel the De Vere Whites is all part of that experience. We also must give a big thank you to local hero, boxer Amir Khan who
had his photo with the finalists at pitch side during half time at the Bolton Wanderers vs Blackburn Rovers game. The event on all was a great life experience for these young players and was a taste of what we have to offer here at Bolton Wanderers Football Club. For me the only football experience of its kind in the world.
Q. Some of the finalists are looking to join the Football Studies Programme?
A. Yes that is correct and with our Elite Player Trials coming up in March the Football Studies Programme looks to be a strong force for 2010.11.
The International Soccer Schools would like to thank all participants and their families for their involvement and commitment leading up to and during the event. Please see below for a couple of photos from the event. If you have any that you would like to be displayed on the site, please send them by email to nrimmer@bwfc.co.uk.