James Barlow: How Portsmouth are using the non-league loan system to ‘bridge the gap’ between U18s academy football and the first-team

Player | Journey | Peter Glynn | 05.05.22

Portsmouth academy are utilising the non-league loan system to expose young players to ‘aspects of the game they don’t get as much exposure to in the academy games programme’, says James Barlow, Portsmouth’s Head of Coaching (pictured above). Image: James Barlow/Portsmouth FC

Learning: 

-       ‘Bridging the gap’ between U18s academy football and the first-team

-       Exposing players to different styles of play and an emphasis on defending

-       Providing opportunities for players to develop personal resourcefulness

Portsmouth academy are utilising the non-league loan system to expose young players to ‘aspects of the game they don’t get as much exposure to’ in the academy games programme, says James Barlow, Portsmouth’s Head of Coaching.

“The different style of game the young players face when they go out on loan is really important,” says Barlow, who was promoted to the role of Head of Coaching in February after a spell as the club’s assistant professional development phase coach.

“Sometimes the style in non-league is more direct so the players have to put a higher level of importance on their defending, which they don't always get in academy football.”