Blackburn’s John Prince: the key skills and characteristics prospective academy coaches should demonstrate at interview

Coach | Approach | John Prince | 30.06.2022

Rapport, enthusiasm and realistic practice design are three key skills prospective academy coaches should demonstrate at an interview, says John Prince, Senior Youth Development Phase coach at Blackburn Rovers. Image: John Prince

Learning:

-   The importance of demonstrating rapport and enthusiasm with young players

-       The ingredients of effective practice design for players in the youth development phase

-       How to provide coaching detail that helps young players learn and develop

Rapport, enthusiasm and realistic practice design are three key skills prospective academy coaches should demonstrate at an interview, says John Prince, Senior Youth Development Phase coach at Blackburn Rovers.

“There are some key characteristics that we look for when we’re interviewing coaches for an academy position in the youth development phase and the first one is rapport,” says Prince, who joined Rovers in May 2021 after holding coaching roles at Burnley, Preston North End and the English Football Association.

“The ability to connect and to build a relationship with players and staff is so important. Obviously, it's hard during an interview because you don't know the players, but it's the intent to build rapport that you're looking for.”