Matt Crocker: how Southampton’s U18 and B teams are using  ‘player driven but data linked’ individual development plans to make the ‘final step’ to the first-team

Player | Needs | Peter Glynn | 12.05.22

Southampton’s U18 and B team players are preparing to make the ‘final step’ to the first-team by utilising individual learning plans that are ‘player driven but data linked’, says Saints’ Director of Football Operations, Matt Crocker (pictured above). Image courtesy of Southampton FC

Learning: 

-       Developing ‘player driven but data linked’ individual learning plans

-        Using first-team performance data to set aspirational targets for young players

-        Linking youth player development to first-team ‘ways of working’

Southampton’s U18 and B team players are preparing to make the ‘final step’ to the first-team by utilising individual learning plans that are ‘player driven but data linked’, says Saints’ Director of Football Operations, Matt Crocker.

“Each individual player within the U18 and B team has a really clear individual learning plan that is ‘player driven but data linked’” explains Crocker, who rejoined the Premier League side in 2020, after seven years as Head of Development Team Coaching at the English Football Association.