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Broadcaster Marcotti Cites Simon as Cure to Youth Development |
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Monday, 16 November 2009 |
SOCATOTS and Brazilian Soccer Schools (BSS) founder Simon Clifford was highlighted by well-respected journalist and broadcaster Gabriele Marcotti as a possible solution to the technical limitations of English players.
Marcotti was discussing Brazil's 1-0 victory over England last weekend and the flaws in youth development within the UK, with one caller suggesting that, as Brazil have won the World Cup five times, British clubs and their coaches should follow their example.
The Italian, who has been a prominent voice in the world of football in this country during a career includings spells writing for The Times, Daily Mail and co-writer on books with the likes of Gianluca Vialli and Paul Di Cannio, mentioned Simon's work with the BSS, citing a number of success cases.
These include Manchester City and England defencer Micah Richards, Arsenal and England forward Theo Walcott and Tottenham Hotspur starlet John Bostock, while thousands below them are currently working their way through the academy system.
Though Simon has a long-term plan which will see a full overhaul of the current coaching system in the UK and beyond, the former schoolteacher is clear that BSS, as well as sister programme SOCATOTS, are still in their infancy.
On Marcotti's comments, Simon said: "Gabriele Marcotti is an intelligent journalist and broadcaster that I've thought for a long time has a great grasp of the game and has a knowledge of world football that few can match.
"Many of his opinions on the game in print, TV and radio I agree with so it's nice of him to be so complimentary about us.
"I should point out that although we began in 1996, we've only just started and the best is yet to come so wait for the players that Brazilian Soccer Schools produces over the next few years and further down the line, especially those that come through our SOCATOTS programme.
"We firmly believe that these will be revolutionary in their ability and will be among the best players the world has ever seen." |
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