Coaching The Le Tissier Way

Coaching the Le Tissier way as Former Saints star launches new coaching initiative in Southampton region/the south

Ever wondered what it would be like to be coached the same way as one of the most skilful players Britain has ever seen? Well now is your chance…

Footballing youngsters who dazzle their classmates on the playground are the focus of a search launched by Saints legend Matt Le Tissier for the South’s next generation of naturally talented players.

Le Tissier, who is now an expert pundit on Sky’s Soccer Saturday and famed for his intuitive skills and jaw dropping goals, is leading an initiative to nurture the untaught abilities of young players who might otherwise be missed by the talent scouts and football clubs.

As the season kicks off, he has joined up with good friends, former Saints teammates Francis Benali and Keith Granger, along with Jody Rivers AFC Bournemouth to find the future stars that may follow in the footsteps of football heroes with their roots on the south coast such as Gareth Bale, Wayne Bridge, Theo Walcott and Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain.

Instead of just the customary one-size-fits-all drills, Matt Le Tissier Natural Coaching will run throughout the season on Wednesday evenings, developing youngsters’ inherent abilities by encouraging them to express themselves through their game.

Matt said: “The idea behind this initiative came from when friends asked why I hadn’t gone into coaching before. I found traditional methods too limiting and I wanted to find a way to bring out players’ natural abilities.

“We’re all astounded by the flair of the big names: Messi, Ronaldo, Xavi and Iniesta, and this is all about trying to encourage that philosophy – to go onto the pitch and not to be afraid to try new and exciting things.”

Xavi himself has been equally complimentary about Le Tissier – nicknamed “Le God” – who the Spanish star described as his childhood “idol” in an interview with the Sun. “His talent was out of the norm,” he said. “For me he was sensational.”

It’s that “out of the norm” Matt Le Tissier Philosophy, that Franny, Keith and Jody will be coaching. Weekly coaching sessions will run from September 2012 to May 2013 for 110 talented youngsters aged 7-12 who will be selected by Matt and The Team for their dribbling, passing, shooting or goalkeeping.

Matt will ensure that his Philosophy is delivered to the highest standards through his head coaches Francis Benali, AFC Bournemouth academy coach Jody Rivers, ex-Saints and international goalkeeping coach Keith Granger and all the coaching team.

Matt said: “We are looking for boys who play in clubs, but we are certainly not looking to stop them playing for their clubs. I know Franny and Keith really benefitted from playing in the Tyro league and Franny is still a massive fan of boys’ league football.”

“Franny, Keith and Jody will deliver my unique style of natural coaching to enhance and improve the talented youngsters. We expect all of the boys to enjoy themselves, improve greatly and we are aiming for at least one or two go on to have professional trials and even turn professional.”

Franny stated: “I enjoyed my 18-year professional career after being lucky enough to have been spotted at the age of 13. But raw, natural talent is often overlooked and we’re hoping to draw it out and give it the freedom to flourish. “

“There are so many young players with potential that get missed with the local leagues. Keith and I played against each other many times and both recall players who could have gone much further if given an opportunity like Matt Le Tissier Natural Coaching.”

U7 – U12 Trials will be held at Toynbee School, Eastleigh, on August 20th and 31st.
For more information and to register for a Trial log on to www.mltnaturalcoaching.com.
There will be a cost for the unique style of coaching that the boys will receive if invited to join the season-long program which starts in September. However, the MLTNC team will work with families to ensure talented youngsters from all backgrounds are given an opportunity through potential sponsorship's.