Under 17s & Under 18s

Final preparation for senior football with leadership development and advanced tactical concepts

The Under 17s and Under 18s age group is the bridge to senior football. Players at this level should be training and performing at near-professional standards, understanding complex tactical systems, and developing leadership qualities. Many will be transitioning between youth and senior football, requiring physical and mental preparation for the adult game. Coaching focuses on tactical sophistication, individual accountability, and creating complete players ready for the next level.

Development Priorities

1Preparation for senior football demands
2Leadership and taking responsibility
3Advanced tactical concepts and game management
4Peak physical conditioning and injury prevention
5Mental toughness and handling setbacks
6Professional standards in all aspects
7Understanding of different playing philosophies

Session Structure

✓Sessions structured like senior football
✓Tactical periodisation fully implemented
✓Individual development plans for each player
✓Regular exposure to senior training/matches
✓Video analysis and performance data standard
✓Pre-season, in-season, and recovery phases

Common Mistakes

!Assuming all players will make it professionally
!Neglecting education and alternative pathways
!Overtraining physically with excessive loading
!Failing to develop leadership in senior-bound players
!Treating players as finished products not learners
!Excessive pressure destroying enjoyment and confidence

Suggested Drills

✓Full tactical system implementation
✓Scenario-based decision-making under pressure
✓Position-specific excellence work
✓High-intensity game-realistic practices
✓Set-piece execution attacking and defending
✓Transition play at senior tempo

Ask FootballGPT

“How do I prepare Under 18s for senior football?”

“What separates elite youth players from the rest?”

“How do I develop leadership in young players?”

“Should all training mirror professional standards?”

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the main priority for Under 17s and 18s?

Preparing players for senior football. This includes physical readiness for adult opponents, tactical sophistication to compete at higher levels, mental resilience to handle pressure and setbacks, and professional habits in preparation, recovery, and behaviour.

How do I develop leadership in young players?

Give them responsibility (captain, organising warm-ups), involve them in tactical discussions, expect high standards from them, allow them to make mistakes, and coach them on communication and decision-making. Model the leadership you want to see.

Should training exactly replicate professional standards?

Training should be professional in approach (intensity, focus, standards) but adapted for developing players. Avoid excessive physical loading, maintain technical work, and remember these are still learning. Professional mindset, not always professional volume.

What happens to players who do not make it professionally?

Most players will not turn professional. Ensure they develop life skills, maintain education, and transition into senior grassroots football or other careers with positive football experiences and valuable lessons learned.

How important are results at this age?

Results matter significantly as players are being judged for senior opportunities, but individual development and learning remain priorities. Use competition to teach game management, resilience, and performing under pressure. Winning is important but not at all costs.

Related Age Groups

🎯Under 15s & Under 16s ⚽Adult Football 💪Under 13s & Under 14s

Expert Advisors

🏆

The Pro's Pro

Professional/elite coaching

🎓

Academy Mind

Academy pathway U13-U18

📈

Youth Rising

Academy pathway for teenagers

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