Subway SAP: Huseyin passes his knowledge as part of the Subway Skills Acquisition Program
SN: Devrim, tell us about your playing career so people can understand your playing experience? What is your playing position as well?
Devrim was kind enough to answer a few questions on all things the Football NSW Subway Skills Acquisition Program where Devrim is currently coaching the Under 12?s SAP South Team.
DH:
Junior Playing Career
1988-1994: FNSW Elite Academy
1992-1997: Westfields Sports High School Football Program
1996: Under 17s Joeys training camp
1996-1997: NSW Institute of Sport. (NSWIS)
1998: Club Marconi
Senior Playing Career.
1999-2009: NSW Premier League. Fairfield Bulls, Bonnyrigg White Eagles, Penrtih Nepean United, Bankstown Lions. (2 Championships. Bonnyrigg White Eagles 2001, Bankstown Lions 2005.)
2010: NSW Super League Liverpool Bossy and Granville Rage
2011-2012: Division 1. Fairfield Bulls.
Playing positions: central midfield (6,8,10) and wing back (2, 5).
SN: Why have you decided to become a coach and especially with the SAP program?
DH: I have decided to become a coach because I would like to contribute by giving back to my sport which has given me so much joy and purpose in life. I have chosen to become a SAP coach because I believe in what the program is trying to achieve. I have also been a part of similar programs with FNSW as a young player and therefore can identify and relate to the current cohort of youngsters.
SN: What areas do you look for when selecting players to be a part of the South SAP Program?
DH: The most important qualities and attributes I look for in a player are those non-technical components. Core values such as respect, humility, resilience and a willingness to constantly improve and learn. Other qualities such as speed of thought, scanning, quality first touch, sound technique and creative players who display flair and skill at the right moments are things I also appreciate.
SN: Devrim, what do you think players will take out of the 40-week SAP program into the future??
DH: Players will definitely enjoy themselves and will have loads of fun during the 40-week SAP Program. Also, in accordance with the FFA’s National Curriculum, we envisage that players will improve on the four Building Blocks: first touch, striking/passing, 1v1s, and dribbling. These are also known as functional game skills. Furthermore, the SAP program places a high priority on developing core human values which will benefit athletes in all facets of life, not just football.
Players also learn to play a number of different roles and positions on the field. This is vital for their football education. For instance, when a child attends school, they study a number of different subjects, then specialise in one area when they graduate. The same applies to football.
SN: How does your playing experience help you coach these SAP players?
DH: I feel as though my playing experience helps me as a coach for a number of reasons. I have been on the journey that that the current players are on, and I can draw upon my experiences and impart this knowledge onto them. Secondly, I can relate to the players by understanding what the expectations and demands are for young players. Finally, I can demonstrate specific actions which players can watch and mimic.
SN: Finally, what outcome do you see for the SAP program in the future as a development pathway for young players?
DH: Football NSW has always delivered quality programs for player development. The SAP program in particular is a fun and enjoyable environment which is conducive to learning. In the process, players are challenged, and it prepares them for the journey to become a professional athlete but also in all areas of life. Players learn to set and achieve goals, work as a team player and display discipline to attend training sessions and games, knowing that hard work, focus and dedication always pays off.
-By Steven Nguyen
