Kinetic coaches go behind the scenes at Chelsea to get ahead for next season

By Harvey HanifanKinetic Academy director Harry Hudson and fellow heads of department visited Chelsea’s training ground to see the day- to-day running of one of the best academies in the UK.Hudson, who previously coached at Crystal Palace academy, got the chance to tour the London club’s elite training ground in Cobham last week.The trip was designed to give coaches fresh ideas going into next season.In contrast to Chelsea’s disappointing campaign in the Premier League this season, Kinetic’s U16s side have had a season to remember.Kyle Bernard’s side managed to do the double, impressively winning the Selkent League cup and the league-without a single loss all season.The visit coincided with the four year anniversary of Chelsea’s biggest night of their history when they lifted the Champions League trophy in Munich.Hudson revealed how a firsthand insight will only build his players’ aspirations to reach the same level as those European cup winners.He said: “The educational visit will benefit the lads massively. They’ll be able to compare the demands met by one of the best clubs in the world to what they should try and emulate in order to improve as players themselves.”Hudson, along with coaches Calum McFarlane and Greg Thurstans were struck with how much hard work happens behind the scenes.Hudson said: “We were shown the nutrition programmes that their academy prospects are on and how diet alongside regular strength and conditioning sessions are vital in player growth, helping them become the best player they possibly can.”The Kinetic coaches are looking forward to next season where they hope to put in to practice the methods on show at the facility.Thurstans, Director of sport at Royal Russell School was particularly impressed with the attention to detail when discussing the importance of nutrition.“In the modern game, clubs have introduced strict diets and plans for each individual player are based on their physical needs“For example, the players working on building their stamina have to increase their intake of carbohydrates such as pasta and fruit before and after matches.”McFarlane described how new unorthodox methods were introduced to the coaches on the trip which he looks to bring to Kinetic.“As soon as the boys are back training, I have some great drills and exercises taken from Cobham which will benefit them”From my experience, by doing the same drills used by players at a higher level, this provides them with the belief that they can make it to that next step in which they aim for.”