Edmond Klaus: Youth football reforms support player development

New playing formats introduced in children’s leagues in Azerbaijan are designed to improve players’ individual skills and increase the intensity of matches. AFFA Technical Department head Edmond Klaus said that playing 10 matches in a short period and preparing to face opponents using different tactics gives young players valuable experience. Players in domestic competitions do not often face representatives of different footballing traditions, such as Haiti and Australia. Klaus also highlighted the high standard of organization at the tournament, which brought together 189 countries.

Youth teams and player selection

According to Klaus, when he took up his post in June, only the U-17 and U-19 national teams were operating in the younger age groups. New coaches have now been appointed to the U-15, U-16, U-17, U-18, U-19 and U-21 teams, while a U-20 team has been established as part of a state project.

Coaches were selected through vacancies advertised on AFFA’s official website. The federation’s technical staff, the Coaches Committee and the scouting department took part in the selection process.

Klaus also explained why the Netherlands did not take part in the tournament. The Royal Netherlands Football Association has suspended its U-15 and U-16 teams. Given the high standard of club academies, the national team pathway begins at U-17, when official qualification rounds start.

Changes in children’s leagues

Changes to pitch and goal dimensions, as well as the number of players, are intended to give children more touches of the ball and increase the intensity of play. The changes are being introduced for a one-year period. Interim results will be discussed with academy directors from Premier League clubs in December, and the data collected at the end of the season will be compared before any necessary adjustments are made.

Klaus said the rapid opening of a modern complex with 10 pitches would support football in the country. The facility will be used by national teams as well as for other competitions and children’s championships.