The Reliance Foundation Young Champs (RFYC) Selection Camp moved into its final phase with the participants concentrating on skill and technical movements through Day 6. The training sessions commenced at 6 AM at the Father Agnel Ground for the oldest batch of participants, i.e., those born in 2002. The 2003 and 2004 batches trained at the DY Patil Stadium from 7 AM to 9 AM and from 9 AM to 11 AM respectively. The training began with warm up exercises, followed by individual skill-related exercises. The participants took part in 1v1 and 2v1 situational plays (circuit drills), concluding with small sided games. Jose Barreto, Assistant Coach of the RFYC programme, talked to us about the importance of these circuit exercises. “Putting the participants in these 1v1 or 2v1 situations forces them to dribble with the ball. It also enhances their shooting accuracy as well as their command on the ball in a tight situation. It teaches them to work in minimum space,” he explained. The participants were also shown short videos based on skills exhibited by top players from across the globe as part of their classroom sessions in the afternoon. The training sessions continued in the evening with warm-up exercises followed by circuit drills (1v1 and 2v1) with small-sided games to end the sessions. The 2002 and 2004 batches trained at Father Agnel Ground from 6 PM to 8 PM (artificial pitch) and 6 PM to 7 PM (natural pitch) respectively to conclude proceedings on Day 6 of the selection camp.Photos from the day can be viewed here.
