The main objective of the Master in Football Business in partnership with FC Barcelona is to educate with in-depth and up-to-date knowledge and insights from the football industry. Students will analyze the core theories and relevant case studies that will help them visualize the behavior of the football business. Students will also have the opportunity to learn, interact and contribute with FC Barcelona business strategy and operations.<\/p>\n
James did in previous studies research on the relationship between the physical maturation of elite academy football players and their motivation, need satisfaction and self-determination<\/strong>. \u201cCoaches should be very aware that generic training programs can hamper physically underdeveloped players, and their motivation to want to do extra practice, do their very best, or work at their maximum!\u201d.<\/p>\n James\u2019 concerns come from his own experiences: \u201cI am not saying that generic training with more developed peers is not crucial, because your direct opponent could also be stronger and faster than you! But I was born in late July, just one month off being the age group below, and I was physically very inferior to other players in my age group. This caused problems in my ability to affect games from 13 to 16 years. This period came with frustrations and loss of confidence and it is a pity that many new generations still experience the same”.<\/p>\n \u201cTo tackle this phenomenon, I was able to set up a system at Westham United where every youth player had an Individual Development Program and a mentor<\/strong>. Some mentors where technical coaches, but most were interdisciplinary staff members. The mentors provide specialist coaching on the objectives the player wants to improve. It works both ways, because players were able to improve technical aspects of the game, and work on the psychological aspects as well.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cIn my current role in a first team environment at Aldershot Town Football Club the challenges are very different, but I look back with pride on what we achieved. It is my belief that it\u2019s important to acknowledge the different growth patterns of youth players, and consider an investment and amount of staff<\/strong>, since talent development and enjoyment in the game will benefit so much!\u201d.<\/p>\n![\"Coaching](\"https:\/\/johancruyffinstitute.cruyffalumni.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/atfc-training-12.webp\")
<\/p>\n\nMaster in<\/h3>\n
Football Business in partnership with FC Barcelona<\/h2>\n
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