Domenico Gangemi’s Post

MUST READ: Football Tasmania releases plans for its Home of Football facility: In accordance with its 2023-26 Football Facility Strategy, Football Tasmania (FT) released its plans for a new Home of Football centre, to be based in the State’s South. The $80 million investment promises three full-sized synthetic pitches, three full-sized grass pitches, and state-of-the-art changeroom and training facilities for men and women’s football. There will also be provisions for community football in the shape of four five-aside pitches. The organisation’s Facilities Strategy is aimed at increasing grassroots participation in football and creating a clear pathway for juniors to the elite level of the game. The release of artists’ impressions for the HOF suggests the Facilities Strategy is running on schedule, with initial plans for a state football facility master plan to be released by 2025-2026. In addition to these plans, FT is working on regional football hubs in the North and North-West of the state, which it hopes to have completed in the near future. [caption id="attachment_23160" align="aligncenter" width="1024"] Artists’ impressions of the new facility, to be based in the Tasmania's South.[/caption] As an organisation, FT has consistently demanded more from local and state governments. Speaking about the plans, CEO Tony Pignata produced some statistics in a rousing speech via the governing body’s website. “Right now, we are the poor cousin. The Tasmanian Government invests around $540 into every Tasmanian who plays Australian Rules and around $138 into every basketballer, yet only $19 in a football player,” Pignata stated via press release. “A simple levelling of the funding playing field will go a long way to realising our priorities for football in Tasmania, and take football to the next level.” The demand is there for better football facilities in Tasmania, with the game reaching 38,000 participants in 2023. FT projections suggest this figure will grow by 20% in the next few years. “Football’s popularity is not only because of our inspirational Matildas, but because it’s one of the safest sports our kids can play, it encourages an active lifestyle, and creates a strong sense of community,” Pignata added via media release, “It’s now more important than ever to ensure football has the pitches and facilities it needs for the long term.” Elite football arrived in Tasmania earlier this year in the shape of two A-League Men encounters, with just over 5,000 spectators attending the encounter between Western United and Sydney FC at North Hobart Oval. That eclipsed the figure of 3,850 set the previous week when United faced Western Sydney Wanderers. Investing in state-of-the-art football facilities promises not only to bring more elite football to the state, but increase its own contribution to the elite level of Australian football. This creates… #Football #Soccer #FootballNews

Spirit of the street football. Einstein has said, ‘Play is the highest form of research’. I have had the privilige to play on teams and clubs in Germany, which 20 years ago facilitated in various ways “The spirit of street football and free play.” With Werder Bremen we used to play in every January pre season a traditional 5-a-side tournament in Oldenburg which gathered some teams from Bundesliga,some from the 2nd BL and some lower league teams to play one evening tournament. It was an easy yet fun start to harder 3 week period of preparing for the spring season. At the same time it was fun but we went there of course to win it as well. There wasn’t too much coaching involved even though the whole coaching staff was on board. They let us choose and decide how to play. I remember my first time back in 2004. We have’d a pretty intense session in the morning, i just heard that we gonna leave to play a tournament in Oldenburg. I had know idea what’s ahead of me and what to expect - else than playing football of course. As we got there, the hall was packed full of people. From The first row to the last, music playing out loud, fans yelling and cheering for the teams. As soon as the games started it got me back to my roots where it all had started. As we had played 2v2 ,3v3 and 5v5 games with friends back home in lahti after the school and before the team trainings. Sometimes without shoes just bare socks on,with different size balls, soft balls, tennisballs, size 2-3 balls whatever we came up to That sometimes 1-2h period of free play not only got us warmed up and activated our bodies but it increased our total training times a vast amount of time and it raised our no. of ball touches to a quantity that is nowadays a minimum to any High standard Academies. Society has moved on here in Finland and it’s taken street football moments away a bit, that element of play. We can develop 100 exercises, but the best thing would be if we create the streets back into our player development path. Such formats as cage football and street football,where the ball is always in play and the surface allows it to be moved quickly. In a small area you have to move your feet quickly, control the ball as it bounces off the wall, do things off the cuff. these are environments that emphasise the individual freedom and decision making combined to a technical execution. We have to cultivate the individual, develop personality and skills. Team play and tactics are the final piece of the jigsaw. Technique and individuality are the foundation blocks. It is in my belief that a player must be the owner of his own development. In an inspirational environment he thinks about what will be his next step and is creative. In my eyes, this is how you create talented players who understand the game. Footballers are experts in calculating time, space, speed, spin, in pressured environments. They do this by play - a series of experiments over years.

ICYMI: Football Tasmania releases plans for its Home of Football facility: In accordance with its 2023-26 Football Facility Strategy, Football Tasmania (FT) released its plans for a new Home of Football centre, to be based in the State’s South. The $80 million investment promises three full-sized synthetic pitches, three full-sized grass pitches, and state-of-the-art changeroom and training facilities for men and women’s football. There will also be provisions for community football in the shape of four five-aside pitches. The organisation’s Facilities Strategy is aimed at increasing grassroots participation in football and creating a clear pathway for juniors to the elite level of the game. The release of artists’ impressions for the HOF suggests the Facilities Strategy is running on schedule, with initial plans for a state football facility master plan to be released by 2025-2026. In addition to these plans, FT is working on regional football hubs in the North and North-West of the state, which it hopes to have completed in the near future. [caption id="attachment_23160" align="aligncenter" width="1024"] Artists’ impressions of the new facility, to be based in the Tasmania's South.[/caption] As an organisation, FT has consistently demanded more from local and state governments. Speaking about the plans, CEO Tony Pignata produced some statistics in a rousing speech via the governing body’s website. “Right now, we are the poor cousin. The Tasmanian Government invests around $540 into every Tasmanian who plays Australian Rules and around $138 into every basketballer, yet only $19 in a football player,” Pignata stated via press release. “A simple levelling of the funding playing field will go a long way to realising our priorities for football in Tasmania, and take football to the next level.” The demand is there for better football facilities in Tasmania, with the game reaching 38,000 participants in 2023. FT projections suggest this figure will grow by 20% in the next few years. “Football’s popularity is not only because of our inspirational Matildas, but because it’s one of the safest sports our kids can play, it encourages an active lifestyle, and creates a strong sense of community,” Pignata added via media release, “It’s now more important than ever to ensure football has the pitches and facilities it needs for the long term.” Elite football arrived in Tasmania earlier this year in the shape of two A-League Men encounters, with just over 5,000 spectators attending the encounter between Western United and Sydney FC at North Hobart Oval. That eclipsed the figure of 3,850 set the previous week when United faced Western Sydney Wanderers. Investing in state-of-the-art football facilities promises not only to bring more elite football to the state, but increase its own contribution to the elite level of Australian football. This creates a… #Football #Soccer #FootballNews

This past weekend, my eldest son competed in the Ontario Summer Games rugby championship. The Games include summer sports such as track and field, flag football, lacrosse, and more. Each sport features the strongest athletes from around Ontario. Our team from Eastern Ontario lost all 3 games on day 1. And morale on the team plunged fast. The team's head coach noticed the shift in player behaviour across these games. Players blamed each other for missed plays. Tempers were heated and flared. And the team's drive to work together waned. He could have done nothing with the aim of seeing how the next day played out. But he didn't wait. He held a team meeting on the field at the end of game 3. In this 15+ minute discussion, he shared what he was noticing, the impact on the team, and then asked for their commitment to do better for the next game. (And this nearly 20 minute conversation was likely a lot for these teen boys to focus on and digest!) He didn't sweep the issue under the carpet and hope it would go away. He addressed it - immediately. And he didn't make excuses - even though he knew these boys were tired and likely feeling the intense heat and humidity which persisted all weekend. I often hear from my leadership coaching clients about their hesitation to have these challenging conversations. Some prefer to do nothing because they feel it's easier to do so. And yet - saying nothing is actually not the easier way. It sends the message that this team behaviour is okay - when it's not. Leaders - you can be clear and kind with these conversations. Here's a framework to support your next one: ➡️ Share what you are noticing and observing - these are facts. (Eg. "I notice when a player misses a play, other team members are casting blame") ➡️ Highlight the impact of these observations (Eg. "When we blame each other instead of helping each other, we can't work together effectively, which means we miss points and lose games.") ➡️ Ask why this is happening, what they need and what their commitment will be to achieve new outcomes (the coach asked for their commitment to be leaders on the field and highlight the learning opportunities instead of pointing fingers at each other) The result: the team went on to win two games, and place 5th out of 8th. And they had a whole lot more fun in the process. Noticeably, team members listened to their coach. When I asked my son about the discussion at the end of the 3rd game, he said "we had to hear this - players were being snippy to each other and the coach needed to call us out for it". They realized in order to win, they needed to be accountable to each other. They heard their coach's message - loud and clear. What's a conversation you need to have but haven't had yet? What's one step you can take to have this discussion? #coaching #leadershipcoaching #leadershipdevelopment Photo credit: Me! (my son at this weekend's rugby championships at the Ontario Summer Games in London, ON)

Manchester United Football Club, commonly known as Man United or simply United, is one of the most storied and successful football clubs in the world. Established in 1878 as Newton Heath LYR Football Club, the team has a rich history, boasting an extensive trophy cabinet and a global fanbase. History: Manchester United's journey to prominence began in 1902 when the club changed its name to Manchester United. Throughout the early 20th century, the team experienced both triumphs and setbacks, but it wasn't until the arrival of Sir Matt Busby in 1945 that the club's fortunes truly began to change. Busby, known for his visionary approach to football management, laid the foundations for United's future success. The Busby Babes and the Munich Air Disaster: Under Busby's leadership, Manchester United developed a talented group of young players known as the "Busby Babes." This team achieved great success in the 1950s, winning consecutive league titles in 1956 and 1957. However, tragedy struck on February 6, 1958, when the team's plane crashed while attempting to take off from Munich-Riem Airport after a European Cup match. The Munich Air Disaster claimed the lives of 23 people, including eight players. Despite this devastating loss, Manchester United rebuilt under Busby's guidance and continued to thrive in the years that followed. The Rise of Sir Alex Ferguson Era: In 1986, another legendary figure took the reins at Manchester United: Sir Alex Ferguson. Over the next 26 years, Ferguson transformed the club into a dominant force in English and European football. His tenure saw unprecedented success, including 13 Premier League titles, 2 Champions League titles, and numerous other domestic and international trophies. The Modern Era: Since Ferguson's retirement in 2013, Manchester United has experienced periods of transition and rebuilding. The club has seen various managers, including David Moyes, Louis van Gaal, and José Mourinho, each contributing to the team's legacy in their own way. In recent years, under the management of Ole Gunnar Solskjær, Manchester United has shown signs of resurgence, with a renewed focus on developing young talent and competing at the highest level. Legacy and Global Influence: Manchester United's impact extends far beyond the football pitch. The club's success, iconic red jerseys, and passionate fanbase have made it a global brand, with supporters spanning continents. Old Trafford, United's home stadium, is not only a footballing mecca but also a symbol of the club's enduring legacy. #snsinstitutions #snsdesignthinkers

In the world of football, talent knows no boundaries. Yet, the rich tapestry of skill and potential often remains undiscovered in unexpected corners of the globe. One such treasure trove lies in the small but passionate footballing nation of Bahrain, where gifted players await their chance to shine on the global stage. Bahraini football talent is a diamond in the rough, sparkling with promise and skill that is as yet largely untapped by the wider footballing world. Despite possessing a pool of players with immense potential, these individuals often find themselves overlooked, their abilities overshadowed by more mainstream markets. European clubs, known for their keen eye for talent and knack for nurturing stars, stand to gain significantly from tapping into this new market. By investing in Bahraini players, clubs can not only discover fresh talent but also unlock a world of commercial opportunities. A Bahraini player in their ranks could bring not just skill on the field but also a new fanbase, sponsorships, and increased visibility in untapped regions. However, the journey from Bahrain to Europe is not without its challenges. Misconceptions and stereotypes often cloud the judgment of directors, coaches, and agents, who may harbor doubts about the capabilities of Bahraini players. In some cases, there are unfounded expectations of bribes or kickbacks, creating unnecessary barriers for these aspiring footballers. At our agency, we are committed to changing this narrative. Our mission is to raise awareness of the exceptional talent that Bahrain has to offer and highlight the immense commercial return on investment that comes with having a Bahraini player in a team. By showcasing the skills, dedication, and potential of Bahraini footballers, we aim to open doors and create opportunities for these deserving players. The time has come for European clubs to look beyond traditional scouting grounds and explore the rich reservoir of talent that Bahrain has to offer. By embracing diversity, nurturing untapped potential, and investing in the future of Bahraini football, clubs can not only enrich their squads but also pave the way for a new era of global footballing excellence.

It's the dedicated segment of the fanbase that forced USSF (a corrupt MLS puppet) to take action. These fans drive all progress, pushing for transparency, accountability, and better performance. Many “journos” and MLS-platformed media talking heads undermine progress and maintain the status quo, often supporting decisions that benefit a select few at the expense of the broader soccer community. Critics influenced by an establishment resistant to change may downplay the attractiveness of the USMNT role. However, the job is all upside, offering a rare blend of professional fulfillment and strategic advantage. For any top manager, taking the United States Men’s National Team (USMNT) coaching position is an opportunity any top manager should jump at. Here’s why: 1. Extremely Low Pressure Compared to the intense scrutiny and high stakes in top European leagues, the USMNT job offers a significantly lower-pressure environment. Soccer in the U.S. is still growing, and expectations are not as crushingly high, allowing for more creative freedom. 2. World Cup Opportunity Managing the USMNT is a chance to participate in the world's most prestigious tournament: the FIFA World Cup. This is a career highlight, providing a platform to showcase skills on the biggest stage. 3. Home World Cup Advantage The 2026 World Cup, hosted by the U.S., Canada, and Mexico, offers a unique opportunity to lead a team on home soil. This can galvanize the nation and potentially achieve historic success. 4. Peaceful Preparation Period With no major international tournaments for the next two years, the new manager will have the luxury of time to build a team and implement their vision without immediate competitive pressures. 5. Financial Incentives Despite misconceptions, the financial compensation for the USMNT manager is highly competitive. The role offers substantial rewards and significant value in terms of career advancement and exposure. USMNT coaching position is an obvious, no-brainer decision. #Soccer #Leadership #USMNT #WorldCup2026 #CoachingOpportunities https://lnkd.in/eYTia2-i

This week I've been thinking about the incredible rise of Brighton & Hove Albion Football Club. Brighton & Hove Albion Football Club have adopted a 'Moneyball' approach to recruitment that focuses heavily on data, analytics, and untapped potential. Club owner, Tony Bloom has followed a philosophy of using data-driven analytics to predict player potential and scout out talent that other clubs are missing. Brighton & Hove Albion Football Club have tended to either go to a different market or seek buying potential rather than performance. With Brighton widening their gaze to South America, East Asia, and the European lower divisions, they've been able to highlight talent that other clubs are missing. This system has allowed Brighton to pluck gem after gem out, seemingly from nowhere. The talented players they've unearthed from countries across the world including Ecuador, Paraguay, and Japan include Moises Caicedo, Alexis Mac Allister, Yves Bissouma, Marc Cucurella, and Kaoru Mitoma. And crucially, the club has been excellent at selling their top players at the peak of their market value; last summer, they made huge profits on Caicedo (sold for $140m to Chelsea), Cucurella (sold for $62m to Chelsea) and Mac Allister ($45m to Liverpool), while academy graduate Ben White left for $62m to Arsenal in 2021. The club's clever recruitment model means there is always a ready-made replacement who can slot into the starting XI when high-profile players depart. When it comes to play, Roberto De Zerbi has implemented a style of football that's based on patient, controlled possession, built up methodically from the very back. Brighton will often patiently recycle the ball in their own final 1/3, often for up to 10 or 15 passes. The idea of this possession tightrope is to provoke opponents into overstretching, committing one too many to the press, at which point Brighton neatly play their way out… and wreak havoc in open spaces & pockets. Attacking plays start with two central defenders, whose patient possession then shifts quickly to midfield as quick 1 or 2 touch precise passing is used to beat the opposition press, and exploit pockets of space left open. This specific style of play requires you to be precise and accurate. When it works, it's a marvelous strategy to watch but when you make mistakes, you get hammered because you often lose the ball in the final 1/3.

Management Lessons from Olympics Basketball Match: Team USA vs Team South Sudan As the South Sudan and USA teams prepared to face off in the Olympic arena, the air was thick with anticipation. Both teams had trained relentlessly, each bringing unique strengths and strategies. USA, who were looking in good shape in their matches against Serbia, Canada, and Spain, had to earn a tough victory against much unknown South Sudan, a landlocked country in East Africa. 1.Teamwork and Communication: South Sudan executed a flawless fast-break play, with players seamlessly passing the ball to each other. The crowd erupted as they scored an easy basket. This moment underscored the importance of individuals working together, leveraging each other's strengths to achieve common goals. Clear and efficient communication was a hallmark of South Sudan's defense, leading to multiple turnovers. Communication helped in quick decision-making with diverse viewpoints leading to innovative problem-solving. 2.Adaptability and Perseverance: Sudan's three-point shooters were on fire, threatening to widen the gap. In focusing too much on the perimeter, the USA team left gaps inside, allowing South Sudan to exploit these openings with drives and close-range shots. This miscalculation highlighted the importance of balancing adjustments without overcompensating, akin to maintaining balance in business pivots. The determination of South Sudan to overcome setbacks and focus on long-term goals was a powerful reminder of perseverance. 3.Resource Utilization and Performance: By rotating their bench players effectively, Sudanese ensured that key starters remained fresh for crucial moments. This strategic use of available resources, whether players or budget, is a lesson in maintaining high performance levels. The overdependence on star play like Steph Curry and Anthony Davis cannot always work in favor of the USA team. In the final moments, a USA player was fouled and sent to the free-throw line. This clutch performance underscored the value of managing stress in high-stakes situations. 4.Leadership and Vision: During a critical timeout, Lebron James, the captain of the USA team, showcased exceptional vision, rallying his teammates to overcome the deficit. 5.Conflict Management: It has been observed that there has been passive-aggressive conflict between the star players. Game enthusiasts are still waiting to see Kevin Durant in the playoffs; This has exposed the preparation and planning of USA. The realization of the importance of clear direction, motivation, and resolving conflicts to maintain team cohesion must be addressed early Sudan’s journey didn’t end in victory; however, their continuous improvement was evident and won hearts Ontogeny Recapitulates Phylogeny – The Olympics has witnessed the supremacy of Mamba, Wade, Carter- USA needs to create strategies to keep the streak alive. Hope to see more three pointers from the Chef #Leadership #FIBA #Basketball #Management

ICYMI: Football Queensland’s two-year referee strategy to drive development and retention: Football Queensland (FQ) are embarking on a transformative journey. Wishing to elevate the current refereeing regime on a state-wide level is a high-priority within their objectives. The Referee Strategy plan will run from 2024 until 2026, where the current framework of officials officiating within Queensland looks to be recrafted. Referees are the unsung heroes of any sport, especially football. The decisions they make as a collective can have historical ramifications. They are ultimately tasked with making correct decisions, while under the microscope of the entire footballing audience, governing bodies and participants all watching attentively on to hear of what the decision may be, which ultimately impacts their respective teams. The constant pressure, scrutiny and tension they are under does not go unnoticed, nor should their presence. Referring on a global scale is a tedious aspect of sport. It is simple to attract people that are keen to participate within a sport on a playing level. In an officiating role, it is a whole different kettle of fish. The Strategic Pillars  The priority placed upon the recruitment and retainment of officials is a focal point of the FQ referee strategy. Unification of their already established referee base is crucial. Their primary objectives include: 3600 FQ Registered Referees across all formatted of football within Queensland. 50/50 Parity: Resulting in FQ wishing to foster 1250 more female referees. Queensland founded referees to be represented on a global scale. Developing pathways for educators, referees and match day officials. With all of those objectives in mind. To execute such a tall order is achievable all through the basis of a solid foundation. The “Strategic Pillars” assorted to accumulate 3,600 referees by the year 2026 include the following stages.  Pillar #1: Recruitment and Outreach The re-imagination of talent recruitment, combined with diversification and expansion all are at the forefront of the strategies initial phase. Pillar #2: Pathways and Opportunities  Creating a community that thrives upon the continuous growth of refereeing through the establishment of a unified culture, spearheaded by the passion involved for the game and officiating. Pillar #3: Retention and Engagement The pressures involved within the occupation can deter potential participants or current officials for wanting to exercise their skillset within the field. The third phase within the pillars involves support directed towards the wellbeing of officials. Ensuring that they are recognized, celebrated, supported and encouraged. Pillar #4: Training and Development The fourth and final phase is equally as important as the previous three. The creation of cohesion amongst a community is of great importance. Looking to… #Football #Soccer #FootballNews