Youth development drive in San Marino

The San Marino Football Federation (FSGC) has launched a training academy project –with the primary objective of developing the association's best young players.

The first fruits of the project were a series of training sessions organised for the republic's outstanding youth talent, some of which have taken place on the FSGC's artificial pitch at Fiorentino.

The focus for the academy project this season has been youngsters born between 1997 and 1998. As well as training them on the field, the FSGC programme aims to create a common identity among San Marino's young footballers who represent the next generation of internationals.

Consequently they will be taught moral and social values and learn to conduct themselves appropriately in all situations, including dealings with officials and supporters. As an ultimate goal, San Marino hopes to have national-team footballers of the highest calibre.

The federation's work with junior players will be backed up by additional work between club coaches and support staff. As part of the training project, all relevant information will be collected in a database, for promotion via the FSGC website, magazines and local media. Academy staff will also organise meetings, professional training and refresher courses for coaches.

The staff comprises: coaches Enrico Battisti and Claudio Bartoletti, responsible for technical and tactical training; Carlo Casadei, in charge of goalkeeper coaching; Francesco Berretta, expert in coordinated motor activity; and Emilio Cecchini, technical director. The technical coordinators, reporting back to the FSGC board, are Maurizio Montironi and Marco Guidi.