The development of Europe’s talent pathways from academy to first team was the focus for ECA’s Youth Knowledge Exchange hosted at FC Nordsjaelland’s Farum Park stadium in Denmark last week.
More than 120 representatives from European clubs, in addition to industry experts and football icons, examined the journey of transitioning young footballers to senior level and delved into the challenges and successes of this pivotal phase for emerging players.
Across two days, delegates heard from a variety of speakers who presented case studies on how they have managed the pathway from their academies, leaving attendees enriched and educated.
The first day opened with hosts FC Nordsjaelland showcasing their successful club case study and the Right to Dream programme, which featured an explanation of how a multi- academy system functions across three different continents, and how they align the methodology and the processes across their structure making sure to facilitate the transition to the first team. Nordsjaelland’s philosophy is built on a deep belief in youth football, with the aim of offering a lot of playing minutes to the youth players.
Nordsjaelland’s view is that they want to grow talent gradually without the pressure of short-term results. The education of the players is key, too, as they come from different countries and continents and need to be equipped for their lives on and off the pitch.
Brighton & Hove Albion's Academy Manager, Ian Buckman, then provided further insights into successful transitions, emphasising the importance of youth development. Buckman explained how the club had come from an almost amateur situation to the Premier League - with the youth system also built on educating not just players but also staff and coaches, so that all were aligned.
The first day also featured presentations from AFC Ajax’s Edmond Claus, Academy Director, while Tolga Öngoren, General Manager of Tofas Bursa, shared a unique perspective from the world of basketball.
The second day commenced with two presentations from Denis Arnaud, Academy Director at Stade Rennais FC, and Jon Mikel Arrieta, Director of Methodology and Alfonso Azurza, Deputy Director of Academy of Real Sociedad de Fútbol, giving an insight into two additional club case studies, sharing their experiences and insights into the transition process.
The event concluded with a panel discussion featuring ex-professional players and industry leaders, including Yohan Cabaye, Philippe Senderos, Maxwell Scherrer, Søren Henriksen, and Manon Eluère.
The last word came from FC Nordsjaelland CEO, Trine Hopp, who said:
“Regardless of backgrounds, club size, or budget, the success stories presented during the event reinforce a powerful message – young players, when nurtured in academies, are not a barrier but a pathway to success. The valuable insights gained from this exchange will enhance our commitment to providing playing minutes for young talents and further strengthen our academy's impact on the future of football."