APPLICAZIONE DEL MODELLO S.F.E.R.A ALL'INTERNO DELLA SCUOLA CALCIO NELLA CATEGORIA “PICCOLI AMICI”

Abstract: This thesis presents the organization of the football school, the various types, the role figures who work within it and the categories that participate in it. The category of "Little Friends”, corresponding to the age group of 6-7 years old, is analyzed specifically, highlighting their specificities as regards motor, cognitive and relational development, identifying the didactic, educational objectives and documenting the value of the game for the children. Not only the technical objectives of the category are highlighted, but above all the pedagogical and educational aspects pursued in training are underlined. The model analyzed is the "S.F.E.R.A. Model", an acronym for: Synchrony, Strength, Energy, Rhythm and Activation, which are parameters to be followed for each exercise proposed in order to validate and evaluate its effectiveness. Concrete examples of exercises carried out in the "Little Friends" category that apply this model, demonstrating its effectiveness will be reported in the thesis. The figure of the football school instructor will then be presented, outlining his role, technical skills, and highlighting the educational model that his figure represents. The correct use of feedback will be defined, describing how these are a fundamental tools that the instructor must know. It is reported an interesting study conducted by the University of Washington, which analyzes the figure of the instructor, demonstrating how the construction of a positive environment affects the psycho-social growth of the children, obtaining results such as the reduction of stress and the increase of self-esteem. For this purpose, guidelines are drawn up for the instructor, called CET (Coach Effectiveness Training), in order to make his role efficient and effective, promoting a constructive sports experience. The interest and the choice of the topic proposed in this thesis stem from my passion for the game of football, for children and from my personal experience as a football school instructor; it is thanks to it that I was able to develop skills and knowledge in the application of the S.F.E.R.A model, being able to personally test its effectiveness. I have personally experienced the difficulties and the necessary commitment in training a group of children, therefore my field work, studies and research have confirmed that not only dedication, but also a deep knowledge of child development are essential for get good results and not to harm the growth of children.