If you ask a young person what they want to be when they grow up, they might say astronaut, they might say pop star but one of the most frequently noted responses is footballer.
15-year-old Luca loves football and used the Euro Pro Football model to see how far it would take him.
The model focuses on proven European-style programmes whereby the emphasis is on the individual as opposed to the team, and performance and improvement are tracked using a player rating profile designed in the style of popular football games.
Coming to schools in Manchester: Football Educational Programme in Schools (FEPS)
Backed by various footballing bodies and plenty of professional ambassadors, Euro Pro Football are at the forefront of football evolution and work alongside schools and professional football clubs.
They are introducing their professional model into schools as part of an ongoing national initiative sweeping across the UK, starting in Manchester in late spring 2023. This exciting initiative is called FEPS which is short for Football Educational Programme in Schools.
Created specifically for the individual player, the aim is to help boys and girls aged 8–18 to become better players and play football at the highest level they can - and, like Luca, see how far it takes them.
Never seen before within the grass roots arena, the rating profile, aligned with professional football clubs, is part of an amazing online player portal system which records progress and results to better scores following the initial assessment whereby Individual Development Plans (IDP) and Personalised Mentoring Programmes (PMP) are carefully monitored as part of the players’ improvement journey.
Depending on initial scores, boys and girls are recommended for mentoring or school of excellence programmes to hone in on specific areas. Programmes improve players individually to become better players within a team environment.
Myles Smith, the director of football for Euro Pro, said: “It’s not unheard of for players to be recommended for professional club trials following their first assessment which is called a STEP Assessment."
What is a STEP Assessment?
The unique STEP Assessment has been specifically curated by Euro Pro Football to assess, develop and educate young players. As seen within Luca’s profile, 'STEP' stands for 'substance, technique, education and personality' to which 20 attributes are assessed and rated.
Boys and girls refer to it as their 'STEP rating' which has been approved and endorsed by clubs within the Premier League, Championship, League One/Two, Women’s Super League, and Women’s Championship/National League.
Is FEPS for all abilities?
“Yes. Achievement can be measured in many ways,” responded Myles Smith, Director of Football.
“Better enjoyment of football through practical educational programmes via our mentoring blocks and school of excellence programmes.
“Increased confidence and satisfaction in achieving better scores following re-assessment.
“Playing a higher standard of grass roots football.
“Recommendation to our schools of excellence to hone in on learning techniques.
“Recommendation for professional club trials.”
Luca’s achievement story
Luca, 15, started out on his football journey playing school and lower league grassroots football before being introduced to Euro Pro Football. He underwent an initial STEP Assessment and came out with a score of 67.5. He was subsequently recommended to a varied block of mentoring programmes before eventually advancing to the school of excellence.
Luca’s best re-assessment score was 82.8, during which time he was playing higher league grass roots football and eventually signed a two-year contract with League 2, Sutton United. He considers Euro Pro Football to be a significant driving factor.
Speaking on what he gained from the model and techniques Luca said: “I learnt that there are many important physical attributes which improve technique to become a better player. Balance and core stability strength is just one of many important attributes."
Luca continued: “Now, I have an individual improvement plan to maintain and improve the standard I have reached. I’m constantly working on how my body moves and functions because I know it impacts the technical side of my game. It’s also great to have my own profile, similar to that of my favourite football games, to check and improve scores.”
All the hard work paid off for Luca, he shared: “I was recommended to various professional football clubs and signed for League 2 Sutton United FC Academy. I am really enjoying my football and the challenge. I am working hard to get a scholarship and become a professional footballer.”
“Playing matches and training sessions at my grass roots clubs only helped to improve my understanding of the game and improve me a little as a technical player. I would not have advanced or be where I am today without Euro Pro Football’s programmes and techniques.”
Win a FREE STEP Assessment at your school - 500 FREE places to be won in Manchester
Kickstart your own achievement story by entering Euro Pro Football’s exciting giveaway. Win a FREE STEP Assessment at your school*.
The cost of a STEP Assessment is normally £89, subsidised to £59 for pupils in schools as part of the FEPS national football initiative.
How do I enter the competition?
To be in with a chance of a FREE shot, all you need to do is follow this link and answer two simple well-known football-related questions before filling out a short form and submitting.
The competition closes on April 28, 2023.
What happens after I’ve entered?
Assuming you have answered correctly, you will be contacted by the Euro Pro Football Team to confirm if you have won a FREE STEP Assessment, after the competition has closed*.
Speak to your Headteacher or Head of PE to confirm when FEPS is coming to your school. Registration is FREE for schools.
To find out more about FEPS, watch this video, and visit the website here.
*Terms and conditions may apply. Contact Euro Pro Football for more details. You can also click here for their privacy policy.
