18 April 2022 www.bahrainthismonth.com interview ON THE PATH TO GREATNESS Football is the most popular sport in the world, with millions of children wanting to emulate their heroes and develop their skills. With a number of soccer schools offering their services in Bahrain, 24N Football Academy is aiming to stand out from the rest with a dedicated philosophy and a passionate coaching team to foster the superstars of tomorrow. Kristian Harrison spoke to Head Coach and Founder, Sean Brereton, to find out more. Since the age of 16, Sean Brereton knew he wanted to be a football coach. Not only that, he wanted to nurture young talent in a way that was different – and better – than anywhere else whilst being a role model both on-and-off the pitch. After years of hard work and learning his trade from various influences and cultures, he has finally achieved his dream of opening his own coaching school in Bahrain: 24N Football Academy. “In a nutshell, 24N wants to provide the best coaching and the best service for players in the Kingdom,” he says. “From the age of three right through to teenage years and being on the brink of adult football, we want the children with us to understand that they are in a professional environment with mutual respect. “We want them to be able to ask questions and challenge themselves in a safe atmosphere where we both can develop and grow. As much as they are learning and improving their playing ability, we are gaining just as much knowledge with every session and progressing ourselves. “Ultimately, ‘development’ is the cornerstone of my philosophy. I feel like the greatest mistake when it comes to coaching is the focus on results over performance, especially with younger age groups. Children these days are saddled with too much responsibility to win, a directive issued by their coaches, which not only knocks their confidence if they lose, but limits their freedom to express themselves and play to their abilities. “Nothing gives me more pride than development, such as seeing a kid starting out and not being able to shoot properly, then a few weeks later hit a sweet strike into the goal. Doing this in an environment of mutual respect where selfishness and frustration is left at the door encapsulates what 24N is trying to accomplish.” Now 29, Sean’s career began at 16 when he took part in some voluntary coaching as part
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