Aspire in the World Fellows Book - 2025

98 99 11TH ASPIRE ACADEMY GLOBAL SUMMIT ASPIRE IN THE WORLD FELLOWS [ 08.1 ] CornéGroenendijk Headof Football Partnerships AFCAjax Over the last decade, one thing has become clear: football is evolving rapidly, and so must we. I come from a club with a strong tradition like Ajax. Twenty years ago, if you played against Ajax, you knew exactly what to expect: a 4-3-3 systemwithwingers wide, attacking football, and high pressing. That was our identity, and it rarely changed. Today, this is no longer possible. The game has developed, opponents have evolved, and the demands on players have changed. So, while we remain committed to our DNA with attractive football, positional play, and creativity, we must also adapt to modern realities. For us, the key is principles over systems. Dominance on the ball, attacking intent, and individual creativity, these principles remain non-negotiable. But the way we apply them must be flexible. Wingers, for example, no longer stay glued to the touchline, their roles evolve based on context. Balancing tradition with adaptation is essential. Youth development adds another layer of complexity. Unlike the first team, which must win now, our job is to prepare players for the future. We start by analyzing the qualities needed for the first team: speed of thought, technical ability under pressure, and tactical intelligence. These parameters guide our academy structure. But here is the challenge: if we develop players for today’s first team, we risk being outdated when they arrive in seven or eight years. So, we must anticipate trends and train players for the game of tomorrow, focusing on cognitive speed, adaptability, and decision-making. This requires constant flexibility. We adjust our training programs to accelerate brain development and cognitive capabilities, not just technical skills. The modern player must process information faster than ever before. Physical and technical ability remain vital, but cognitive sharpness is becoming the ultimate differentiator. At the same time, we face cultural and identity conflicts. Supporters expect Ajax to play attacking football. When a coach like Francesco Farioli finished at second place in the league and Champions League qualification but was criticized for being “too defensive,” it highlighted the tension between results and identity. Now, with a more attacking approach, we earn fewer points. This shows the delicate balance between philosophy and pragmatism. Finally, culture and leadership matter. We say development is the priority, but when the U14s lose to Feyenoord, questions arise. Winning mentality is deeply ingrained. Coaches must show professionalism, set standards, and embody the club’s values. If we follow the process and maintain strong principles, successwill come. Our track record proves it: countless players in top leagues and national teams. The future belongs to those who combine identitywith adaptability, and prepare players not just for today, but for the game that’s coming. [ 08.1 ] FrankLeicht Assistant Soccer Coach 1stTeam PhiladelphiaUnion Our approach starts with a clear identity built on principles, not rigid systems, using the principles as tools. Think of it as a toolbox: depending on the opponent, we select the tools that will be most effective while staying true to our identity. Our philosophy is aggressive, forward-thinking, and high-pressure. As one player once said, we play “organized chaos”, a compliment that reflects our intent to control unpredictability. Our game model begins with the opponent’s possession. The first thought is always to defend aggressively, win the ball as high and as quickly as possible, and exploit transitions. Research shows that 60% of goals come from transitions, 30% from set pieces, and only 10% from possession. That insight shapes our training priorities: we dedicate significant time to transition play and set pieces. I personally oversee set pieces, preparing detailed video analysis and drills. This focus has paid off, such as we conceded only 33 goals while scoring 57, ranking among the league’s top five. A typical week reflects this philosophy. After a Saturday match, Sunday is recovery and video review. Monday and Tuesday focus on general principles like aggressive defending, pressing triggers, and provocation rules to create game-like intensity. Wednesday is transition day, emphasizing quick reactions and decision-making under pressure. Thursday and Friday are tactical: building out from the back, progressing through the opponent’s half, and refining pressing strategies. Even when we change formations, starting in 4-2-2, shifting to 4-4-1, and finishing in 5-3-2, the principles remain constant: forward defending, proactivementality, and high intensity. Freedom within structure is essential. Our non-negotiable principle is “forward-first mentality,” but players choose the best option in the moment, whether a dribble, a pass to the eight, or a switch to the weak side. We encourage bravery and creativity, even if it means mistakes. A misplaced forward pass can trigger a great counter-pressing opportunity. During post-game, we use individual video analysis to review decisions and explore better alternatives, fostering learning without fear. Convincing players of this philosophy takes time, especially after setbacks. Early in the season, we lost three games after changing our style. We responded by reinforcing belief through video clips and examples from top teams. Once results came, confidence soared. Development is central to our club’s vision: players debut at 16 or 17, so we invest heavily in physical, mental, and cognitive preparation. Our academy mirrors first-team principles, supported by individualized development plans (IDPs) and over 100 extra sessions annually. The goal is clear: produce players ready for MLS, the national team, and beyond. In short, success lies in combining unwavering principles with contextual flexibility. Systems may change, but identity like aggressive, forward- thinking, and brave remains the foundation. Adaptation is not compromised, it’s evolution. ROUND TABLE