09/04/2026
Continuing to learn. Continuing to develop. ⚽️
One of our coaches, Özer Kocdemir, recently traveled to Belfast, Northern Ireland, to begin the next stage of his UEFA A Coaching Diploma through the Irish Football Association.
The week combined on-field coaching, session planning, match and opposition analysis, leadership, coaching behaviors, psychological safety, and plenty of reflection.
A highlight was a workshop with Steve Sallis, exploring how successful teams and organizations build environments that support development, the behaviors that shape those environments, and mistakes to avoid along the way.
David Webb, assistant coach to W***y Sagnol with the Georgian National Team, shared how Georgia analyzed Turkey ahead of their upcoming match and then took the group onto the field to demonstrate how that analysis shaped their on field training.
The coaches also visited Linfield FC to observe training and learn more about their coaching process and the operation behind a successful football environment.
With coaches from different countries, cultures, and football backgrounds, the course created a great environment to learn, share ideas and challenge each other.
“I learned a lot about the areas I need to improve and the challenges I need to bring back into my own environment. I’m excited to push myself, continue learning and become better at what I do, which ultimately helps my club, teams and players.” — Özer
One of the biggest takeaways: be intentional. Have a clear strategy, plan the work around it, and consistently reflect on whether your coaching is achieving what you set out to do.
Thank you
Go Harbor! ⚓️
Standards. Effort. Community.
