Guides

Guides for academy coaches

Short, practical guides on developing young players and running an academy well. Useful whether or not you ever use Pitchward.

Last updated 15 October 2026

The FA four-corner model, explained for coaches

What sits in each corner, how they connect, and how to assess against the model without turning it into a spreadsheet nobody reads.

What a development record is for, what belongs in it, what does not, how often to update it, and what happens when a player moves on.

The questions to ask any supplier about safeguarding, data, volunteers and price, before you move your players onto it.