Former national defender Brian Williams will be in charge of W Connection’s Under-16 team as its coach when they tour Italy at month’s end, and looks forward to measuring the ability of his charges against footballers of the same age group in Europe.
Williams has been with W Connection’s U-16 team the last two years and has been a member of the WCFC coaching staff since 2000, although in between he had a five-year break at United Petrotrin. This season, Williams led W Connection youths to the National Youth league title. He said that teaching proper work ethic and understanding was important to the season.
W Connection tour Italy from August 28—September 8 and will play the youth squads of four Serie A teams. The team will pit their skills against the likes of AC and Inter Milan.
Williams believes the tour could have long term benefits for his young players. “Mainly by giving them the necessary exposure in playing in a different country and, if possible, attract any interested scouts from the Italian clubs,” he said in an interview on W Connection’s website.
Full Interview with U-16 Coach Brian Williams.
Leading up to the U16s Italy Tour we will be posting a series of interviews featuring staff and players. This week we are featuring U16 Head Coach Brian Williams. Take a look at what he had to say.
1. How long have you been with the U16 team as well as WCFC?
-I have been with the U-16 team for the last (2) years and a member of the WCFC coaching staff since the year 2000 with a (5) year break at United Petrotrin.
2. What do you think contributed to the success of the team this season?
-There are many factors which contributed to the success of the team but most important was the equity in discipline shared by the coaching staff and the commitment of the players.
3. What is the main objective of the youth program at WCFC?
-Producing young players to represent the club at senior level and by extension our National Teams both Senior and Youth level.
4. What was your coaching philosophy for the 2014 season?
-For the players to develop good working ethics, proper game understanding and to be result oriented.
5. What are you looking forward to most about the upcoming tour?
-To measure the ability of our kids to that of the European kids and also to see how our players would perform in a different environment.
6. How do you think this tour will benefit your players?
-Mainly by giving them the necessary exposure in playing in a different country and if possible attract any interested scouts from the Italian clubs.
7. Was there any reason behind the timing of the tour?
-Not really, mainly the availability of the players at this time.
8. What expectations do you have of your players for this tour?
-Simply to give a good account of themselves during the tour.
9. What do you hope that your players gain from this tour?
-Good exposure and having the opportunity to play against foreign opponents.
10. What will make this tour a success?
-The team having good performances and also attracting the interest of some of the clubs' scouts.