Inside Manchester Futsal Club Youth Academy’s Coaching Methodology

Another season is underway at Manchester Futsal Club Youth Academy, and with it comes another opportunity to shape the next generation of players. Our coaching is about far more than what happens on the court - it’s about instilling belief, developing character, and giving every player the tools they need to succeed in life.

With over 18 years of experience in developing players, Academy Director Ilya Ovechkin and Head of Coaching Raducio King understand the core value of nurturing the individual. Every player’s journey is unique - some may follow a pathway in futsal, others in football - but the foundation remains the same: strong individual development.

At Manchester Futsal Club Youth Academy, we recognise those differences and guide both players and parents with advice, support, and a clear methodology. When players step into our environment, the focus is on unlocking their super strengths - building the confidence, belief, and technical quality that allows them to truly go for it, both on and off the court.

Coaching Philosophy

Raducio King: “Our core philosophy is to be expressive when we have the ball - creativity, flair, excitement, skills, tricks, and combinations. And to be aggressive when we don’t - do whatever it takes to win the ball back, because it’s ours.

On the court, it’s about instilling all the technical skills players need to dominate their 1v1 duels. Off the court, it’s about developing a mindset of belief - in themselves and in the character they are becoming. We enhance what’s already there, even if it’s hidden.”

Individual Development

Why put so much emphasis on technique?

Raducio King : “The reality is, we don’t know where each player’s journey will take them. With an individual approach, we prepare them for the world. Their ability becomes a trade they can take anywhere - futsal, football, street football, 5-a-side, or any version of the game across the world.

We give players the tools to succeed by letting them be themselves. Our job as educators is to instill belief and boost confidence. That self-belief, combined with humility, becomes something they can carry into everyday life.”

The Mental Side

“Mindset is everything. He who believes in his powers can take on the world - like a Marvel hero. We make players conscious of their own abilities. When we strengthen the mind, the feet will follow.

We help players unlock their ‘superpowers’ through our mandatory coaching messages:

• Run – pace, energy, and endurance.

• Compete – tenacity, effort, and a winning mindset.

• Physical contact – confidence in duels, shielding, and body strength.

Consistently living these out allows them to express themselves to the fullest.”

Player Identity

“We want players who dominate through a holistic approach: mind, body, and soul.

• Mind: confidence and belief.

• Body: technical quality, strong in 1v1s, equipped for any scenario.

• Soul: humble, respectful, loyal - but also strong in belief.

  
  

This methodology prepares them for the step up. In the first team, you’re fighting for your place, for three points, for Champions League dreams. We’re not just creating futsal players - we’re creating competitors ready for the highest stage, and for life.”

Coaching Process

“Up to U16s, we start with arrival activities - free play to get the heart pumping. They’ve had a long day at school; the last thing they need is more structure.

Then we move into ball mastery and technical activation. After that, we focus on one of six key topics (e.g., forward moves, shielding, twisting/turning). Sessions always end with games that reinforce the topic - the game itself becomes the teacher.

We measure progress using our 5-step skills matrix:

1. Can they do it?

2. Can they do it on the move?

3. Can they do it fast?

4. Can they do it semi-opposed?

5. Can they do it in a game?”

Values & Culture

“We are the Harvard of technical prowess. Players leave us with a trade - strong ball mastery, technical equipment for life. With us, there’s zero fear: no fear of being released, no fear of losing the ball, no fear of being expressive.

Football and futsal are entertainment. Let’s entertain while striving to win. The journey should push players toward a higher version of themselves.”

Looking Ahead

“Seeing how me and the coaching staff are preparing players for top academies and Champions League futsal excites me. The club offers so much - travel, games, relationships, networks.

New players bring new challenges, which means more growth for both coaches and players. It’s a cycle: they help us, and we help them become better versions of themselves.”

Ilya Ovechkin: As Academy Director, it’s important that all our players and parents understand that futsal is only one part of the jigsaw in player development - whether that’s for futsal or for football.

What matters most is that when players and parents come into our environment, they feel like they can ask questions, that players can be themselves, and that they are encouraged to express themselves on the court.

Alongside an excellent coaching staff who bring deep experience from both futsal and football, we are creating an environment that truly provides the players with the knowledge, confidence, and support they need. We are so excited about the new season ahead.

This environment we’ve created is about boosting players and giving them super strength - qualities that will carry them forward in their football or futsal careers, and in life.”

Join the Journey

Our doors are always open for new players to join and become part of our environment.

Pre-register now at www.manchesterfutsalacademy.com