Academy training philosophy in the Provincial Leagues

Competition at the Provincial League level plays a crucial role in the structure of the Wisła Kraków Football Academy. As in previous years, U-16, U-14, U-13, U-12, and U-11 teams have been registered for the competition, run by the Małopolska Football Association. Competing at the league level will reflect the Academy's philosophy, which has been implemented for several years.

"The philosophy behind our Academy remains unchanged. Our primary goal is the individual development of our players, which is intended to enable them to participate in league competitions. Analyzing changes in league structures and, among other things, the reorganization of the CLJ U-15 competition, we made the decision this winter to withdraw from participation in the C2 competition," says Michał Jania, the U16-U13 training coordinator.

This season, the U-16 team will compete in the Małopolska Youth League B1, competing against higher-aged players. The U-14 team will compete in the Provincial Youth League 1, also competing against U-15s. Two U-13 teams will compete in the Provincial Youth League D1, the highest level in Małopolska. The U-12 team will compete in the District Youth League and the Małopolska Youth League D2.

"We are mindful of the fact that in previous seasons, the D2 league featured players aged U-11. We want to continue this, but in a controlled manner and with the best possible results for the players themselves," adds Jania.

The Academy's model philosophy

As in previous years, the Wisła Academy will adhere to its model philosophy in its activities regarding the selection of individual players.

"In 25% of matches, we want to be the favorite. In 25% of matches, we want the proportions to be reversed, and in 50% of matches, we want the competition to be open," explains Michał Jania. Everything will be based on observation and consultation with the coaches.

"Our approach regarding player advancement to older age groups remains unchanged. We will monitor the development of individual players, and before decisions are made on the extent to which individual boys will be moved to older age groups, we will consult with both parents and the players themselves," adds Jania.

"The level of competition in the region has become much more balanced. We're monitoring the development of individual academies, and I'm convinced that our teams won't lose out on the aforementioned reorganization. All changes will support our model and the development of individual teams," adds Jania.

In addition to participating in league competitions, the U-12 and U-13 teams will also participate in the Interleague, which means competing against peers from the Czech Republic, Slovakia, Ukraine, Hungary, and Austria.

"Minimal changes to the structure of the entire Academy mean that the U-13 team will be competing in the league this season against their peers. We will aim to compensate for this through the selection of friendly partners and individual tournaments. We realize that the minutes players earn on the league pitches will be crucial," concluded Coach Coordinator Michał Jania.

The results of all matches of Wisła youth teams in competitions under the aegis of MZPN can be checked on the association's website: https://www.mzpnkrakow.pl/ .