STOKE CITY FC ACADEMY AT WISS 2017-2018 T2

2017 - 2018 I T2 I

STOKE CITY FC ACADEMY AT WISS



Mission Statement

To provide quality coaching for players of all ages and abilities to allow improvement of skills and enjoyment of the
game and in so doing showing the opportunities available to pursue football for the most talented and those who

wish to pursue a career in the game as players, coaches or administrators.

A few words

About Stoke City FC Academy at WISS

ANGELA SMITH

Stoke City International Ambassador

As the International Ambassador with responsibility for the overseas development, projects and more importantly a Stoke City fan, I am
proud that we are in partnership with WISS.

The shared values of the two organisations make the project very special. Our aims are to continue to grow and develop whilst helping
every person that comes to us for coaching to be as good as they can be whilst enjoying every aspect of the training, coaching and
matches.
We look forward to every step and thanks for your support and trust.

A few words

About Stoke City FC Academy at WISS

DR. GREG BRUNTON

Director of
Western International School of Shanghai

We are extremely proud to host the Stoke City FC Academy at WISS under the guidance of Angela Smith. The Stoke City FC Academy at
WISS can be characterized as a character education program which uses the love of football as its framework.

In the past few years since its inception, the Stoke City FC Academy at WISS has grown into a highly respected program which not only
provides players with an opportunity to improve their football skills and enjoyment of the game, but also a program which develops
mature, confident and collaborative members of a team.
Under the leadership of Head Coach Luke Cottage, the coaches emphasize the importance of healthy choices, responsible behavior,
and most of all, respect, all of which transfer to WISS students’ lives off the field as well.

Purpose of the Stoke City FC Academy at WISS

The Stoke City FC Academy at WISS was set up to provide premier football training for teams of students at WISS and recently to Shanghai,
to showcase the school’s extracurricular excellence and Stoke City FC’s commitment to developing new talent.

Why choose Stoke City FC Academy at WISS?

Stoke City FC is a club which is rich in history, with a very good track record of developing top players. Stoke is a community club who
believe in helping young and potential players with providing football opportunities through their community work, development squads

and their elite academy system. Stoke City FC is an EPPP Category 1 Academy, Category 1 is the highest rating given by the Football
Association to EPPP (Elite Player Performance Plan) academies in England.

Stoke City Football Club

ENGLISH PREMIER LEAGUE

Stoke City Football Club is an English professional football club based in Stoke-on-Trent, Staffordshire that plays in the Premier League.
Founded as Stoke Ramblers in 1863 the club changed its name to Stoke City in 1925 after Stoke-on-Trent was granted city status. They

are the second oldest professional football club in the world and the oldest club in the English Premier League.

Stoke became a professional football club in 1885 and 3 years later they were one of only 12 clubs who formed the ‘English Football
League’. Stoke played their first ever Football League game against West Brom on 8th September 1888 in front of a crowd of about 4,500.

Stoke play in the Premier League after winning promotion in 2008; prior to this Stoke had not participated in top-flight football for
twenty-three years. Their first, and to date only, major trophy was won in the 1972 Football League Cup Final, when the team beat
Chelsea 2–1. The club’s highest league finish in the top division is 4th, which was achieved in the 1935–36 and 1946–47 seasons. Stoke
have competed in European football in 1972–73, 1974–75; and most recently in 2011–12. Stoke played in the FA Cup Final in 2011, finishing
runners-up to Manchester City and have reached three FA Cup semi-finals; in 1899 then consecutively in 1971 and 1972. The club has

won the Football League Trophy on two occasions; first in 1992 and most recently in 2000.

THE BET365 STADIUM

Stoke’s home ground is the Bet365 Stadium, a 28,116 all-seater stadium. Before the stadium was opened in 1997, the
club was based at the Victoria Ground, which had been their home ground since 1878. The club’s nickname is ‘The

Potters’, named after the pottery industry in Stoke-on-Trent and their traditional home kit is a red and white vertically
striped shirt, white shorts and stockings. Stoke’s traditional rivals are Midlands clubs West Bromwich Albion and
Wolverhampton Wanderers whilst their local rivals are Port Vale with whom they contest the Potteries derby.

OUR COACHING TEAM

KIERAN HUNT I C O A C H

Kieran has joined the Stoke City FC Coaching Team here in Shanghai in September
2015. He has Level 2 in Outfield and Goal Keeping as well as the Youth Module 3
Coaching Qualifications. Prior to coming to Shanghai, Kieran was working at the Stoke
City FC Academy in the UK.

He has a good experience of working with the Under 8’s and Under 10’s in an academy
structure and is looking forward for another successful year.

Kieran has played football at academy level with Shrewsbury Town FC, playing
with players like Joe Hart (England and Manchester City FC). Kieran has also played
semiprofessional football in the UK.

DAN, KIERAN, LUKE, OLLY DAN BARLOW I COACH

LUKE COTTAGE I H E A D C O A C H Dan Barlow is a qualified coach with certification in Activity Leadership and also the
principles and preparations for coaching sport. He has his FA qualifications level 1 and
Luke is a top class coach having obtained his coaching qualifications in the UK and 2 and is now at UEFA B level of study. In addition, he holds the FA Emergency First
gained further football and management qualifications in the USA. Luke was seen as Aid Certification and successfully completed the FA Safeguarding Children Workshop.
such a promising footballer and coach that he was awarded a scholarship for football in Dan has also completed the FA Coaching disabled footballers course, the FA youth
the US due to outstanding ability and performance. As a result, he obtained his sports award Module 1 Level 3 award in the principles of Coaching sport (QCF) and the
management degree at Southwestern Christian University Oklahoma. Following this, BTEC Diploma Level 2 in leadership through sport. Dan played alongside Jordan
he played and coached at Oklahoma Football Club, the biggest club in Oklahoma. He Rossiter of Glasgow Rangers in his formative playing career. He is happy coaching at
also has great experience in coaching at top class schools such as Bishop McGuiness any levels of the game and is eagerly looking forward to adding value to the successful
High School Oklahoma City where he worked with both gender 1st and 2nd teams. programme. He is a valued member of the Stoke City coaching team.
Luke also took the opportunity to work with children with disabilities and from a variety
of backgrounds. Prior to joining Stoke City he coached in Newfoundland Canada. His OLIVER PORTEUS I COACH
most recent assignment for the club was in Shenzhen where he coached at Shenzhen
FC. He has experience of coaching at every level from age 5 to adult. Luke is confident Oliver is the latest addition to our coaching team. He has a degree in sports coaching
that he can add to our existing programme and build upon the foundations already and previously worked for Manchester City Junior Academy and Wigan Athletic. Oliver
in place. recently completed work for his Masters in High Performance Football in Barcelona.
This has included observing the coaches at FC Barcelona from academy to first team.
In addition, he has coached in Abu Dhabi for Manchester City and in South Africa
and Spain.

Oliver is also qualified to teach aquatics, handball and disability sports including
football. We are delighted that he has chosen to join the team at WISS.



Stoke City at WISS is a special community of which we are very proud. We set high
standards, work hard and are committed to improvement alongside enjoyment.

We aim to make each player as good as they can be.

We have witnessed many fine achievements over a short period of time with older players
being offered professional contracts and achieving the dream, others have improved
social skills and fitness.

We want to thank all the staff, students and parents for the hard work and assistance, your
dedication has raised and will continue to raise the standards and achievements
at the Stoke City Academy.

As coaches and management , we are privileged to work in such a positive, vibrant and
successful community and we look forward to more success and enjoyment
in the coming years.

Thank you .

The Coaching Staff and Management Stoke City

THE FOOTBALL PROGRAM

Stoke City FC Academy at WISS gives 6 to 17 year olds the opportunity to learn the Stoke City FC Way through an intensive football
schedule alongside the education.

They will be working with a top coaching team directly from Stoke City FC in the UK and qualified up to UEFA (A) License, which is the
highest coaching qualification available.

The training provided is in line with the Stoke City FC Academy UK, every session encourages players to become skilled, confident and
creative individuals, who can produce these skills within a match. The Academy players involved in the program will be preparing and
competing like young professional footballers at levels appropriate to their ability. Football games will include league, cups and prestigious

friendlies. This will give them the opportunity to showcase their talent against other top teams in China and around the world.

Our Aims and Values

Stoke City FC Academy at WISS has three distinctive aims:

Develop players’ skills for all aspects of their lives
Create an inclusive learning environment to enable players to fulfil their potential
Provide pathways into further education, employment and football

The success of the Academy is underpinned by six important values:

High expectations
Staff dedication and professional commitment
High quality coaching and a disciplined approach to learning
A caring and supportive environment for all learners
Praise for achievement at every level
Target setting to promote a sense of purpose, aspiration, expectation and
achievement

THE AGE GROUPS

Under 8s Group
train twice weekly after school. The program sets for this age group is mainly ball manipulation and getting as many

touches of the ball as possible. They will enter the T98 friendly league (no points scheme) and play 5 vs 5 matches
over the weekend

Under 10s Group
train three times a week after school. They will enter the T98 football league and play matches over the weekend.

Their program will be divided in 3 parts: 1) Technical, 2) Game Related and 3) Small Sided Games

Under 12s Group
train three times a week after school. They will enter the T98 football league and play matches over the weekend.

Their program will be divided in 4 parts: 1) Technical, 2) Game Related, 3) Possession and 4) Small Sided Games

Under 15s Group
train three times a week after school. They will enter the T98 football league and play matches over the weekend.

Their program will be divided in 4 parts: 1) Technical, 2) Game Related, 3) Possession and 4) Small Sided Games

Under 17s Group
train three times a week after school. They will enter the SPL football league and play matches over the weekend. This

group will be introduced to more tactical detail and roles and responsibilities to play 11 vs 11

TYPICAL WEEKLY SCHEDULE

STOKE CITY FC ACADEMY AT WISS : TYPICAL WEEKLY SCHEDULE

Under 8s Under 10s Under 12s Under 15s Under 17s
Also open for Also open for
NON WISS Students NON WISS Students
(no afterschool bus) (no afterschool bus)

Monday Training: --- --- Training: Training:
Tuesday 15:20 - 16:50 17:00 - 18:30 17:00 - 18:30
Wednesday
Thursday --- Training: Training: --- Training:
15:20 - 16:50 15:20 - 16:50 17:00 - 18:30
Friday
Saturday Training: --- Training: Training: ---
15:20 - 16:50 15:20 - 16:50 17:00 - 18:30
Training:
--- Training: --- Training: 17:00 - 18:30
15:20 - 16:50 17:00 - 18:30
---
--- Training: Training: ---
15:00 - 16:20 15:00 - 16:20 Match

Match Match Match Match

Player Expectations

Players will sign a Stoke City Academy at WISS code of conduct which will outline their expectations in terms of commitment and effort.
Player’s expectations include the requirement that students must be hitting their academic targets in order to maintain their place in the
academy system. Of course the school will be there to offer extra support to players who struggle. Players will always be students first and
footballers second.

Player Reports

Each player will receive a half season report and an end of season report, this
will be given to each player to take home during a meeting with their coach.
The meeting encourages and gives each player the opportunity to discuss and
give any feedback regarding the player’s personal report.

Each report assesses the player’s development in the following areas:
Technical
Tactical
Physical
Psychological
Social

Player’s Code of Conduct

At Stoke City FC Academy at WISS we believe that it is our responsibility to
promote highest standards of behavior in the game.

A Player’s Code of Conduct agreement will be signed upon joining the Academy
and necessary disciplinary action will be taken against any players not abiding
by this Code of Conduct.

THE STOKE KIT

The kits follow the Stoke City FC guidelines.

Parents will be provided with a web link together
with a discount code in order to purchase the
home match kit directly online from Stoke City UK,
to include names and squad number. The home
match kit is the official kit also used by Stoke City
FC full time professional players in the UK.
The training kit will be purchased directly from
WISS and it is manufactured specifivally for us.
Players are required to wear the proper kit for
training and matches.
All academy players need to have their own shin
pads and correct footwear. Stoke City FC Coaches
can help to recommend and advise what type of
footwear is best suited.

PAT H WAY

For those students who are looking for professional pathways into the football industry, the Stoke City FC
Academy is making it possible to create links with universities which support careers in the football industry,
professional player scouts, and other football clubs around the world as our international students continue to

follow their dreams at WISS.

--- Dr. Greg Brunton
Director,

Western International School of Shanghai

Success Stories after leaving Stoke City FC at WISS

Meet the Player

Name: Nicolas Puperi Meckien
Age: 16

Position: Goal Keeper

Nicolas moved back to his home country Brazil at the
beginning of year 2017. He had previously been invited by
Stoke City FC in the UK to train with Stoke City FC professional

players to showcase his talent and it was a very positive
experience for Nicolas.

He has now signed for São Paulo Football Club (SPFC) in Brazil
and is doing very well.

Name: Rocco Barbon Rodrigo Barbon
Ages: 14 10

The Barbon brothers, Rocco & Rodrigo left Shanghai during
summer 2017 and they are now living in Holland. Both brothers
have been signed to Den Haag Football Club Eredevisie
(Holland) with the help of our Head Coach Peter Smith and are
settling in well with their new team mates Below is the parent’s
direct feedback:

“Stoke City Academy and Coach Peter Smith specifically have
been INSTRUMENTAL for the children here.

It prepared them so well for what they are facing as
competition, skills, understanding of the game, passion for
football, conduct and “the way of football”.
We are impressed of how well they are holding up in Europe
and we know it is thanks to Stoke and the great football coaching.

I may dare to say that we will not find the coaching that we had in Shanghai with Stoke and Coach
Peter Smith. The commitment to personal development at that high level that was given to Rocco
and Rodrigo is not available here. It might be that they get more competition since there are that
many more players and that they get to play with more teams and get more matches, but the
dedication to grow individuals and give them specific learning/coaching has not been visible yet. It is
mainly geared to the team as a whole.”

--- Veronica & Davide Barbon

NATIONAL &
INTERNATIONAL
TOURNAMENTS

During the season, each age group will have the
opportunity to take part in tournaments in Asia and
around the world. These trips away from our regular
environment will help develop players in different
areas and it will be a fantastic experience.

Great for team bonding
Compete in prestigious tournaments
Compete against Elite Clubs from around the
world

For our older players, these experiences can develop
areas off the field which could help prepare them in
their professional football career.

Dealing with foreign referees
Preparing independently for matches
Experiencing different cuisines and cultures
Playing against foreign tactics and strategies

U12s : Zhengzhou and Xian (China) February 2017 U14s: Bangkok (Thailand) June 2017

Our U12s team were invited for a friendly match against the Our U14s participated in the 2-Day BSS International Tournament
U12s National Champions of China in Zhengzhou with a mini which was held at Bangkok Patana International School. The
tournament in Xian against 3 other teams from China over a three players had the opportunity to play against strong academy
day period. The team had the opportunity to play against players teams from across Asia such as Hong Kong, Singapore, Sri Lanka,
of different levels and experience different types of football Thailand, and China. This tournament was a good challenge for
grounds and atmospheres. We also had the opportunity to visit our players and they had the opportunity to experience: playing
the ancient wall in Xian, the famous Shaolin Temple, and have a against different teams with different abilities, playing in a
private tour of the Terra-cotta Warriors excavation site led by the different climate, team bonding, as well as being away from their
leader of the excavation for 10 years. home and comfort zone. Our team enjoyed success winning the
U14 plate.

U16s: Stoke (United Kingdom) April 2017

During last season’s Spring Break, our U16s team travelled all the way to the UK.
This trip away was a great success and it was an experience of a lifetime for each
player. During the 10 days, players experienced:

Playing against Elite Academy Teams at their home grounds : Blackburn Rovers
FC, Bangor FC and Market Drayton FC
Training at Stoke City FC Dome
Having a questions and answer session with young, professional Stoke City FC
footballers and with Mike Sheron, who is a former professional football player
who played with top UK football clubs such as Manchester City FC and Stoke
City FC
Watching two Premier League Games: Leicester City FC vs Stoke City FC (at
Leicester Ground) and Stoke City FC vs Liverpool FC (at Stoke’s Ground)
Being introduced to thousands of football fans as the Stoke City FC Academy
at WISS U16 Team during the half time interval of Stoke City FC vs Liverpool FC
Meeting top Stoke City FC players for pictures
Having a private tour at Stoke City FC BET365 Ground and Stoke Training
Grounds
Touring Liverpool FC Anfield Ground and Liverpool FC Training Grounds
Being interviewed by BBC Radio
Travelling long distances to play in different grounds
Bonding as a team

DIET & NUTRITION EDUCATION Diet plays a major part in
FOR FOOTBALLERS any athletes preparation and

The journey to becoming a professional footballer training.
does not happen overnight. It will start very young,
have a few bumps along the way and will need a huge It cannot be ignored if you
amount of commitment and dedication to get there. want to reach your full
potential.
Some players, like Stoke City FC’s Bojan Krkic or
Xherdan Shaqiri, have a very natural talent that gives --- Jack Butland,
them a huge headstart over their contemporaries. Stoke and England
Others need to work much harder in order to eke out
every last drop of their ability and overtake all those
who are chasing the same dream.

During the season we make our Academy players
aware that having the proper diet can play a big part
in getting an aspiring footballer to the top. Good
nutrition is very important in teenage years, the body
needs energy and nutrients from food to grow and
develop properly and a poor diet could put that
growth at risk.

This information will be delivered via:
Information Booklets
Classroom Based Lessons
One to One meetings

SUPPORT PARENTS

Each season parents are invited to volunteer
to be a Support Parent.
At least two parents from each age group
volunteer and help out in the following
areas:

Share team information with the rest of
the parents
Help arrange activities for the Stoke City
FC at WISS Community
Coordination between parents and Stoke
City FC office
The Support Parents have been of great help
to the Stoke program in the past and they
play a very important role in the running of
the program.

PARENTS’ FEEDBACK

“Excellent coaching team with great passion and dedication for coaching and developing young players. Beside the developing technical
and tactical skills my son has improved in taking responsibility and learnt about what’s required for a professional career.”
Mette – Jonathan Efland

“We feel so blessed our son is able to receive world class football training right at the school from the Stoke City FC coaches.
Coaches are professional and passionate about developing our boys and we have seen our son develop tremendously both individually and
in team setting. Every day our son looks so much forward to the training and his dream is to become a professional football player one day.”

Alexandra & Berndt – Zach Kohring

“A big thank you to Coach Peter, Coach Kieran and Marcelle, Sam has lots of great stories and had a wonderful trip.
We are so appreciative of all the experience you planned for the team and loved hearing the “belief .. is the most important story”, it made

quite an impression.”
Karen & Rob – Sam French, UK Trip 2017

“Big thanks to Coach Peter, Coach Kieran and Marcelle…. Joshua enjoyed every single moment, thanks to your meticulous organization! You
guys are truly awesome and such a blessing. We are thankful for you..”
Serena & Gerald - Joshua Ang, UK Trip 2017

STOKE CITY FC ACADEMY AT WISS
2017 & 2018 CALENDAR

OCTOBER I 2017 NOVEMBER I 2017 DECEMBER I 2017 JANUARY I 2018

SMTWT F S SMTWT F S SMTWT F S SMTWT F S
1234567 1234 12 123456
8 9 10 11 12 13 14
15 16 17 18 19 20 21 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 3456789 7 8 9 10 11 12 13
22 23 24 25 26 27 28 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 14 15 16 17 18 19 20
29 30 31 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 21 22 23 24 25 26 27
26 27 28 29 30 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 28 29 30 31
Oct 2 – 6: National Day Vacation 31
& Mid-Autumn Festival Break (NO Jan 8: Training Resumes after
Training/Games) Dec 1 – 3: Proposed Tournament in Christmas Break
Proposed Mid-Autumn Camp Thailand for U15s Jan 29: Semester 2 Begins – Stoke
Oct 14: Start of T98 League Dec 5 – 9: Half Yearly Player’s Fee for 2nd Semester to be paid by
Reports latest 7th February 2017
Dec 10: Stoke City FC Christmas
Party
Dec 11 – Jan 7: Christmas Break
(NO Training/Games)

* This calendar is subject to changes.

FEBRUARY I 2018 MARCH I 2018 APRIL I 2018 MAY I 2018

SMTWT F S SMTWT F S SMTWT F S SMTWT F S
123 123 1234567 12345
8 9 10 11 12 13 14
4 5 6 7 8 9 10 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 6 7 8 9 10 11 12
11 12 13 14 15 16 17 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 13 14 15 16 17 18 19
18 19 20 21 22 23 24 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 29 30 20 21 22 23 24 25 26
25 26 27 28 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 27 28 29 30 31

Feb 10: Chinese New Year Vacation SATURDAYS Mar 31 – Apr 8: Spring Break (NO Apr 28 – May 1: Labour Day
(NO Training/Games) – Weekend Coaching Club Training/Games) Vacation (NO Training/Games) -
Feb 12 – 16: CNY Camp Week 1 – WISS Primary Potters and Proposed SCFC one-day Soccer
Feb 19 – 23: CNY Camp Week 2 Spring Break – Proposed Trip Camp
Feb 26: Training Resumes after Pint-sized Potters to Stoke City UK or Tournament
Chinese New Year Vacation – Family Fun Football Abroad (TBC) for selected age May (exact dates will be
SUNDAYS groups confirmed) : Proposed Sports
– Walking Football (for adults) Beijing Capital Cup for U8s, U10s
– Goal Keeper’s Clinic & U12s

JUNE I 2018 Jun 18: Dragon Boat Festival – JULY I 2018 Jul 2 – 6 : Summer Camp Week 1
(NO Training/Games) – Proposed Jul 9 – 13 : Summer Camp Week 2
SMTWT F S SCFC one-day Soccer Camp SMTWT F S
12 1234567
Jun 22: End of Season 2017-2018 8 9 10 11 12 13 14
3456789 15 16 17 18 19 20 21
10 11 12 13 14 15 16 Jun 24: Stoke City FC End of 22 23 24 25 26 27 28
17 18 19 20 21 22 23 Season Party 29 30 31
24 25 26 27 28 29 30

* This calendar is subject to changes.

AUTOGRAPHS



CONTACT INFORMATION

LUKE COTTAGE I Head Coach ANGELA SMITH I Stoke City International Ambassador DR. GREG BRUNTON I School Director
[email protected] [email protected] [email protected]



No. 555 Lian Min Road, Xu Jing Town, 上海青浦区徐泾镇联民路555号
Qing Pu District, Shanghai, PRC 201702 邮编 201702
电话 (86 21) 6976 6388
T (86 21) 6976 6388 传真 (86 21) 6976 6833
F (86 21) 6976 6833

www.wiss.cn

2018.03