Newsletter (07) Term 4

In this week of training the Mini Mongo Train group continued learning the+ ‘Me’ game which they learnt last week. Similarly, the Mini Mongo Play group enjoyed some small game scenarios with a chance to show off their skills and change of direction. At these ages it is important the exercises work to promote creativity and fun for the players as they continue to develop a better understanding of the game and its fundamental skills.

The Pre Academy groups enjoyed an extra fun week of training surrounding their game development. In this context players are forced to improve their decision making speeds as well as developing a greater awareness of on field positioning. To top it off players were also able to share and experience the emotions and camaraderie associated with penalty shootouts.

The Academy groups continued preparation for the Sydney International Cup. During the Monday session the two groups competed against each other in an 8v8 mock game whilst Wednesday’s session focussed on some theory and application of set piece tactics. The integration of strategic thinking is important to players as they get older as both individuals and teams look for little differences to elevate their performance .

Unfortunately, this week’s Saturday skills session was cancelled due to excessive rain.

With the Sydney International Cup kicking off today our best wishes are with our u8, u13 and u14/15 teams who are competing in the tournament. Stay tuned on Facebook and Instagram for some pictures and updates from the kids as the tournament progresses.

TD

Messi wins Ballon d’Or

The Ballon d’Or is the highest individual honour in football, recognising the best players in the beautiful game.

Football may be a team effort, but the Ballon d’Or spotlights exceptional players from the previous campaign – with the likes of Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo having dominated as winners in recent years.

But just how does the selection process for choosing a Ballon d’Or winner work and how does the voting procedure take place? 

What is the selection process for the Ballon d’Or?

The initial shortlist consisting of 30 names in contention for the Ballon d’Or is assembled by the editorial team at France Football, a French weekly football publication that is one of the most respected publications within the game.

Following the compilation of the 30-man shortlist, a jury of journalists representing a variety of footballing nations is put together, and they will then be given the task of voting for the players they deem worthy of first, second and third place.

What is the voting process for the Ballon d’Or?

After the jury has been selected, they will then choose their top five players from within the 30-man shortlist and then proceed to rank them based on descending order of merit.

The rules and regulations that the jury will need to follow to choose and rank their top five selections are below:

• Individual and collective performances (winners) during the year
• Player class (talent and fair play)
• Overall judgment of the player’s career

The top-ranking player from each journalist’s selection will receive six points, with the second-ranking player earning four points, then three, two and one going down from the rest of their top five picks.

How is a winner chosen for the Ballon d’Or?

After each jury member has selected their top five players for the Ballon d’Or award, the total points are calculated and added, and the player to receive the most number of points will be awarded the top honour.

In the event of a tie for first place, however, the players are determined by the number of times they are voted in first place. If the tie still stands, then the tie-breaker will consider the number of votes for second place, and then by the number of votes for third place.

If the tie continues, then a new ballot is organised to select a winner between the tied players.

If, after all of this, a winner is still unable to be named, then the France Football editorial director – as chairman of the jury – will be called upon to make an ultimate decision.