A new and unique full-time role at the Vale Academy has just been awarded to Callum Rollings. Combining coaching and analysis into a single function Callum is now the Academy’s Lead Foundation Phase Coach and Performance Analyst.
Callum has been associated with the Vale since he was 7 years old. Originally joining the Academy as a player, he progressed through the age groups until he was released as a 16 year-old. Not wishing to be deterred, Callum then decided to volunteer at the Academy whilst he secured his Level 3 UEFA Coaching Licence which enabled him to work part-time coaching youngsters at the Club.
A 2-year stint with the Vale Foundation followed, with Callum taking responsibility for the coordination and management of the School Sports Programme whilst also coaching U9s at the Development Centre. Vital experience which has been important in securing his new position back at the Academy.
“Port Vale has been an integral part of my life for as long as I can remember and I really enjoy being here.” Said Callum. “I am excited to have the opportunity this new role presents, mainly because it’s unique. “As far as I am aware no other Academy in the country has combined coaching and performance analysis into a single function like this.”
Callum will now oversee the development of every player that comes through the Academy from age 8-12, with specific responsibility for the U9s and the integration of the first year U8 lads into the set up. He will also manage all the part-time coaching staff within the foundation stage.
Combined with this, the new role encompasses video analysis of all the Academy teams. This will involve every game played by the Youth team plus analysis of at least 3 games throughout the season for each of the other age groups from U9 to U16.
“This is a unique and demanding new position which combines two functions that are vitally important in terms of player development.” Said Academy Manager Sevvy Aslam. “However, we have seen the progress Callum has made during his time at the Club and we are confident that he will rise to the challenge and do a really good job for us.”