Recommendations to an existing NPL 1 Club

1. Copyright Gus Cerro 2019 Produced by Gus Cerro
OZI Select level clubs
Dear Insert Club here!
Thank you for the opportunity to offer some recommendations/ideas & opinions to the
club. Firstly, many of the things I will tap into may already be present. I understand the
rich history of the club and the unique challenges that are present in our football
culture. The aim of this document is to assess on the club’s current systems. To ask
important questions on the future of the club, to look at the things that are working and
offer ideas & advise on systems and projects which may need addressing in order to
propel_________ to the highest level of football participation. Create opportunities for
players and members to fulfill careers in professional sport. Create a value-based
culture which connects with _______ fan base to ensure future and current success of
the team.
This document is simply a courtesy and I must express that I do not mean for this to be
some sort of job application. It is from my part a way to show yourself and the board
what could be possible, what are the current trends in best practice methodology and
how professional clubs are changing the game in Europe, Asia and abroad based on
my observations and research. I have been fortunate that I have been able to travel
and gain access to how some clubs abroad operate. I also spend an enormous amount
of time scouring the internet for as much info as I can come across that might be able
to assist not just myself but anyone who so wishes to expand their awareness of how
the game is changing.
Personally, I don’t think that any ambitious club can afford to rest on their laurels and
think that everything is going just fine the way things are now. With the possibility of a
national second division, I believe clubs like _______ need to be more prepared in
order to meet the expectations and requirements needed if the club is going to
compete. More importantly I believe the kids deserve the opportunities that some
forward thinking will ultimately present themselves.
I must say that some of the ideas put forth may be a little controversial especially for
some who may have current vested interest within the club. I am not here trying to take
anything away from anyone, all this is, is a sharing of knowledge and experiences I
have had.
Please have a read through should you want to discuss any aspect further I am happy
to do so.

2. Copyright Gus Cerro 2019 Produced by Gus Cerro
Recommendations/observations.
• A full review of the current operations is needed.
• Review the clubs current mission statement and address the short- and long-
term goals for the future success of the club.
• Construct a full working plan with the input from all stakeholders in order to
advance the club, its administration and most importantly the technical
proficiency and methodology for ongoing success on the field as well as off.
• Focus on what needs to be implemented in order to advance _____ to the
highest standards of professional sport for the members and fans of the club.
• Look to work within current budgets and create ways in which to increase
budgets via revenue streams with fiscal responsibility based on the well-being of
the club and community
• Ensure that _____is competing for trophies at the highest level of football
competition every year enhancing the club’s overall reputation.
• Build and develop a world class football development program to ensure a
steady stream of born and bred players for the first team, this will assist the club
financially long term.
• Improve the culture of the club, players, administration and fans in line with the
club’s values based on principles.
• Ensure the ongoing success and viability of the club through systems and long-
term planning.
• Create specialist positions in all areas of professional sport practice and
management
• Ensure fiscal responsibilities to all employees.
• Attract corporate sponsorship to assist the club in becoming a 21-century
professional entity. Create a corporate relations department aimed at attracting
corporate entities to invest in the club brand.
• Help to establish an understanding that football is an entertainment industry.
• Create a fan engagement department. Fans are the life blood of the club an
outlet for connection and pride. Engage Schools, Business and the local
community within the clubs catchment area. Connect to local clubs and schools
by engaging in activities and promotions.
• Create a player welfare department which assists players in public relations,
investment and transitioning from life as a pro footballer back into the

3. Copyright Gus Cerro 2019 Produced by Gus Cerro
community. Offer educational platforms to ensure that players are able to make
a healthy career outside of football when careers are either cut short or ending.
• Create a position of player agent/scout exclusive to the club. This individual will
be responsible for identifying potential youth and first team players and ensuring
that these players are able to bring a maximum return to the club in its monetary
investment.
• Assess and renovate or extend training facilities for junior and senior
departments. This includes securing permanent training facilities,
gymnasium/sports science, doctors/medical facilities to treat player for injury and
recovery. Employ a sports nutritionist to develop correct meals for players to
perform at their peak at all times.
• Add a sports science department to ensure that players are able to perform at
optimal levels.
• Engage a football analyst to prepare match reports for senior teams to give the
head coach every opportunity to develop team tactics prior to each game.
• Look to appoint an interim Manager/Sporting director or technical director to
oversee the operations of the technical aspect of the club.
• Create and Implement a club curriculum specific to the attributes of ______, its
heritage, history and unique culture.
• Assess the first team in regards to improving performances results. Assess
coaching staff and implement any recommendations on assessment to improve
the first team structure and personal.
• Create a technical committee made up of qualified people with an extensive
football background. These can include former players coaches and or
consultants to make football related decisions. This technical committee will
advise the board on selection process, game theory and all other football
specialist areas.
• Implement a specific playing system/philosophy that of which all of the club’s
teams would be required to utilise. The style should be aimed at branding the
club so that fans can enjoy the style of play as well as forming a connection to
the club.
• Full Assessment of current players junior and senior, the selection processes
and the players pathways.
• Create a suitable system with KPI’s for all future coaches and coaching staff
associated with club.

4. Copyright Gus Cerro 2019 Produced by Gus Cerro
• Recruit or assist current team manager/coach for the first team based on the
clubs’ criteria vision and philosophy.
• Assess the clubs overall operating standards both technical and administrative.
• Create a detailed plan to improve on the club’s current coaching and playing
systems
• Begin implementing club curriculum amongst youth academy coaches
• Improve coach education for junior academy to identify and work with the best
players from a young age.
• Create a coach education platform that includes all of the FFA proficiencies
along with _______ own specific systems to develop players into world class
footballers.
• Use Internet Technology to improve and monitor players performance.
• Create a scouting network to identify players from the youngest age.
• Create/development or align with a local high school to increase our reach and
ability to develop young players. Football development in a holistic environment
that focuses on their overall education that is owned and operated 100% by the
club and benefits the club and not any single person or entity.
• Create a culture and pathway where players/parents want to stay with the club
long term.
• Work out the rate of player retention from youth to senior that currently exists if
any. i.e. how many players from U13 are retained in the club until U18/20
• Ensure that youth coaches coach the club’s philosophy and methodology and
that the interest of the individual comes before the team or the result. Results
are a by-product of many factors.
• Assess the value and significance of independent operators in the youth
development department. What kind of value do these agreements signify for the
club in terms of development and financial return for the club. Is there any
conflict of interest happening when kids are being selected for club programs like
SAP or EDP and Youth league?