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Soccer Program a Step Above

George Johnson - Calgary Herald - May 4, 2005

When Thomas Niendorf went pitching his brainchild to the European superpowers six years ago, he got more initial rejection slips than Marc Cherry peddling the pilot to Desperate Housewives.

Manchester United demurred. Ajax declined. Others listened politely, then backed off faster than Fernando Hierro with Andriy Shevchenko bearing down on him at full gallop.

Only Bayern Munich manager Uli Hoeness, and Niendorf's ties to the Bavarian giants, got the program started.

"It's phenomenal,'' says Niendorf, with typical German reserve. "It's unbelievable.''

And it's here, now.

Imagine Colonel Saunders inviting chicken rivals into the big Kentucky Fried coop to learn the secret of just how they get the special coating to be so special. Or the Old Vic allowing budding thespians in to study the classics with its rep company.

"It's unheard of, for a team as big worldwide as Bayern Munich to open the doors and allow everyone into their facilities to view their training methods,'' says Niendorf expansively. "I think I'm quite safe in saying there's never been anything like this before.''

Hence, Skillstorm soccer -- www.skillstorm.de -- a subscription online training website for players, coaches, parents and organizations that allows users into the inner sanctum of Bayern Munich youth team conditioning and skill sessions.

The intriguing part of the entirety of the project is the age breakdowns, allowing for different developmental phases of young players as they grow.

"This can be such a wonderful tool for the development of soccer in our city, and our country,'' expounds the irrepressible Niendorf.

"And it isn't just for elite players at all. It's for anyone who wants to improve his or her game. You can go at your own pace, take from the program what you want.''

"It's so important for players to visualize what they have to do. We all understand the impact of the Internet. And that's why the interactive aspect of the program is so exciting. You can see the drills being done correctly, and you can go back for support whenever you need it.''

Niendorf -- well known for introducing Owen Hargreaves to the Bayern youth system and a couple of unfortunate stabs at revitalizing the game at a pro level locally -- launched the website Tuesday at the Calgary West Soccer Centre, along with Skillstorm CEO Colin Innes.

"It's been an exhaustive process,'' Niendorf sighs. "Two hundred and fifty programs, 20 sessions. In two languages. It's been hard work. But very rewarding.

"Uli Hoeness has been so supportive. And I sent a letter to Franz Beckenbauer'' -- 2006 World Cup chairman and an authentic German and world soccer icon -- "explaining the program and he was only too happy to endorse it.

"This is a fantastic way to get the information across to players and coaches.''

If this sounds like an ad, so be it. The concept of an interactive online training manager is a superb one.

The players used to demonstrate the training sessions are all from the Bayern Munich youth factory. Some, such as Hargreaves, will not only go on to play professionally in Europe, but internationally, as well.

Niendorf hatched the plan for the website after taking a Calgary team on a tour of Munich, and being Cuisinart-ed 9-1 by the class of a Bayern youth team.

"One of our goals was to keep them under double digits, and we did that,'' he recalls. "Another was to score a goal, and we did that. But the difference in technique was so obvious. Our kids wanted desperately to do well. You could see it in their eyes. What they lacked was that professional foundation, that platform, that European kids get at the highest level.

"There's a tremendous amount of natural soccer ability in the young players in Alberta.

"I've always said that. And I believe it. Giving them the training advantages they get overseas, at the highest level, can only make them better players.

"So much of training to get the most out of yourself involves use of time, knowing what to focus on, and the best conditioning exercises. And all of that is what you're getting here.''

To start the ball rolling, the Calgary Minor Soccer Association is making the pilot project available to its more than 2,500 Under-10 registered players and U-12 coaches. CMSA executive director Daryl Leinweber said he hoped all 18,000 players within the age groups covered in the Skillstorm programs would be eventually included.

So far, the program for U-10s is the only one up and running, but Niendorf and Innes plan on introducing the other age classifications to the website as soon as possible.

"You simply cannot aspire to higher standards in the soccer world than those of Bayern Munich,'' says Niendorf bluntly.

And that's not a word of exaggeration. Check their trophy case for verification.

"This is a unique opportunity to learn from the best, to train like the best, to be the best you can possibly be.''

gjohnson@theherald.canwest.com