From Grassroots to Greatness: The Future of Player Development

Insights from 9 football experts on coaching, data, and helping players grow

The world of football is evolving rapidly—and with it, the way we think about player development. It’s no longer just about drills, tactics, and talent. Today, development is as much about self-awareness, mental resilience, individual goals, and meaningful feedback as it is about physical performance.

In our brand-new e-book, From Grassroots to Greatness: The Future of Player Development, we dive deep into how coaches can adapt to this fast-changing landscape. Through interviews with 9 football professionals—ranging from grassroots youth coaches to data experts and ex-pros—we explore what it really means to help players grow in today’s game.

👥 Meet the Experts

We spoke with a diverse group of experts, each with hands-on experience in different parts of the football world:

Leonne Stentler – Former professional footballer and current analyst (NOS/ESPN), bringing a player-first perspective.
Jelmer Siemons – Founder of JesAcademy, focused on making performance knowledge accessible to all coaches.
Harm Zeinstra – Former pro goalkeeper and youth academy consultant at NMC Bright, helping clubs build better development systems.
Rick Scherp – Head coach of the FC Twente Women Youth team, integrating individual goals into team performance.
Siem van Merwijk – U19 coach at DAW Schaijk, building personal growth plans in an amateur setting.
Menno de Jong – GPS and performance tracking specialist at Johan Sports, helping clubs use data to tailor training.
Stef van der Laan – U15 coach at SV Kampong, working with youth players using development plans and video tools.
Lorenzo Müller – Head of Video Analysis at FC Twente/Heracles Academy, linking footage to personal development.
Eelco Veldhuijzen – Former Head of Performance at FC Utrecht, expert in high-performance and practical data use.

Together, they offer a unique look into how football is changing—and how coaches at all levels can change with it.

🧠 Development Means More Than Skill

One of the first takeaways from the book is how broadly our experts define development. Yes, passing, shooting, and positioning matter. But real growth also includes mental strength, social skills, communication, and decision-making.

“Player development is everything where a person can grow—technical, tactical, physical, but also mental and cognitive. The biggest development is often the human aspect.” – Eelco Veldhuijzen, former Head of Performance at FC Utrecht

This theme echoes across all levels of the game. Coaches are no longer just instructors—they’re mentors helping young athletes become better people.

🧍‍♂️ Personalization Is the Future

Another clear trend is individualization. Whether you coach an elite youth team or an amateur U17 squad, tailoring training to each player—their goals, physical maturity, and learning style—is key to success.

“You have to look at biological age and development speed… a 14-year-old might physically be 12 or 16. That really affects how you train.” – Eelco

Even at amateur clubs, coaches like Stef van der Laan (SV Kampong) are building short personal development plans for each player and following up with regular conversations and video clips.

“Together we look at where they want to improve. That’s where the plan starts.” – Stef

This kind of approach builds ownership, motivation, and long-term engagement—especially when players feel the training is truly “about them.”

🎥 Tools Like Video and Data Are Changing the Game

Almost every expert we spoke with uses video analysis or data tracking in some way. Not because it’s trendy—but because it works.

“When a player watches their own footage and recognizes things themselves, development happens much faster.” – Lorenzo Müller, Head of Video Analysis at FC Twente/Heracles Academy

Whether it’s linking clips to personal goals or tracking match load to prevent injury, these tools are becoming more accessible to grassroots coaches—especially with apps like Mingle Sport.

But there’s a warning too: more isn’t always better. Several coaches stress that too much data can be overwhelming. What matters most is keeping things simple and actionable.

“You get an Excel with twenty tabs. That’s not workable. We want one single page that helps you take action on the pitch.” – Lorenzo

🔄 The Human Side Still Matters Most

For all the talk of AI, GPS trackers, and performance dashboards, the most impactful insights from the book are deeply human.

“We train technique and tactics, but mental resilience, communication, or dealing with setbacks? That often comes too late.” – Leonne Stentler, former professional footballer and analyst

“One of the most powerful tools is simply asking: how are you? How did you sleep? How stressed are you feeling?” – Jelmer Siemons, JesAcademy

Coaching isn’t just about teaching—it’s about building trust, creating space for vulnerability, and asking better questions. That’s where real development begins.

🧭 Where to Start as a Coach?

In the final chapter of the e-book, you’ll find 10 key habits and practical coaching tips, like:

Start with meaningful conversations
Use simple video feedback, even with your phone
Focus on one personal goal at a time
Create consistent check-ins, not just grand plans
Help players reflect and set their own objectives

While the book doesn’t provide training drills or full session plans, it gives you something deeper: a mindset and a framework for seeing development through a more holistic, future-ready lens.