NAC and Trainers/Coaches Academy with TMA

HMG collaborates with NAC Breda on the development of football coaches. Tim Gilissen is manager of youth education and talks about this collaboration. The traditional model of sponsorship very often involves an amount on the one hand and a logo on the other. HMG (now We Build Bridges) wanted it differently and asked “What can we help with?”

Tim Gilissen: “In the football world, the focus is typically 100% on technical and tactical skills. However, research by NOC*NSF among Olympic coaches revealed that the role of a trainer or coach also involves leadership and management. In fact, when a coach fails, it’s often due to leadership and coaching aspects. News rarely highlights a coach’s technical shortcomings; instead, it’s usually about the lack of team rapport or poor collaboration. That’s why NAC Breda, within the Trainers Academy, aims to emphasize the non-technical side—a novel approach in football. I believe that clubs cannot escape strengthening this overlooked aspect of coaching, especially in a rapidly changing world where society becomes more individualistic, and players (and parents) crave attention.”

Tim Gilissen: “As a club of the people, we seek to connect with the region. Being a major club in the area, we feel responsible for helping other clubs in their development. When we invest more deeply in the regions, it benefits NAC as well. Football unites society—within the locker room, players of all backgrounds come together, connected by that one round ball.”

“Together with HMG, we’ve devised a program that allows ten regional clubs to provide something extra for someone they want to reward. These clubs can offer two of their trainers a development program with HMG.”

“The development process starts with the foundation: the Talent Motivation Analysis. Being a trainer involves more than just being on the field and conducting exercises. The TMA reveals competencies crucial for the job. For instance, how skilled are you at present?”

"When you, as a trainer-coach, provide information to parents, the way you represent the group is very important. And if the presentation doesn't feel right, how can we support you as a trainer?

Puzzle

“Another example is preparing training sessions. The extent to which an individual needs order and structure can impact the quality of their preparation and, consequently, the training. Confrontation is also a crucial topic. In football, at all levels, you encounter doubt, euphoria, disappointment, and joy. Especially in this era where parents are assertive, every parent feels free to approach the coach directly. How well can you manage confrontation? Can you read the situation? As a coach, you’ll face all of this, so understanding how your own behavior can influence outcomes is essential. Ultimately, every trainer tackles their own learning question.”

“What I find beautiful about this program is that it’s not about politics. We engage with practical aspects and create a direct impact on the field. We inspire trainers and help them progress personally. HMG’s professional project bureau leaves nothing to chance. This adds significant value.”

The NAC Trainers Academic program is recognized by the KNVB, which means trainers can earn five study points by completing the program. These points can be used to obtain or renew a KNVB Trainers License.

"Pleased and surprised by the new insights."

Joris Hendrikx, Trainer at Unitas '30 & participant NAC Trainers Academy clients say about us

Begin with TMA

Consultants

As a consultant, you guide your clients by implementing TMA Talent Management. Your starting point is positive psychology.

Organizations

As an organization, you want to implement the TMA positive psychology tools and TMA Talent Management Method in your own organization.

Coaches

As a coach, you believe in positive psychology, talent and opportunities that make a difference to the candidates you coach.