Competition in the Provincial Leagues plays an exceptionally important role in the structure of the Wisła Kraków Football Academy. As in previous years, teams in the U-16, U-14, U-13, U-12 and U-11 age groups have been entered in competitions run by the Małopolska Football Association. Competition at league level will reflect the Academy’s philosophy, which has been put into practice for several years.
“The way our Academy operates has not changed. Our primary goal is the individual development of players, and taking part in league competitions is intended to support that. After analysing changes to the league structure, including the reorganisation of the CLJ U-15 competition, we decided last winter to withdraw from the C2 competition,” says Michał Jania, coordinator coach for the U16-U13 development stage.
As a result, this season the U-16 team will compete in the Małopolska Junior B1 League, facing opponents from an older age group. In the first provincial league for cadets, the U-14 team will also test itself against U-15 opponents. In the top-tier Małopolska D1 Provincial League, two U-13 teams will take part. The U-12 team will compete in the District Junior League and the Małopolska D2 Junior League.
“We are mindful that in previous seasons, U-11 players competed in the D2 league. We want to continue this, but in a controlled way and with the best possible outcome for the players themselves,” Jania adds.
The Academy’s model philosophy
As in previous years, Wisła’s Academy will adhere to its model philosophy when selecting individual players.
“In 25% of matches, we want to be the favourites. In 25%, we want the balance to be reversed, and in 50% of games, we want the competition to be open,” explains Michał Jania. All of this will be based on observation and consultation with the coaches in charge.
“Our approach to moving players up to older age groups is also unchanged. We will monitor each player’s development, and before deciding how far individual boys will be moved up to play in older age groups, we will consult with their parents and the players themselves,” Jania adds.
“The level of competition across the region has become much more even. We are watching the development of the various Academies, and I am convinced that the reorganisation of the competition will not disadvantage our teams. All the changes will support our model and the development of the individual teams,” Jania adds.
In addition to taking part in league competitions, the U-12 and U-13 teams will also compete in the Interleague, facing peers from the Czech Republic, Slovakia, Ukraine, Hungary and Austria.
“Minor changes to the structure of the Academy as a whole mean that this season the U-13 team will compete in the league against players of the same age. We will look to make up for this by selecting friendly opponents and taking part in various tournaments. We understand that the minutes players get on the pitch in league matches will be very important,” concludes coordinator coach Michał Jania.
Results for all Wisła youth team matches under the auspices of the MZPN can be checked on the association’s website: https://www.mzpnkrakow.pl/