At Dorking Wanderers, player development is at the heart of everything we do, not just for team success, but to unlock each individual's potential.
That is why we run dedicated Technical Clinics for players aged U7-U16, structured to give them focused, high-quality training that complements their regular team sessions
Pre-Academy & Youth Foundation phase (U7-U11) Tuesdays 6-7pm, Meadowbank Stadium
Technical clinics for this phase are designed to accelerate individual technical skills, enhancing overall decision making.
1V1 ATTACKING – to execute ball mastery effectively and manipulate the ball off both feet, enhancing the ability to make good decisions and dominate these duals.
1V1 DEFENDING – learning how to stay balanced, delay to win back possession effectively. Also to use their body to dominate duals.
PASSING – developing both accuracy and weight of pass off both feet.
BALL STRIKING – improving technique for finishing and longer range passing.
This foundation stage is about helping players become confident on the ball in all areas of the pitch, with plenty of repetition
and individual feedback to enhance performance.
Youth Development Phase (U12-U16) Tuesdays 7-8pm, Meadowbank Stadium
Technical clinics in this phase are where we introduce position-specific training. Players begin to understand the tactical and technical demands of their roles:
Goalkeepers - shot-stopping, diving, footwork, communication, distribution, and positioning. Also be comfortable with the ball at their feet, to distribute effectively under pressure.
Defenders - focus on positional/unit understanding, timing of tackles to win possession, communication and being able to play out at the back under pressure.
Midfielders - Key topics include controlling the game's tempo, linking defence-attack, dictating play, tactical awareness and work ethic.
Forwards - Focus on their off the ball movement, variation of finishing, decision-making to Link-up Play as well as creating Space and Body Shape to receive the ball.
The aim is to provide players with the tools, habits, and mindset they need to thrive in matches - and, ultimately, to prepare them
for a potential pathway into the first team.
Our clinics also focus on building a winning mentality. We teach players how to compete with intensity, stay mentally resilient, and
approach every challenge with discipline and purpose - the qualities that form a future wanderers player.
