Academy Coach discusses first six months in new role
- Jon Worthington on his first six months as U19s and B Team Coach
- Academy Coach on what’s gone well
- Worthy explains aims for next season
Huddersfield Town Academy Coach Jon Worthington is pleased with what his players have achieved in the first six months of his new role.
Worthy made the step up to become the Under-19s and B Team Coach in December 2020, following Danny Schofield’s step up to First Team Assistant Coach.
The Academy Coach admits he’s enjoyed the change and challenges of working with the older age groups.
“I’ve really enjoyed the role and the challenge.
“It’s a role that I’m looking to progress and develop further next season.
“Working in the role, you work across lots of players, even older players at times, and I think with that comes with different challenges, but I think that the group of players I get to work with are a talented group and so it’s really exciting.”
Worthy went on to discuss how he’s found working with the current crop of Under-19 and B Team players.
“I’ve really enjoyed working with them!
“They’ve had to be very adaptable to different games and different challenges, adaptable in training, and I think they’ve done that really well.
“I think they’ve trained with a real intensity throughout the year and it’s been a tough year, a long season, and with the challenges of Covid as well, I think they’ve dealt with those challenges really well.
“There’s always going to be areas to improve on and as young players they’re always looking to develop, which has been good.
“We’ve been able to sit down with all the players for their individual development plans and make clear to them all their individual objectives and areas that they need to focus on in the off-season and concentrate on when they get back for pre-season.”
The start of the 2020/21 season saw the introduction of the B Team, something that Worthy admits has proven a good incentive for the Young Terriers.
“I think it’s good that our B Team works on merit, not age, because that gives the players incentive and challenges to aim to get into.
“It’s also rewarding for the young players who’ve made big strides to get into the B Team.
“It’s a stepping stone in their journey, with the ultimate aim to transition players into the First Team.”
Worthy also took the time to review what aims he’ll be looking to achieve in the 2021/22 season.
“The main aim at the moment is that all the players come back in good physical shape ready to attack the season.
“Next season, the aim will be building on what we’ve done and what we’ve achieved this season, because we’ve achieved a lot of good things.
“We’ll look at developing the coaching programme and introduce new ideas that are relevant to the style and philosophy of the Club.
“I’m excited to get back to work!”
