FC Košice aimed to become Slovakia’s top environment for player development. Achieving this required a clear football philosophy, effective talent pathways, and a refined staffing structure. The club needed a holistic Individual Development Plan (IDP) process to elevate player performance and ensure sustainable growth, with support for both players and staff to maintain a high-quality development environment.
Aligned Football Philosophy and Talent Pathways
MADE collaborated with FC Košice’s senior leadership, including the Board, to define a unified development philosophy and establish structured talent pathways. This top-level alignment created a sustainable foundation for player development across the club.
Optimised Staffing and Holistic IDP Process
To enhance the IDP process, MADE optimised the club’s staffing structure and delivery model, integrating player development into both training and match-day environments. Focusing on two pillars—player development and staff development—we provided guidance to establish a cohesive approach, empowering staff to implement a comprehensive IDP process.
Targeted Player and Staff Development
MADE provided personalized coaching and mentorship for FC Košice’s top 9 identified talents and strengthened staff competencies through workshops, training, and ongoing support. This structured development strategy included:
Increased Development Time: Higher percentage of individual development time delivered on the pitch and in athletic training.
Introduction of IDP Mentors: Established a mentorship component within the IDP process, enhancing individual player focus.
Advancement in Playing Time: More playing time for academy players in higher age groups.
National Team Recognition: Increased youth national team representation for FC Košice players.
Progression to First Team: More academy players training with the First Team and inclusion in match-day squads.
International Player Opportunities: Leveraging MADE’s network, an FC Košice U15 player was invited to train with Liverpool FC, and an U17 player with Scottish Premiership club Hibernian.
A long-term strategy and sustainability are vital in any business and none more so than at our football club, FC Košice in Slovakia’s Niké Liga. With MADE’s help we have successfully introduced the Individual Development Plan methodology within our Academy, helping to create a Club Football Philosophy and Pathway for our young players. It is our ongoing pleasure to work with them in supporting the continued development of our players and staff.
