The first program is  NF Individual Development Program, formerly named NF Career Management, which is great for motivated, dedicated and ambitious players from 13 to 18 years old, who want to take ownership of their own development.

João Castelo-Branco is the head of NF Academy’s individual program. He is also an assistant coach for Braga’s successful elite women’s team (SC Braga, Ladies First Team, playing in Portuguese First Division (Liga BPI)).

The players entering  the individual programs meet experienced coaches from top clubs.  Both on  the field in Portugal and online on the world wide web. Together with the coach, the player sets  development goals to be worked towards.

Through online consultations and physical training sessions, the coach  provides both feedback and tips on how the player can develop on small details of his game.

The 16-year-old became a player of the camp in Västeräs. The striker was thus invited to NF Qualification Camp in Denmark in the summer of 2020. NF Academy’s program is a great supplement in addition to the training at home.

He has been a part of NF Career Management, now rebranded to NF Individual Development Program, for over a year. Elmberger has been to Portugal and worked one-on-one with his own coach on the field.

In a regular club, the groups of players will often be large and the coaching resources will be smaller. Thus, not everyone is seen and receives the follow-up they need to develop.

A tenet of NF Academy is to learn the game through playing  it. This is how the individual player develops as part of the team.

Through the NF Club Experience,  which is the second individual program now being relaunched, the player is given  the opportunity  to train with a Portuguese club team. It gives an insight into a different training culture, and where  the players keep the same or higher level.

Here,  a coach will also have  the individual responsibility for following up the player during the stay.  Both through feedback after the training sessions and what needs to be worked on at home. In addition, there  are opportunities to get your own strength and conditioning coach during your stay, who will also provide specific feedback on improvement points and development goals.  

The individual programs prepare players for auditions for larger clubs or withdrawals to regional- and national teams. The best players will also be selected for NF Academy’s teams in international tournaments across Europe.

Get your International experience here