PDP Lead Coach Chris Brown spoke to iFollow ahead of the Youth Team’s EFL Youth Alliance Cup fixture away at Port Vale.
Brown’s side opened their league account with defeat at Shrewsbury Town last week, with the hosts scoring late on.
He is looking for an improved performance against Vale on Saturday.
“A few players were underachieving in what we’re expecting from them. We’ve gone over people’s attitudes and applications from Saturday, and during the week. We’ve rectified a lot of stuff, trying to put into practice what we need the lads to do. It’s been progressive this week but we’ll see how they get on tomorrow, and hopefully we get a much better start than last week.
Part of that training involves watching video analysis of matches and training, which is a vital tool for the players in trying to improve individually and as a team.
“Watching yourself back is probably the biggest tool that you can have. It’s such an eye opener for them to be able to watch and learn from what they’ve done. It’s even bigger for the younger boys because they’re wanting to learn straight away. We don’t just go over it collectively, it’s individually, and unit based to try and get that extra one or two percent that may help you win the game.
Tomorrow will see a 14-year-old goalkeeper start for the Youth Team, which is testament to the way Rochdale’s Academy operates in giving opportunities to young players.
“Brad Wade [Youth Team goalkeeper] is with the First Team and doing really well going off reports from the staff. Morgan Piper, an under-16 who has been playing for the Youth Team, is on holiday. So the next in line is a 14 year old ‘keeper who is new to us, which will be a great experience for him.”
You can watch the full interview on iFollow.