The Juventus training method is one of the best, being used in over 80 counties worldwide and Cork man Scott Forrest got to be pert of that learning experience delivering sessions to many kids in their academy.
The 22 year-old Tower man spent eight months working with boys and girls in the academy and the experience gained has been invaluable and he now hopes to use this as he looks to secure a coaching position back in Cork in the coming weeks.
“The year overseas has been life changing and came at a really good time for me,” said Forrest.
"I spent from October to June there working with kids from the ages of U12-15 both boys and girls.
"It was a fabulous experience and I really feel I got a lot out of it. So while I loved my time there, now was a perfect time to return home and I now hope to get a place on the upcoming B Licence course.
"I want to take this time to study further and complete some additional courses. I am really excited to come back and apply what I have learnt from Juventus back into Cork Football.”
Forrest was assistant coach to the women U17 Cork City side back in October of last year when the opportunity arose for him to go to Kuwait to coach in the Juventus academy.
The Juventus training method is one of the best, being used in over 80 counties worldwide and Cork man Scott Forrest got to be experience delivering sessions to many kids in the academy.
He applied for the job and was thrilled to be appointed the position of head coach for the U13 and U15 boys and the U12 girls.
“I applied for the job after I was reccommended by a friend who had worked there previously. I was the Head Coach of the U15 and U13s boys squads, Head Coach of the Girls U12s and was assisting with trip planning for international tournaments across the GCC and Italy.
"I loved every second of the experience, moving abroad and living in a new culture with a very hot climate. Really upskilling myself on the pitch having countless hours on the field, six days a week.
“I was very fortunate to have worked with some top class coaches who had years of professional experience back in the UK.
"I made some new lifelong friends from all over the Middle East along the way.”
A knee injury at the age of 18 prompted Forrest to concentrate more on coaching as opposed to playing and this is a decision he believes was the correct one.
“I have been coaching since I was 16 years old, but took it more serious when I sustained a knee injury at the age of 18.
"While I always loved playing my football with Blarney my next passion was coaching. I've had a really enjoyable coaching journey so far starting in Grassroots with Blarney United to just recently my time at Juventus Academy Kuwait.
“It was great to experience different cultures, different styles of coaching and learn from different coaches.
"I got to experience different responsibilities within a club which will hopefully stand to me in the future.
"Being part of one of the biggest footballing academies in the world has been amazing.
“I have enjoyed every coaching position I’ve had to date.
"Each experience has been so unique and has helped me to adapt to any environment I have worked in. I have formed some very close relationships with coaches over the years with whom I still am in contact with today.
"As coaches we are always learning and so for me it is important to keep close contacts as you will always learning something different from some other coach.
"My aim is to keep learning and sharing my passion for the game with the players. I believe I have learned a lot and I am really looking forward to sharing this with teams in Cork.
“While I have loved my time away, It's nice to be back in Cork. I've spent my first couple of days at home with family and friends enjoying some time away from the pitch.
"However I have no doubt I’ll be back on it soon doing what I love.”