Springsoca United Mainland Summer Camp has placed technical development and football intelligence at the centre of its programme, with Coach Alabi Kazeem popularly called Coach Ewe is using the “Receive, Retain and Release” methodology to help young players improve their understanding and execution of the game.
The six-day Springsoca United Mainland Summer Camp 2026, themed “Legends Meet FutureStars”, is being held from 10th –16th August at Legacy Pitch, National Stadium, Surulere, Lagos, bringing together young footballers aged 5–23 year old for structured technical, tactical and competitive activities.
For Coach Alabi, the methodology goes beyond simply teaching players what to do with the ball. It is designed to develop footballers who can recognise situations quickly, make better decisions under pressure and understand what should happen before, during and after receiving possession.
The first principle focuses on the quality of the player’s reception, players are encouraged to scan their surroundings, position their bodies correctly and prepare for their next action before the ball arrives. The emphasis is on receiving with purpose rather than simply controlling possession. This approach helps young players understand that the first touch can determine what becomes possible with the next action.
The second element — Retain focuses on composure, awareness and intelligent use of possession. Rather than encouraging players to surrender the ball unnecessarily, Coach Alabi challenges them to recognise when to protect possession, when to draw an opponent out and when to create space for teammates. The objective is to develop players capable of remaining calm under pressure while making decisions that benefit the team.
The final stage is release, the ability to recognise the right moment to move the ball. Players are encouraged to understand when to pass, where to pass and how quickly to execute the action. The principle connects individual technical ability with team structure, movement and attacking progression.
For young footballers, the lesson is simple but fundamental, receive with awareness, retain with intelligence and release with purpose.
The Coaching methodology reflects Springsoca United’s broader emphasis on age-specific player development, technical progression and long-term football education. The academy says its programmes are structured around different developmental stages, from grassroots foundation through youth development and an elite pathway for older players.
At the Summer Camp, the methodology is being translated into practical training exercises, competitive activities and game-related situations, allowing players to apply the principles rather than merely learn them theoretically.
That distinction is particularly important in youth development, where technical execution must gradually be connected to decision-making and game understanding.
Springsoca United Mainland Summer Camp is designed to combine intensive football training, skill challenges, competitive activities, video analysis and scouting exposure. The academy has also highlighted international scouting opportunities as part of the camp experience.
The programme forms part of Springsoca United Academy wider commitment to structured football development in Lagos, with the academy describing its pathway as one that combines football performance with discipline, character development and opportunities for international exposure.
As the camp enters its crucial stages, Coach Alabi Kazeem’s Receive, Retain and Release coaching methodology is providing players with a practical framework for understanding one of football’s most important demands, making the right decision with the ball, at the right time, for the benefit of the team.
The objective of Springsoca United Academy is not simply to produce players who can perform skills. It is to develop footballers who can think, adapt and execute, qualities that can provide the foundation for progression from grassroots football to higher levels of the game.
