Sports Management Glossary
Clear definitions of the main terms used in football club management, for coaches and sports coordinators.
Age Group
- Age-based category used to group athletes for competitive and developmental purposes, such as Under-8, Under-10, Under-12, Under-14, Under-16, Under-17, Under-19, Under-23 and Seniors. The definition of age groups varies according to the relevant federation regulations.
Analytical Exercise
- A training exercise that isolates and develops a specific technical or physical capacity, without direct relation to the game context. Examples include fixed-corridor passing drills or strength training in the gym.
Competition Calendar
- The official schedule of competitions in which a club or team participates during the season, including leagues, cups and tournaments. The competition calendar determines training planning and squad management decisions.
Game Model
- The set of principles, sub-principles and tactical behaviours that define a team's identity and way of playing. The Game Model guides the training process and is the reference for all technical and tactical decisions made by the coach.
Integrated Exercise
- A training exercise that combines multiple components: technical, tactical, physical and psychological: in a context close to real match play. It promotes learning transfer to competition and is central to the Tactical Periodization methodology.
Macrocycle
- The largest unit of training planning, typically corresponding to a complete sporting season. The macrocycle is divided into phases with distinct objectives, such as pre-season, competitive season and transition period.
Match Report
- An official document that records the data of a match, including teams, selected and starting players, referees, result and incidents. The match report is mandatory in federated competitions and serves as the legal record of the game.
Membership Fee
- A periodic payment made by club members as a contribution to the club's operation and financial sustainability. Membership fees may be monthly, quarterly or annual and can vary by membership category.
Mesocycle
- An intermediate unit of sports planning, typically lasting three to six weeks, grouping several microcycles with common tactical or physical objectives. Mesocycles structure progression within the macrocycle.
Microcycle
- The basic weekly unit of sports training planning, organised around the competitive calendar. The microcycle defines the distribution and intensity of training sessions throughout the week, aimed at optimising match performance.
Periodization
- A method of planning and organising sports training over time, dividing the season into cycles with specific load, recovery and competition objectives. In the Tactical variant, periodization uses the Game Model as the central organising principle.
Season Planning
- The process of defining and organising a team or club's objectives, schedules, resources and methodologies for a sporting season. It includes the competition calendar, training periods, development goals and evaluation indicators.
Sports Management
- The set of administrative, financial, technical and human processes that ensure the organised operation of a club or sports organisation. It covers areas such as season planning, athlete management, finance, communication and human resources.
Squad Selection
- The official list of athletes chosen by the coach to participate in a given match or competition. The squad is communicated in advance and may vary depending on injuries, availability and technical criteria.
Training Entity
- A club or sports organisation responsible for the sporting and personal development of young athletes, recognised by the relevant federation. The training entity has administrative, educational and insurance obligations towards its registered athletes.