
Elsewhere In Football #12
- Aug 19, 2025
- 2 min read
Updated: Aug 20, 2025
Why We Use Ladders at Every Level of Sahayak FC
Speed. Agility. Quickness. These aren’t buzzwords—they’re the heartbeat of modern football. At Sahayak FC, we’ve built them into every level of our development plan, from grassroots to scholarship players. And the humble ladder is one of our most powerful tools.

My introduction to SAQ.....
I first came across ladder work at Stevenage FC when I was 19. Back then, during open trials, ladders were our secret weapon for spotting potential. Quick feet, balance, and coordination? That meant talent. Clumsy, slow, or unable to follow patterns? That meant not ready.
But here’s the real insight: it wasn’t just about who could do it. It was about how players reacted when they couldn’t. The ones who slowed down, stayed focused, and worked it out? They had the mentality to grow. The ones who rushed through, hoping no one noticed? They never lasted.

Working alongside Carsten.....
Fast forward a decade, and the game is faster than ever. On a recent trip to IFK Gothenburg, I met Carsten Effertz, founder of Tanner Speed and one of the world’s leading speed coaches. His work has transformed IFK’s youth setup—more titles, more young players stepping into senior football, and most importantly, players who can handle the insane tempo of today’s game.
Carsten doesn’t just train physical speed. He develops speed of thought, decision-making, and coordination. That’s why IFK’s kids aren’t just quick—they’re game-ready. We’re lucky to call Carsten a close friend of Sahayak, and we’ll welcome him to our program again this September.

The benefits are endless......
So why ladders at every level? Because we’re playing the long game. By the time our players reach 13 and enter the scholarship program, ladders will be second nature. That means:
✅ Solid foundations in speed, balance, and coordination
✅ Confidence and rhythm in movement
✅ Lower injury risk during teenage growth years
In short: ladders build players who are not only faster but smarter, tougher, and ready for the modern game.
At Sahayak, we’re not just thinking about the 1% who might go on to play professionally—we’re thinking about the other 99% too. Football is only part of the story. Coordination in daily life enhances performance, prevents injuries, and improves overall functionality. It helps people move better, think sharper, and live with greater independence.
The wider benefits go far beyond football:
⚡ Sharper focus & concentration
⚡ Reduced stress, better mood
⚡ Stronger memory & faster thinking
⚡ Smoother, safer everyday movements
⚡ Greater independence as we age

In summary.....
Because ultimately, football isn’t just about who runs the fastest—it’s about who adapts the quickest, who thinks under pressure, and who can repeat quality actions at high speed. The ladders are just the beginning, but they represent what we stand for at Sahayak: building people who are resilient, intelligent, and fearless in the face of life’s demands—on and off the pitch.
Why Ladders Matter at Sahayak FC







Nice work sir