Nermin Jusic – Head of Youth Development at Vienna
Nermin Jusic has extensive credentials. He has been highly successful as a player, coach, and club chairman. Most recently, he led SV Donau to the championship title in the Viennese City League and thus to promotion to the Regional League. In the summer, he took over the management of youth development at Vienna. Jusic has concrete ideas about working with young talents and is known for his strategic thinking and clear communication.
Nermin, when should one start football training?
As early as possible, ideally already in childhood. At Vienna, there is a “Bambini” program for the youngest, followed by age groups from U7 to U18. Focused training begins with the boys at U8 and with the girls somewhat later. What’s certain is that learning comprehensive football skills is not a sprint, but rather a marathon.
What requirements must be met to be admitted to youth training at Vienna?
It depends on the skills and experience the child already brings with the ball. Basic skills such as controlling the ball, passing, or dribbling should already be present.
Can one register their child for a trial training at Vienna?
No, we have moved away from that. We have designated dates on which we conduct evaluation sessions. We offer these several times a year, and during them our youth coaches—and I as well—assess the abilities of the kids.
How is youth development organized at Vienna?
Very broadly. From U7 to U18 there are dedicated squads. They are trained by coaches who typically supervise two age groups. For the boys, training is held three times a week starting at U7 and four times a week starting at U13. Teams move up to the next age group together. In the older age groups, players also join from other clubs, and sometimes Vienna youth players transfer to Rapid or Austria. The younger age groups are also mixed-gender.
Are there different concepts for training the various age groups?
Yes. Up to U15, the focus is on developing technique, positioning, shooting power, and so on. Until puberty, I do not evaluate matches based on results. The league table should not be the primary focus. For young players, it is first about developing football skills. Only during the puberty phase—around age 16—do performance-oriented factors come into play. Then, ambition, success, and victories become an important part of the training.
You’ve been with Vienna since July. What does your day look like?
I am still sorting and developing processes. I am at youth training sessions almost daily and exchange ideas with the coaches. We analyze player development, discuss squad composition, and consider improvements. Particularly important is the observation of players who are on the verge of entering professional football. I discuss all of this with the coaches and the sporting management.
What is your big goal for youth development?
The foundation for working even more professionally in youth development would be a Vienna Football Academy, like the ones at other Bundesliga clubs. In an academy, young talents can combine their sporting careers with school. Competitive sports and the Matura go hand in hand—a win-win situation for the boys and for the club.
There are already cooperation agreements with schools that accommodate our youth players in their sporting activities, but a dedicated training academy would be a level above that. Achieving these major goals is closely linked to the success of the first team. If Vienna is promoted to the first Bundesliga, many doors would open. Attendance numbers, media coverage, overall reputation, and consequently financial support would increase.
What brings you particular joy in your work?
(Laughs) I have experienced a lot of joy in football. As a player, I became champion with Rapid U20 and received a professional contract at Rapid. That was the highlight of my playing career. As a coach, I won the championship with SV Donau last season, which I’m also proud of. My connection to Donau remains very strong.
In youth development, a great success for me is when players—for example, starting football at the U10 level—develop well and eventually make it into the professional league. That is a great satisfaction. I am sure that if you lay a good foundation, you can also build towers.
