WHOEVER coined the phrase Fail to prepare then prepare to fail' had the recipe for sporting success on the tip of his or her tongue.

Undoubtedly that was the perspective a host of Super League managers and coaches took away from the grandiose surroundings of Murray Park on Sunday after attending a seminar put together by leading SFA coach Jim Fleeting and SJFA secretary Tom Johnston.

This pilot scheme involved sessions conducted by Scotland Youth manager Archie Knox and sports scientist Robert Kielty, which focused on intuitive training drills as well as modern nutrition and physical rehabilitation strategies which up to now have mainly been embraced by the Senior game in Scotland.

And with the consensus of opinion voting the concept a roaring success there is every likelihood now that SJFA chief Johnston may attempt to roll out the scheme to the East and North Regions as well as to embrace District League clubs here in the West of Scotland.

Down through the years the fundamental basic of preparation taken in the context of part-time Junior footballers has been translated as two nights' training, predominantly Mondays and Thursdays, geared towards attaining a level of fitness to produce their best on matchdays.

And the generally held opinion that Junior players are not as committed as their Senior counterparts has traditionally led to that first training night being set aside to sweat out their many weekend indulgences.

The spin-off has more often than not been less time set aside for managers and coaches to work on improving individual technique and shaping their team.

But former Rutherglen Glencairn striker Kielty and ex-Kilbirnie Ladeside and Irvine Meadow ace Fleeting argue strongly it is a lack of education rather than commitment which is to blame for these shortcomings.

They contend that the vast majority of players would change their lifestyle habits if made aware of the physical benefits to be derived from starting to look after themselves after the final whistle sounds on a Saturday.

Kielty, who was previously former Scotland stopper Colin Hendry's assistant during his stint as Blackpool manager, said: "In my time in the Juniors nobody ever spoke to players about the need to eat and drink properly ahead of games and training sessions.

"And afterwards the culture was for pies or sausage rolls followed by a few pints instead of looking at the best way to replace energy levels.

"That had been the way of things for countless years beforehand and nobody had ever thought these side issues needed overhauling.

"But football has gradually evolved into a more athletic sport and the need has long been recognised for players' attitudes to change with it in order to play anywhere near to the best of their abilities.

"For years now proper preparation is commonplace in the Senior game, even with part-timers, so why have the rank and file of Junior players not followed suit?

"I've no doubt that once the message gets out then change will happen as both clubs and players realise the benefits to be gained."

Kielty's viewpoint did not find any dissenters among the managers and coaches who listened so attentively on Sunday and the hope must be that his teachings will now cascade down back at their clubs.