The crazy world of football

My lads done junior football from U6 to U13 - Got trophies coming out his ears, but this season he's just decided he's not that bothered about playing any more. Fed up with training twice a week with matchdays on Sundays. It's his choice and TBF this last month while he's not being playing football, he's been much happier. He may pick it up later, but for now, he wants to do his own thing.

But in all my years watching Junior football, the story about the 6 year old and Everton seems a little far fetched (and I know an Everton scout). I've known kids who've been approached for Man Utd, Sheff Utd, Sheff Weds, Huddersfield etc.., but non have been offered homes, schools, financial incentives etc.. They normally get invited to training sessions once or twice a week and if selected, travel to matches up and down the country. Often at the parents expense.

I've known a kid who Man Utd came after and they wanted him (parents) more or less to sign away his right to be a kid. Not allowed to play street football, or at school etc. They even wanted to measure the parents bone lengths etc. so they could project how big the kid was likely to grow. In the end, the parents turned em down as they wanted their kid to enjoy his childhood.

The football clubs are like farmers, they sow 1000's of seeds in the hope that one may mature into something special. In reality the majority are later cast aside with their childhood behind them.

 

Both my sons play junior league football in the Sheffield league and the team they play for has a totally different philosophy to every other team which I have watched. They are under 11s and they are still taught its not about winning but how to play football on the floor and pass the ball. Within this team there are no individuals and no one is treated as the star player, they are taught to play for each other and work hard. Lots of other teams they play against have individually top players which they rely on to win but they are not playing as a team.
I think each FL club should be made to invest in grass roots football by training coaches to train kids in the right way to play football, this will develop kids. These coaches, teams and kids should not be associated with a club and kids shouldn't be allowed to be associated with a club until they have developed maybe 14/15 years old.
Investment and development in to young kids has to be the way forward

 

heres a letter i sent to all the parents of the team i am managing. There under 10 girls

Dear Bethesda Breakers/Parents,

I am writing to welcome you all to the inaugural season of the Bethesda Breakers and to highlight what we hope to achieve throughout the fall season, both as a team and soccer club.

“The more enjoyment a young person has, the more work and time they are often willing to put in.” This is a quote told to me by top class coach and manager Brian Clough when I met him in Spain on holiday. I never forgot these words. I was 10 at the time.

In the early years of a young child’s soccer “career” they will play soccer with family and friends at school, and perhaps at summer camps. These initial years can be the most enjoyable for a young player because they are predominantly provided with experiences that are fun and positive. The term coined for these years is the FUNdamentals. As the name suggests, this is the time to learn and develop physical and technical skills whilst also having… FUN.

This is my aim for the coming season.

At this grassroots level it is important not to ruin the experience with a negative environment. With some hard work from both myself and other coaches, you will hopefully see your girls develop their skill levels. The emphasis will not be only on winning, but on having the girls perform their best every week. Too much pressure put on the girls will not only harm their development, but will take away the fun we are going to have.

Performance, effort, and improved skill are more important than results. I know this might be hard to hear. I am as competitive as anybody else, but I will not be pushing and demanding winning. I hope you all will agree and support this attitude.

In England, where I’m originally from, there is a lot of emphasis on pushing players and not developing skills and confidence with the ball.

I want the girls to develop skills, confidence, and creativity. This will be an indicator of success as much as winning trophies and matches.

If we get the development right in the fall season then when we move up an age group the girls will be confident and better able to utilize their skills.

I will be encouraging the team and teaching them what they can do and how to think on their own during play, without having to yell at them to “kick the ball” or “shoot.” Mistakes will be made and we will learn from them.

I hope you all will support this philosophy and I really looking forward to a FUN season of learning and development.



Coach Dean

 

and here is the first reply i have had back

Hey Coach Dean

Thanks for clarifying your point of view. I believe my daughter is very very lucky to have the opportunity to train under someone with such a great attitude!

Thanks for being you

Nirmal

I didnt expect anything in response from the parents but when you get replys like this it makes all the hard work to come very very worthwhile

 

Nice Touch Red and believe you would fit in well at Barnsley !

 

cheers just had another reply aswell. They like my rules of the game series.Part 2 was just sent.

Hi Dean -

We are so thrilled to be part of your team!! Your communications have been awesome and I LOVE the rules of the game emails!

Thanks for everything and Linnea can't wait to get started.

Hugs,
Naira, Bob & Linnea