What’s It All About In The End?

We see far too many parents fall into the trap of thinking their player needs to be considered ‘elite’ or top level.

They see other kids who have been promoted to the ‘A team’ or some sort of ‘elite’ set up with a ‘pathway to an academy’ and then make it their mission to drag their child along to each and every place in hope that one of them says he/she is good enough.

First of all, labelling a primary school child ‘elite’ is beyond a joke, especially if they aren’t even in a proper academy (more on that another day).

Second, you may think you are doing the right thing but, longer-term, it might actually kill their passion for the sport.

Imagine the feeling of being constantly assessed wherever they play football then being told they’re not good enough.

Or being told they’re good enough and then later down the line someone else comes along and takes their place.

What then? They were meant to be ‘elite’ but all of a sudden they are not?

They get enough assessment at school. Football is meant to be a release.

Believe us when we say, if they are good enough then doors will open to progress to the next level.

You don’t need to chase it for them.

Let them play and enjoy it – that is far better for their development and passion.

In the end, what is it all about?

It’s about children staying in sport for the longer term in hope of creating happy, healthy adults.

Don’t take the fun out of it by making it too serious too soon.