How serious should junior clubs be?

povman_2009 · Post by **povman_2009** » Tue Sep 05, 2006 10:22 am

I think the issue is one that needs to be split in half.

For some kids the aim of the game is to get outside run around and have some fun.

For others it is about taking a serious interest in a sport and putting a huge effort into making the most of the talent that they have, whilst still gaining some enjoyment out of the friendships and other social aspects of team sports.

These two groups of kids are best handled in different ways.

But we must always remembe that they are still indeed children and that safety, common sense and fun must be at the utmost of peoples minds.

What we need to avoid , is rule breaking, blatant cheating and obsessive win at all costs mentalities that seem to drive some programs off the rails.

rant over , for now

the juggler · Post by **the juggler** » Tue Sep 05, 2006 12:27 pm

I'm with you povman 1964.

Post by **johnydep** » Wed Sep 06, 2006 9:33 am

povman1964 wrote:I think the issue is one that needs to be split in half.

For some kids the aim of the game is to get outside run around and have some fun.

For others it is about taking a serious interest in a sport and putting a huge effort into making the most of the talent that they have, whilst still gaining some enjoyment out of the friendships and other social aspects of team sports.

These two groups of kids are best handled in different ways.

But we must always remembe that they are still indeed children and that safety, common sense and fun must be at the utmost of peoples minds.

What we need to avoid , is rule breaking, blatant cheating and obsessive win at all costs mentalities that seem to drive some programs off the rails.

rant over , for now

Good call, I partially agree.

I was at a U/9's game and one of the players kept getting pulled up by the ref for elbowing the opponent in the kneck, on the third call the ref called the kid over and explained in strong terms why it's not allowed, etc.
On the side line a guy, who said he was the Trainer, called out "what's wrong with that? that's what I teach them". We couldn't believe what we heard and someone tried to explain the problem with this, the 'Trainer' didn't agree, saying that sort of thing happens all the time and the kids need to learn it.

Wow.

The guy is well known, so is the club.

Yes there are two types of kids, and some clubs only cater for the serious type.
Problem here is; how do you pick a kid that wants a Football career and the one that has parents trying to realise a dream through their kids?
The club doesn't care and ends up teaching the kids profesional fouls and bullying then sending them on the slippery slope of disillusionment and in the process loosing future valuable players and parents.

OK, sorry rant over

Post by **John Cena** » Wed Sep 06, 2006 9:42 am

hey theone you should have stuck with cricket,.,,,,,,,only kidding

Anonymous · Post by **Anonymous** » Fri Sep 08, 2006 4:18 pm

it should be very competitive.. if you have real aspirations of becoming a footballer... compete young! play every day!

this is something i definately regret not doing.

povman_2009 · Post by **povman_2009** » Fri Sep 08, 2006 4:22 pm

King Henry, competition is good for some aspects of development. However one thing I did learn at coaching training was that for youger childern they thrive on success so you need to give them all an opportunity to be winners...

Fun First, Competition second , except for the cream of the crop and even then the fun and competition should be in equal doses.

cc

Wild Eagle · Post by **Wild Eagle** » Fri Sep 08, 2006 5:44 pm

Junior Clubs should be much more serious about what they do but should take themselves less seriously

It is a duty to educate the person first, the player second.

That will breed success on all fronts and will make for a better society.

povman_2009 · Post by **povman_2009** » Sat Sep 09, 2006 12:01 am

Wild Eagle, sums up the situation in one line, well said.