A Very Fast Change

[pabird]

I spent circa 15 years coaching youth teams from 8 to 16 years of age, some moved on to be paid for their efforts and mostly the others enjoyed playing and learning as I enjoyed coaching and continually learning.

If I was to take up that role now there would have to be serious change in the mind set of those who wanted to progress into the paid ranks.

In watching the recent world cup and these weeks European cup(s) games the change in how a player presents himself is the single biggest change I have seen over 50 plus years.

These modern players are so bloody fit! Players have all the skills but the major change is the speed over 90 minutes in which they sustain the performance.

Any youngster wishing to progress in today’s player market should seriously consider spending one or two evenings a week with an athletics coach and preferably a sprint coach.

[Serious Sid]

Don't forget the sessions at RADA so they can learn how to dive in order to get opponents sent off and to win penalties!

[Muppetus Galacticus]

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Serious Sid said:
Don't forget the sessions at RADA so they can learn how to dive in order to get opponents sent off and to win penalties!

[pabird]

Quote:

Serious Sid said:
Don't forget the sessions at RADA so they can learn how to dive in order to get opponents sent off and to win penalties!

I did not give a thought to Dutch or French kids in red?

[A Non E Mouse]

Some good points Pabird.

 

I wonder if this increaseed need for fitness is pushing it's way right through the sport in general. I know Ken mentioned on another post about the increased media coverage of players who collapse and die on the field - but could some of it be contributed by the pressures and demands of the modern game - even juniors?

 

I have two lads who both play junior club football. I have noticed the increased demands upon them as youngsters - they are expected to be fitter, learn quicker and be more competitive at a younger and younger age.

 

Do you think this may start to have bigger repercussions where youngsters don't actually enjoy it any more and give up playing? There was a big discussion a while ago about the quality and right attitude of young English, but I suppose British, players who just aren't committed to the hard work required to become a professional. I think Arsene Wenger commented on how the approach of young foreign players is completely different and that is why they are succeeding whilst home grown players struggle or just expect it to be given to them on a plate.

 

Will the demands for fitness effect the future of English football? There may be less and less home grown players coming through as more and more youngsters turn their backs on a sport with very high demands?

[Serious Sid]

Very interesting points Mouse. I for one am sure you are right. Sadly it is probably due to the breaking down of the fabric of our Society. We are seeing a shortage of students studying the more demanding subjects as many opt for easier ones. More youngsters do "want it on a plate". Gone are the days of Apprenticeships and working your way up the ladder. We had the Mother of one of our new secretaries visit our firm to compain that her little darling was being asked to make the tea and this was not part of her job description. Blimey, when I first started I made the tea, went to the shop for the guv'nors fags and did whatever else I was asked to do.

[pabird]

Be careful with the youngsters, in this country we are far too competitive at too earlier an age, on the continent they play two year age groups and a lot more 8 a-sides on smaller pitches, In GB you will often see 8-9 year olds kicking full size (full weight) footballs on full size pitches. This excess of competition and the full size ball will lead to problems with joints at a later age.

We have boys of 19 in this country who have had a full career and their body reflects the damage.

Pro clubs will tell you that due to parent and school pressure some lads are played out at 15 years of age.

The biggest single problem is pressure from Dads (and Mums) who never played any sport at any decent level but have international sized mouths giving no nothing advice from the side of the pitch.

When sport has lost its fun its lost another child. Serious training with serious coaches (qualified) can be fun.

[Matt H]

As with every walk of life, it seems that we 'Brits' expect that we deserve more than we actually do, while businesses including football clubs are bringing EU nationals from all over the place, who do just as good a job for a significant percentage less in wages than us.

 

We seem to be of the mentality that "If you want me, you've got to pay me such an amount" whereas the forgeiners coming over here are more "Pay me and I'll do whatever you want" They are genuinely more greatful for their paycheque at the end of the month.

 

Then it's those 'Brits' that complain when all the 'Asylum Seekers' are taking 'their' jobs.

[Merv]

One of the best things that ever happened to football at primary school level was when full sized pitches and eleven-a-side games were banned by the School’s F.A. We now play 6/7 – side on smaller pitches with reduced goalposts. This has allowed a terrific development of footballing skills and spatial awareness. However, outside of school and FA affiliated clubs, there is less control and too many youngsters are still playing the ‘mans’ game without sufficient skill, strength or stamina to succeed.

 

There is a lot wrong with education today, mostly it is hell-bent on acquiring knowledge rather than thinking skills and processes. This is why so many young people give up subjects far too early, once the going gets tough. It’s true not just of football (and other sports), but also of music, foreign language and many other subjects.

 

It seems that so many people (young and old alike) want instant success without the need to put in all the hard work, dedication and devotion required. Successive Governments point the finger at schools but perhaps the problem lies within our society generally.

[A Non E Mouse]

I think the mentality of our younger generations is changing.

 

However, although I sometimes feel that the majority of youngsters "want it on a plate" I'm also concerned that those that do put themselves out and join a club to put in the time training are perhaps feeling the increased pressure?

 

You are spot on with your observation pabird about parents reliving their uneventful lives through their kids - however, there is a lot of pressure being brought to bare on those youngsters who do play the game and not just from parents.

 

I think Matt uses the correct word "mentality". Someone told me, and I don't know if it's accurate, that the junior game was introduced into the uk after being taken from the initial idea in Holland and implemented by Ajax. The difference is the "mentality". The Dutch don't record results and it's treated as a learning period which is very relaxed. As soon as it was introduced over here it automatically becomes competitive - it's the English mentality.

 

I am concerned - even with one of my own kids that they are being asked to do to much - and no I'm not pushing him - he's not even 8 and is being "asked" to train and play matches upto 4 times a week. I don't see a point where the kids aren't enjoying it - but are we wrong as parents for allowing them to be pushed?

 

I have to take my hat off to the young kids who get off their [****!!****] and are out there during the winter, running around in mud and crap during a freezing mid week training session - but are we wrong as parents to allow that? where should the line be drawn?

 

I just feel we walk a fine balance between allowing our potential young players the chance to enjoy the game at a young age and just pushing the majority to the point where they suffer long term injuries or are burnt out before they leave school. In turn this will effect the general semi and professional games in the future.

[The Great Eckscape]

Quote:

Merv said:
There is a lot wrong with education today, mostly it is hell-bent on acquiring knowledge rather than thinking skills and processes. This is why so many young people give up subjects far too early, once the going gets tough. It’s true not just of football (and other sports), but also of music, foreign language and many other subjects.

I blame the teachers myself <img src="/forum/images/graemlins/wink.gif" alt="" />

[Matt H]

I blame all those Human Rights arseholes and the parents of poorly behaved children, who give Teachers no rights of their own when it comes to giving those that want to learn a proper education because they have to keep dealing with problem children.

 

I witnessed it first hand at school, and feel extremely angry when thinking back at what should and could have been done, but like the Police, teachers hands are so tied up.

[Serious Sid]

The "Human Rights" Brigade have a lot to answer for. If one of the major political parties had the b*lls to stand for what the vast majority of us believe in then they would win by a landslide. But like the police and teachers their hands are tied by bureaucracy from Brussels. I am not suggesting we go back to Victorian times but all this human rights and politically correct stuff has gone way too far (IMHO of course).

[Exile]

part of the problem is the Human Rights Act needs to be supplemented by a Human Responsibilities Act - yes people do have rights but first (IMHO) they have responsibilities. Still as Sid says it's unlikely any party will want to go against the selfish brigade by introducing such a piece of legislation.

PS - Sorry this has nothing to do with footie but for the first time in days there is actually an interesting (to some at least) thread containing no abuse !

[Guest]

I also have brought teams through the mini soccer ranks and to me the biggest problem is the lack of parents involvement.

 

It is great when they are U9 - 11 you cannot see the pitch for supporters, you go over and watch the under 15's not a parent in site!!

 

The kids are left to their own devices and therefore choose an easy alternative which is the street corner!!

 

We have to take our responibilities as parents!!

 

I never miss either of my sons games even now the oldest is 22, I am there to keep an eye on him, to make sure he behaves and more importantly talk about what he done and spend time in his company!!

 

You cant do that on a playstation!!

[Little Miss Urchin]

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I blame the teachers

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blame all those Human Rights arseholes

I blame Thatcher!

When I was at university I played hockey because I enjoyed the social aspect (seeing friends, not drinking), the physical aspect, improving my skills and fitness, etc. I know I'm nothing like a great player but I enjoyed, and still enjoy, playing. In my third year though it got much more serious and I found myself for the first time wondering whether I could be bothered. I ended up opting to play for the newly formed 2nds as it had much more of an informal feel.

If we are to encourage children to exercise more we must accomodate those with skill and passion as well as those who turn up simply because they enjoy it, like meeting up with mates or even simply because they want something to do. Not always easy but necessary I feel.

[Serious Sid]

Interesting debate guys. I agree with Exile when he talks about "responsibilities" - especially as parents. All these kids hanging out on street corners have parents. All the vandals who smash up bus shelters and phone boxes have parents. It seems these parents are oblivious to what their little darlings are getting up to - or even worse - they don't care!

[Matt H]

Quote:

Exile said:
part of the problem is the Human Rights Act needs to be supplemented by a Human Responsibilities Act - yes people do have rights but first (IMHO) they have responsibilities.

Totally right Exile. Fail to uphold your responsibilities as a human being and depending on the severity of the situation, you waiver you rights as a human being too.

In other words, the less responsibility you hold to society, the less rights you get when you're finally brought to justice.

[Little Miss Urchin]

Quote:

Serious Sid said:
It seems these parents are oblivious to what their little darlings are getting up to - or even worse - they don't care!

My Mum used to run a playgroup. The answer is the latter.

[Yellow Bungle]

I coach a kids team. We will be U10 this season but I will not mention their name to preserve anonymity (both them and me).

 

We play with a size 4 ball (size 3 last year) on a mini soccer pitch. We started the hard way, basically kids which weren't selected for teams at other clubs and following our performances at pre-season tournament I can express nothing but absolute pride at the commitment these boys have shown.

 

I am undoubtably privileged to have such a squad and whilst I appreciate that standards in society these have slipped I can assue everyone out there that this is by no means universal. If we can all give a bit back it will amke a better world for all of us.