9 year-old Mayoman set for Real Madrid

CSF · 13-04-2012 6:38pm

PhlegmyMoses wrote: »

And I suppose you do. Please enlighten me. You are attributing an adult's cognitive abilities to a child. He will not feel pressure in the same way as you or I. He WILL have fun. He CAN have other options for a career and he WILL get many benefits out of the experience. You seem to think that he's going to end up some kind of emotionally broken wreck as a result of going to Madrid for a few years. If his parents are in any way decent, he will get over not making it, if he ends up being let go. He will have had a great experience that most can only dream of at that age.

I do to an extent, I've never seen it to that degree as such, but I've seen it at a much lesser scale and the pressure is still massive. I'm involved in coaching a team of a very similar age group, one of the better teams in Ireland where parents send their kids to play at the highest level available within a cars drive. The teams you'd play against at that level would be full of kids there for similar reasons.

You can even see at that level the pressure of expectation on the children (although to their credit, my lot have a very good bunch of parents, it has been some of the opposition where I've seen things that have disheartened me) and the effect. The notion that kids who play at a high level of football just have fun without the pressure is silly at best. Kids enjoy football, and most sports, that is a given. You will find though that alot of kids have alot of the fun taken out of it when there is pressure put on them to succeed. And there is nothing putting more pressure on a child than moving him a few hours plane away into a new world, a new language, a new life because the family believe he is going to be the next Ronaldo, or even Arbeloa, or even Steven Caldwell, or even Charlie McDonald.

At that age, kids should be having fun, developing their skills, both technical and emotional without thinking about whether they'll make the grade, or whether they'll get offered a pro contract, or whether they'll let the family down and have to go home. It is completely wrong.

Smegball · 13-04-2012 6:49pm

The next Freddy Adu.

GetWithIt · 13-04-2012 6:51pm

^^ The next Sonny Pike.

adamski8 · 13-04-2012 7:21pm

CSF wrote: »

PhlegmyMoses wrote: »

This isn't a direct analogy at all. Maybe if the kids were dreaming of being middle-managers anyway and were already managing at their local shop with a vague view of progressing to one of the big companies in the US, then you could make a comparison. Football is fun for kids. It will still be fun when he goes to Madrid. The only big difference is that he will be living somewhere different. Which is the case for millions of kids worldwide who aren't even getting the opportunity to develop their natural talent at something they love.

You clearly do not understand the pressure on these kids in these academies. They are not there to have fun, they are there to succeed. Real Madrid are not paying for children and their families to move to Madrid to have fun.

Damn straight. I saw some under 9's russian team play one time and they didn't seem like they were having fun! Manager shouting very aggresivily at them if they lost the ball and no smiles. Very sad I think

CSF · 13-04-2012 7:30pm

adamski8 wrote: »

CSF wrote: »

PhlegmyMoses wrote: »

This isn't a direct analogy at all. Maybe if the kids were dreaming of being middle-managers anyway and were already managing at their local shop with a vague view of progressing to one of the big companies in the US, then you could make a comparison. Football is fun for kids. It will still be fun when he goes to Madrid. The only big difference is that he will be living somewhere different. Which is the case for millions of kids worldwide who aren't even getting the opportunity to develop their natural talent at something they love.

You clearly do not understand the pressure on these kids in these academies. They are not there to have fun, they are there to succeed. Real Madrid are not paying for children and their families to move to Madrid to have fun.

Damn straight. I saw some under 9's russian team play one time and they didn't seem like they were having fun! Manager shouting very aggresivily at them if they lost the ball and no smiles. Very sad I think

I'd well believe it. Even closer to home, i know of at least one club who have kids of a similar age doing weights. The notion that the determination of adults to create pro footballers at all costs, doesn't impact massively on the way a child views the game, that notion is naive at best.

Children at that age should be enjoying the game without a care in the world.

I feel it is upto national governments and the EU to put an end to this practice as I feel that the chances of footballs governing bodies doing anything is long past.

Rekop dog · 13-04-2012 7:33pm

The way some people are going on you'd swear it's like one of those Chinese gymnast camps where kids are subjected joyless rigerous training sessions multiple times a day.

While they're obviously being aimed at a future career the Spanish training session for the younger teams are very cleverly set up and far more fun orientated than you'd find at professional teams elsewhere.

CSF · 13-04-2012 7:50pm

Rekop dog wrote: »

The way some people are going on you'd swear it's like one of those Chinese gymnast camps where kids are subjected joyless rigerous training sessions multiple times a day.

While they're obviously being aimed at a future career the Spanish training session for the younger teams are very cleverly set up and far more fun orientated than you'd find at professional teams elsewhere.

What are you basing this on? I ask that as a question not an attack.

And I'm not saying the Real Madrid coaches are anything bad. I'm sure they have genuine affection for the kids and want to see them do well.

Owen_S · 13-04-2012 7:57pm

Too much negativity in this thread. It is the opportunity of a lifetime, it's right to take it instead of staying in Ireland and thinking ''What if...?'' for years to come.

gosplan · 13-04-2012 8:18pm

There are tonnes of opportunities in this beyond football.

If the family explain that to the child and make the move work for them, then they could easily benefit from this regardless of whether the child is successful at Madrid or not.

gosplan · 13-04-2012 8:25pm

CSF wrote: »

What are you basing this on? I ask that as a question not an attack.

There was loads of stuff after Spain won the WC and the English media were going through their 'what are we doing wrong?' phase.

It was all about skills training, never keeping score in games, kids playing multiple positions, celebrating taking risks and other stuff.

Basically creating technical players as opposed to just physical ones.

In fairness, I don't agree with clubs having a couple of hundred kids on their books but it's the way into the professional game now, and if the kid wants to be a footballer (and let's face it, he'll 99% still want that if he stays in Mayo till he's mature enough to retionally decide) then he's better off learning the Spanish game.

Dubit10 · 13-04-2012 8:31pm

doncarlos wrote: »

I think it's pretty disgusting to be honest.

I don't at all. Once in a lifetime chance that most would die for regardless of age. Good luck to him and his family.

darkman2 · 13-04-2012 9:27pm

He will end up as a sub at Darlington in the end which is better than most.

gnfnrhead · 13-04-2012 11:13pm

I can't believe people are complaining about this. The kid has a once in a lifetime opportunity here. He's getting to train in one of the top clubs in world football. If he is still playing football now, he obviously enjoys it. If he didnt, he wouldnt be playing enough to get noticed by whoever spotted him.

Speaking for myself, if I was given this chance when I was nine, I'd have bit your hand off.

Rhys Essien · 13-04-2012 11:20pm

Some of the comments here are laughable.

You would swear he is being sent down the coal mines.

Worst that can happen from now on is that he will be known as "the fella who was on trials with Real Madrid"

How fcukin bad.

3hn2givr7mx1sc · 13-04-2012 11:20pm

Just think about how pissed off you would be if you found out that your parents turned down an offer from Real Madrid to join their academy. This child is going to get an amazing opportunity to become a professional footballer ffs, he's not being sent to a prison camp.

Dempsey · 13-04-2012 11:35pm

The benefits of being in the EU! Free movement of people whether you like it or not.

I dont consider Real Madrid's youth policy to be that successful in that very few youth players make the step up to the first team and stay there. Most just complete their apprenticeship, make an attempt at the first team (if they are lucky!) then either be sold or loaned out until they are a free agent.

I wish the kid and his family the best of luck out in Spain, its not going to be easy for him or the family regardless of his ability. The happiness of the kid and the family will be a massive factor in his development.

The next Ronnie O'Brien!! :pac:

parc · 14-04-2012 12:51am

Jaysus the smell of begrudgery in here

Maybe I'm way off here but if they're taking a 9 year old over to Madrid, the parents will be looked after. There'll probably be free flights for them back and forth to Ireland if the family is split up, it's really not that far between the countries.

Even if the lad doesn't make it at Madrid his football development will come along in leaps and bounds and he'll probably end up making a living out of it, provided he gets no injuries.

Then again there could be so much competition they could just cut him off and treat them like ****...who knows but you gotta go for it I guess

And if nothing comes of it, then at least he'll be bilingual.

(Though I gotta say it all depends on what the parents do in Ireland, could they transfer over there that easily? I don't know)

CSF · 14-04-2012 12:53am

parc wrote: »

Even if the lad doesn't make it at Madrid his football development will come along in leaps and bounds and he'll probably end up making a living out of it, provided he gets no injuries.

Jesus, do people really actually think this?

ColeTrain · 14-04-2012 1:04am

Good luck to the young lad. Choosing between Real Madrid and Castlebar Celtic isn't a tough choice. Worst case scenario he doesn't make it as a pro, no big deal.

It will be some experience for him and even if he comes home fluent in Spanish, that would be something.

parc · 14-04-2012 1:09am

CSF wrote: »

You can even see at that level the pressure of expectation on the children (although to their credit, my lot have a very good bunch of parents, it has been some of the opposition where I've seen things that have disheartened me) and the effect. The notion that kids who play at a high level of football just have fun without the pressure is silly at best. Kids enjoy football, and most sports, that is a given. You will find though that alot of kids have alot of the fun taken out of it when there is pressure put on them to succeed. And there is nothing putting more pressure on a child than moving him a few hours plane away into a new world, a new language, a new life because the family believe he is going to be the next Ronaldo, or even Arbeloa, or even Steven Caldwell, or even Charlie McDonald.

At that age, kids should be having fun, developing their skills, both technical and emotional without thinking about whether they'll make the grade, or whether they'll get offered a pro contract, or whether they'll let the family down and have to go home. It is completely wrong.

Ah but there's a difference between the Spanish and the UK/Irish system

Spanish kids don't play competitive football until there 13 or 14 I think. They focus on technique and education. That's why they develop technical players who are so good on the ball as opposed to the majority of English/Irish players who focus on size and winning matches at u-10 u-12 etc level and therein lies the reason why England are crap and Spain are not

Anyway there's videos of Xavi and Iniesta at La Masia doing maths in the classroom. I'm sure Madrid have something similar set up. He won't miss out on any shool. Unbelievable opportunity. I'd actually be more concerned for the parents - are their skills transferable to the Spanish economy?

3hn2givr7mx1sc · 14-04-2012 1:09am

CSF wrote: »

Jesus, do people really actually think this?

Chances are he'll get much better coaching and he'll have a better chance of being recognised playing for one of the biggest academies in the world rather than a small team in the west.

parc · 14-04-2012 1:12am

CSF wrote: »

Jesus, do people really actually think this?

Not saying he'll end up even playing for Valencia or Villa or some lower team but he could become a coach himself or make some kind of living out of it. Great opportunity for him

CSF · 14-04-2012 1:12am

parc wrote: »

Ah but there's a difference between the Spanish and the UK/Irish system

Spanish kids don't play competitive football until there 13 or 14 I think. They focus on technique and education. That's why they develop technical players who are so good on the ball as opposed to the majority of English/Irish players who focus on size and winning matches at u-10 u-12 etc level and therein lies the reason why England are crap and Spain are not

Anyway there's videos of Xavi and Iniesta at La Masia doing maths in the classroom. I'm sure Madrid have something similar set up. He won't miss out on any shool. Unbelievable opportunity. I'd actually be more concerned for the parents - are their skills transferable to the Spanish economy?

The non-competitive football thing doesn't really help in this case. There is still a serious amount of pressure and the vast majority wont make the grade at any level.

baz2009 wrote: »

Chances are he'll get much better coaching and he'll have a better chance of being recognised playing for one of the biggest academies in the world rather than a small team in the west.

The 2 things you said are true. Saying that he'll probably make it as a pro at some level if he avoids injury is so far into fantasy world that it probably built the wardrobe from Narnia though.

parc · 14-04-2012 1:15am

CSF wrote: »

The non-competitive football thing doesn't really help in this case. There is still a serious amount of pressure and the vast majority wont make the grade at any level.

The 2 things you said are true. Saying that he'll probably make it as a pro at some level if he avoids injury is so far into fantasy world that it probably built the wardrobe from Narnia though.

How do you know the lad won't rise to the challenge? To keep him hidden from the world, afraid to take up the offer is disgusting imo (ok, disgusting is hyperbole, but I think it's wrong).

You can't deny him such an opportunity, you have to let him prove himself. If he fails, as the guy above said, no big deal at all - just a great experience hopefully. Like I said I'd actually be more worried about the parents

Adolf Hipster · 14-04-2012 1:15am

darkman2 wrote: »

He will end up as a sub at Darlington in the end which is better than most.

You haven't a notion where he'll end up, nothing is written in stone, begrudgery at it's finest.

jive · 14-04-2012 1:23am

Why are people talking about where a 9 year old ends up?? lmao. He's phucking 9. He will go out there largely oblivious to his surroundings and any pressures to play football, learn a new language and continue is education. It doesn't matter where he ends up. The fact of the matter is is that it's an amazing OPPORTUNITY. That's all it is, nothing more, nothing less. Nobody is touting him as the next ronaldo, the next messi, the next whoever. They can offer him a level of coaching that cannot be matched in Ireland. He enjoys football (otherwise he wouldn't be playing it, or be this good) and can further develop as a footballer there.

It's not disgusting, it's not child labour, it's not any of those things. It's a kid with an opportunity to get the best chances to develop as a footballer regardless of whether or not he wants to pursue it as a career in the future.

parc · 14-04-2012 1:29am

CSF is just pissed off because he's a mayo gah trainer and is loosing this kid to a foreign game

:pac:

plasmaguy · 14-04-2012 4:01am

Let me see...potentially a successful footballer in Spain either with Madrid or elsewhere earning millions of bucks.

Or a life at home in Ballyhaunins where unemployment is high and barring that eventually maybe emigration to england to work on the buidlings or something like that?

Easy choice imo.

His parents deserve a slap on the back for being far sighted.

Yes maybe it won't work out, but spending a year or two in Madrid, nothing wrong with it to be honest.

It's just the way they do things in Spain, get them young and train them up the right way. Certainly worked for Barcalona. Most of their players started with youth teams aged 9 or 10.

This kid obviously has talent and its always a shame to let talent go unfullfilled.

CiaranC · 14-04-2012 5:55am

parc wrote: »

I'd actually be more concerned for the parents - are their skills transferable to the Spanish economy?

I doubt that will be an issue while their 9 year old remains the family breadwinner. No pressure like.

pickarooney · 14-04-2012 7:34am

How did this kid get discovered exactly?

doomed · 14-04-2012 8:05am

He's nine. Its not like he was 7. High time he was out earning a living. Since we stopped using coal fires chimney sweeping work has dried up for his age group. If they are not going to let us run sweatshops how are these kids going to find work?

elefant · 14-04-2012 8:29am

Something does seem a little bit wrong about it, but I can't help thinking if I'd (through some monumental mix-up) been offered a trial with Real Madrid when I was nine and my parents wouldn't allow me to go I'd always be thinking 'what if' for the rest of my life.

Best case, he makes it big.
Worst case, he learns Spanish, has some fun and comes home.

Richard Hillman · 14-04-2012 8:37am

So when little Johnny decides when he is 12 that he likes rugby better and quits, does this mean his family lose their set up jobs? Its emotion child labour, its vile.

You see it in womens tennis. The kids are turfed over to Florida to train pretty much full time. Loads of them retire in their mid twenties and disown their parents.

btw this story doesn't sound like it had any foundation but this type of stuff does happen unfortunately

event · 14-04-2012 8:39am

adamski8 wrote: »

Damn straight. I saw some under 9's russian team play one time and they didn't seem like they were having fun! Manager shouting very aggresivily at them if they lost the ball and no smiles. Very sad I think

so do you not think under 9's should be playing football at all?

cos i have seen that happen in the park up the road, managers shouting at kids. it happens everywhere.

its typical irish begrudgery, i really cannot believe people are saying this is a bad thing.

none of us have a clue what the madrids kids coaching is like, so there is no point talking about it like its a bad thing

Caveman1 · 14-04-2012 8:39am

The people begrudging the family for giving their child such an opportunity are just spiteful, the family are 100% right in what they are doing.

He's still going to receive an education, he's being coached at the very highest level, he's getting to experience a different culture and I'm sure the club will find jobs for the parents.

Worst case scenario, he doesn't make it at Real Madrid, he's obviously showing enough already that ensures he could make a career in football, even in lower leagues, that's without all the world class training he's going to receive. Or if he decides football isn't his thing he can just move on, as another poster already stated there's no contract so himself and his family are free to do as they please

Richard Hillman · 14-04-2012 8:53am

Am I the only one that stops reading a post when the word begrudge pops up. Such lazy debating.

stovelid · 14-04-2012 9:25am

The generous sprinkly of the mongo word 'begrudgery'in the thread made me think I was in after hours for a minute.

RandolphEsq · 14-04-2012 11:59am

Richard Hillman wrote: »

Am I the only one that stops reading a post when the word begrudge pops up. Such lazy debating.

padser · 14-04-2012 12:15pm

I think people are REALLY missing the point here.

If this guy has been picked up by Real Madrid then Trap should be looking to get him onto the pitch for 30 seconds at the end of a game. Otherwise we will end up in 10 years time watching him tog out for Spain.

stovelid · 14-04-2012 12:38pm

padser wrote: »

I think people are REALLY missing the point here.

If this guy has been picked up by Real Madrid then Trap should be looking to get him onto the pitch for 30 seconds at the end of a game. Otherwise we will end up in 10 years time watching him tog out for Spain.

He might be a bit young for Trap to put into a senior squad at the moment.

Raskolnikov · 14-04-2012 12:48pm

Whether people like it or not, the trend in football is for clubs to get players at younger and younger ages. Look at Barcelona, loads of their players have been at the club from ages as young as 7 or 8. These kids are getting a world class footballing education for 10 years before they ever kick a ball at a professional level. Any kid being offered a chance at this kind of education would be a fool to turn it down.

Owen_S · 15-04-2012 2:35pm

Raskolnikov wrote: »

Whether people like it or not, the trend in football is for clubs to get players at younger and younger ages. Look at Barcelona, loads of their players have been at the club from ages as young as 7 or 8. These kids are getting a world class footballing education for 10 years before they ever kick a ball at a professional level. Any kid being offered a chance at this kind of education would be a fool to turn it down.

It's not just a world class footballing education, at Barca there is a system in place so that the youth players also do very well academically.

Fizman · 16-04-2012 12:15pm

I'm sorry if I've missed it, but I've had a quick scroll through the thread and have yet to come across a posted link to this story. Anyone?

Fr Tod Umptious · 16-04-2012 3:14pm

plasmaguy wrote: »

Let me see...potentially a successful footballer in Spain either with Madrid or elsewhere earning millions of bucks.

Or a life at home in Ballyhaunins where unemployment is high and barring that eventually maybe emigration to england to work on the buidlings or something like that?

Easy choice imo.

His parents deserve a slap on the back for being far sighted.

Yes maybe it won't work out, but spending a year or two in Madrid, nothing wrong with it to be honest.

It's just the way they do things in Spain, get them young and train them up the right way. Certainly worked for Barcalona. Most of their players started with youth teams aged 9 or 10.

This kid obviously has talent and its always a shame to let talent go unfullfilled.

Or maybe he will do what a lots of us Mayo folks have done over the years

Go to college, get an education and work in ireland or elsewhere at something other that 'on the buidlings or something like that?'

Borat_Sagdiyev · 16-04-2012 3:46pm

Fr Tod Umptious wrote: »

Or maybe he will do what a lots of us Mayo folks have done over the years

Go to college, get an education and work in ireland or elsewhere at something other that 'on the buidlings or something like that?'

Become a priest ?

sundula · 16-04-2012 3:50pm

Borat_Sagdiyev wrote: »

Become a priest ?

Or leader of our glorious country?

gnfnrhead · 16-04-2012 5:45pm

Fizman wrote: »

I'm sorry if I've missed it, but I've had a quick scroll through the thread and have yet to come across a posted link to this story. Anyone?

It was a local newspaper. If they have a website, I doubt it's the kindthat gets updated with every single bit of news.

Fowler87 · 16-04-2012 6:42pm

Ha just after seeing this thread now. From Ballyhaunis myself and heard this last week. True story however the lad isnt actually from Ballyhaunis, just a native. His grandfather still lives here but the family moved to England years ago. So technically the 9 year old isnt a 'Mayoman'. However, that will change if we see him lining out alongside Enzo Zidane in El Classico in the future:D Good luck to the lad, hope he enjoys it and learns alot:)

Father Damo · 17-04-2012 1:07am

Out of curiousity how did they find him? I really cant imagine Real sending scouts to Mayo under 10s schoolboy ties in fairness!

Mars Bar · 17-04-2012 4:49pm

Father Damo wrote: »

Out of curiousity how did they find him? I really cant imagine Real sending scouts to Mayo under 10s schoolboy ties in fairness!

Did you not read the post above your one? He's an English kid with Mayo ancestry. Just a catchy and untrue headline by a journalist to get hits...

9 year-old Mayoman set for Real Madrid

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