Is it possible to change a clubs culture?

deadybai

I currently play for a Junior club and I myself is on the fringes of the squad. Recently I have begun really working my arse off trying to make the first team. I reckon next year will be my year. :P

Anyways, I believe my club can go on to do great things if the attitude is right. But thats whats wrong. It's not. On the pitch is fine. Everyone usually turns up for training and never give out to the management or other players. If they do its constructive criticism.

Its off the pitch were the attitude is poor. Not known to the coaches we have lads who dont eat particularly good, dont gym and are too fond of the drink. Pre season training begins in February. Only one or two lads bother with fitness between October and February when training starts up again.
We had a big game a few weeks ago and were played off the pitch by a much fitter team. A few lads were drinking the night before and one of our best players talent wise, didn't show up. There are a few big games coming up over the next few weekends and I seen an awful lot of the players partying to all hours over every weekend recently. Also in nearly every big game we play, we lose.

I find this really frustrating as I truly believe if everyone gets themselves sorted off the pitch we can achieve something. Our club has bags of talent but a poor attitude.

Has anyone here had a similar experience that worked itself out? What can be done to change players attitudes? Is it up to the management or could a player do something?

Danno

It's the old Catch-22 chestnut - success breeds success. It's a vicious cycle to break. You'll know the team has hit rock bottom when the mother-and-father of all beatings on the scoreboard are causes for a "session" as much as the one-point victory is.