Underage soccer clubs that welcome all abilities

Cuttlefish · 19-06-2021 8:09am

chef wrote: »

How about yourself or one of his parents contact the club
See if they have a 2nd team
If the don't, maybe look to start one up at the club yourselves
See if there are any other parents willing to help

Remember the coaches are volunteers
They put an awful lot of effort into training teams.
It can be very difficult to please everyone.

Your nephew may indeed prosper playing at a lower level, against lads of similar skill.
See what you can do to help.

Good point! Thank you

Cuttlefish · 19-06-2021 8:19am

ec18 wrote: »

You kinda did though, this thread is about him showing up and not being getting some game time.

Clearly the coach determines who the best players are. They are the ones that are at training and picking the team. You've said yourself he's not the best player.

That's fair about going across the water already. It doesn't mean that the rest of the team don't want to win games or leagues etc. Just because he didn't get to play doesn't mean the club has a win at all costs mentality? Maybe they have a the best trainers get played?

Look if he's not the best football player he's in for weeks like this for a while until he finds a team/league level that he's competitive at. Anything else is just putting off the inevitable.

No the jist of my thread was to determine what is standard practice of schoolboy soccer teams with regards games - is it sport for all ethos or best team put out

Firstly is there a common ethos that clubs at this level adopt with regards to "sport for all" and including all kids who attend training and want to play REGARDLESS of their level of ability or (probably answering the question myself here) is it - win at all cost and do so by playing your best players???

I was hoping that maybe the club may have formed a "B" team for boys of lesser ability so they could enjoy the beautiful game

Yes I said he is not a great player perhaps not even an average player that is why I was asking if clubs have "B" and "C" teams that allow less skilful players participate and enjoy themselves

I am trying to find out what is best for my nephew, not expecting him to get picked just cos he turns up for training/ games

thomasm · 19-06-2021 9:05am

Cuttlefish wrote: »

OK so looking for some advice and guidance in relation to my nephew

He is going into secondary school next Sept and he loves soccer, now he recently joined a well known soccer club in the city and has been going to training and went to his first match out in Tramore last week but was never used during the game (along with a few other boys from what I understand) - he was visibly upset as you can understand

Now gonna say up front he is not a great footballer might even say below average nonetheless he loves soccer and would like him to be encouraged and included!

Firstly is there a common ethos that clubs at this level adopt with regards to "sport for all" and including all kids who attend training and want to play REGARDLESS of their level of ability or (probably answering the question myself here) is it - win at all cost and do so by playing your best players???

I was hoping that maybe the club may have formed a "B" team for boys of lesser ability so they could enjoy the beautiful game

Does anyone know of other clubs in the city that adopt a policy that all kids are involved and encouraged??
Would really love him to feel involved with a club and not feel left out

He is training again this evening but I dont see him getting much involvement bar basic training

I know some if not a lot of kids are better than him but as they say some of us open our presents later in life!!

What suggestions does anyone have

Thanks

Is it not a case that Tramore were due to provide a third team for an additional game and this is where the problem stemmed from. The coaches can’t do anything about this. Apologies were made to parents and kids and the club are liasing with schoolboy chairperson to get more games and all of this was relayed to parents.

I imagine it’s hard for a club when they have so many keen players to find games for them all. The alternative would be to limit the amount who can train which in my view would be worse. They also stated one selection criteria for games would be those who turned up for training the most.

Cuttlefish · 19-06-2021 4:44pm

thomasm wrote: »

Is it not a case that Tramore were due to provide a third team for an additional game and this is where the problem stemmed from. The coaches can’t do anything about this. Apologies were made to parents and kids and the club are liasing with schoolboy chairperson to get more games and all of this was relayed to parents.

I imagine it’s hard for a club when they have so many keen players to find games for them all. The alternative would be to limit the amount who can train which in my view would be worse. They also stated one selection criteria for games would be those who turned up for training the most.

To clarify my nephew went to a match last week hosted in Tramore, he doesn’t play for Tramore

thomasm · 19-06-2021 8:06pm

Cuttlefish wrote: »

To clarify my nephew went to a match last week hosted in Tramore, he doesn’t play for Tramore

I understand but the team your nephew plays for were under the impression there would be three games and not two and brought players for three games hence the reason he did not get a game. This is second hand information but confident it’s true

Cuttlefish · 19-06-2021 11:59pm

thomasm wrote: »

I understand but the team your nephew plays for were under the impression there would be three games and not two and brought players for three games hence the reason he did not get a game. This is second hand information but confident it’s true

OK thanks very much didn't know that.

spaceCreated · 21-06-2021 5:52pm

ec18 wrote: »

if he's not good enough he shouldn't play......how that's managed on a club level is open to question whether they should be a, b, c teams. But the idea that he should play just because he showed up isn't great.

It's all well and good saying everyone has to play win or lose, what happens if he costs the team the game ? how would the rest of the team feel then?

Unfortunately he's at that age where sport gets a bit more intense in terms of competition and some players trying to make a career of it or to win what they can locally.

And its reasons like that Harry Kane got turfed out of Arsenal. There are plenty of kids at underage who look great because they're a bit quicker or bigger and plenty of kids who develop 2 left legs while they get used of their new height etc. Obviously there are better kids but theres reasons that we're not doing much at international level these days and it doesnt seem the approach of only getting the kids that get you results at u13 works out at anything but u13.

Iscreamkone · 21-06-2021 10:44pm

spaceCreated wrote: »

And its reasons like that Harry Kane got turfed out of Arsenal. There are plenty of kids at underage who look great because they're a bit quicker or bigger and plenty of kids who develop 2 left legs while they get used of their new height etc. Obviously there are better kids but theres reasons that we're not doing much at international level these days and it doesnt seem the approach of only getting the kids that get you results at u13 works out at anything but u13.

Why can’t u13 be just about u13. Why does it all have to be about developing the next Iniesta?
Some lads greatest sporting achievement will be winning the u13 Cup… and good luck to them.

ThumbTaxed · 22-06-2021 11:04am

Definitely try Villa. My oldest started at 11 and even though he was struggling they kept giving him a chance. He now is a starter every game at a low level, but he plays.

At under 11s and under 12s I can see the weaker kids getting a chance as well. Great club.

spaceCreated · 22-06-2021 5:37pm

Iscreamkone wrote: »

Why can’t u13 be just about u13. Why does it all have to be about developing the next Iniesta?
Some lads greatest sporting achievement will be winning the u13 Cup… and good luck to them.

When most people would say let 13 year olds be 13 year olds they would mean they should be enjoying the game not be put under heaps of pressure so they can win a medal that goes in to the attic with the rest of them. Much better to be focused on enjoying the game, giving 100% and improving and winning second than trying to win everything. By definition only a very few could win so if thats all that matters...

Iscreamkone · 22-06-2021 9:04pm

I’m involved with u7& u8s. We do everything to take the winning out of their games. Subbing the best players, making goals of uneven sizes, even joining in with the losing teams to help them. These kids still keep the score. They know if they’ve won or lost the game, even when we lie and say that that it was a draw again this week.

U13 is a different ball game. This is proper competition. Lads are trying to get on representative teams and on to fai trials etc.

B & C teams can muck about a bit, but the A teams should be trying to win. Trying to win is enjoyable. Winning for some teams may be getting to the second round or just keeping the score down.

Roy Keane was playing u13 to win, not to look pretty. Winning is enjoyable. Winning football is good football.

Not everyone can win trophies but trying your best to win must be encouraged.

Winning is not a dirty word in spite of what some coaching manuals will tell you.

spaceCreated · 22-06-2021 9:49pm

Iscreamkone wrote: »

I’m involved with u7& u8s. We do everything to take the winning out of their games. Subbing the best players, making goals of uneven sizes, even joining in with the losing teams to help them. These kids still keep the score. They know if they’ve won or lost the game, even when we lie and say that that it was a draw again this week.

U13 is a different ball game. This is proper competition. Lads are trying to get on representative teams and on to fai trials etc.

B & C teams can muck about a bit, but the A teams should be trying to win. Trying to win is enjoyable. Winning for some teams may be getting to the second round or just keeping the score down.

Roy Keane was playing u13 to win, not to look pretty. Winning is enjoyable. Winning football is good football.

Not everyone can win trophies but trying your best to win must be encouraged.

Winning is not a dirty word in spite of what some coaching manuals will tell you.

Youre making different points in your posts, first it was about just winning for winnings sake, now its about getting the players on to trials etc. I think if its winning above all else you risk throwing the baby out with the bathwater, like Seamus Coleman being told he wasnt good enough to play for an FAI team a year before being signed for Everton is probably a sign of that.

Like I do see your points but I think a focus on your own game first and winning second is a much better approach, gets the mind focused on improving yourself and not whether you won or lost. I think plenty of lads throw in the sport or dont put in the effort around that time because all they see is pressure and not much fun. Im sure everyone knows at least a few lads who decided to throw it in or just not bother much at that age.

Roy Keane was a different thing altogether, that kind of stuff is formed earlier than u13 and u14. Sure encourage or hone the winning mentality, but trying to create that Roy Keane pressure cooker atmosphere at u13 is just a recipe for disaster if you ask me, these lads arent trying to win the premiership or champions league, theyre trying to show how good they are and win something in the process of doing it.

Iscreamkone · 22-06-2021 10:14pm

spaceCreated wrote: »

Youre making different points in your posts, first it was about just winning for winnings sake, now its about getting the players on to trials etc. I think if its winning above all else you risk throwing the baby out with the bathwater, like Seamus Coleman being told he wasnt good enough to play for an FAI team a year before being signed for Everton is probably a sign of that.

Like I do see your points but I think a focus on your own game first and winning second is a much better approach, gets the mind focused on improving yourself and not whether you won or lost. I think plenty of lads throw in the sport or dont put in the effort around that time because all they see is pressure and not much fun. Im sure everyone knows at least a few lads who decided to throw it in or just not bother much at that age.

Roy Keane was a different thing altogether, that kind of stuff is formed earlier than u13 and u14. Sure encourage or hone the winning mentality, but trying to create that Roy Keane pressure cooker atmosphere at u13 is just a recipe for disaster if you ask me, these lads arent trying to win the premiership or champions league, theyre trying to show how good they are and win something in the process of doing it.

Winning clubs will get more players on representative teams. But the weaker players on winning teams will be very happy “just” to win trophies. Kids dream of getting the winning goal in the World Cup/Champions League final - winning is the goal. At the end of the day winning is more fun than losing.

Motivator · 22-06-2021 10:39pm

spaceCreated wrote: »

Youre making different points in your posts, first it was about just winning for winnings sake, now its about getting the players on to trials etc. I think if its winning above all else you risk throwing the baby out with the bathwater, like Seamus Coleman being told he wasnt good enough to play for an FAI team a year before being signed for Everton is probably a sign of that.

Like I do see your points but I think a focus on your own game first and winning second is a much better approach, gets the mind focused on improving yourself and not whether you won or lost. I think plenty of lads throw in the sport or dont put in the effort around that time because all they see is pressure and not much fun. Im sure everyone knows at least a few lads who decided to throw it in or just not bother much at that age.

Roy Keane was a different thing altogether, that kind of stuff is formed earlier than u13 and u14. Sure encourage or hone the winning mentality, but trying to create that Roy Keane pressure cooker atmosphere at u13 is just a recipe for disaster if you ask me, these lads arent trying to win the premiership or champions league, theyre trying to show how good they are and win something in the process of doing it.

There’s a reason there are competitive games from u11 upwards. There are leagues and cups there to be won, all the years up to the first competitive game for a young player are about enjoyment and learning the game. Once the first competitive game kicks off then it’s a win mentality that the young lads are taught. And rightly so, coaching kids at 11, 12 or 13 and telling them that winning isn’t the main aim is just not something that happens. Yeah, kids are encouraged to go and enjoy themselves but they’re expected to win.

Flow Motion · 23-06-2021 10:28am

DeanAustin wrote: »

Personally, I think that's disgraceful if he's made the effort to turn up. Some underage coaches think they're the next Mourinho.

Some?? About 90% think there are the next tactical guru meshing Klopp-Guardiola-Tuchel together to take on the world of underage soccer. Its a shame cos at that age it should all be about enjoying the game. I know guys who coach/manage at that level and was astounded to be told that they take notes each session/game, attend seminars, read tactical books etc. Im not gonna name any names or clubs but if your familiar with the scene you know the people.

Aside from these tactical guru's I find the manoeuvre of putting some kids on the first 11, regardless of talent, just cos their Daddy is some big shot around town disgusting. Only a few weeks back Mr X wrote a letter to a club in town after Jonny X wasnt getting his game, reminding said club of the amount of sponsorship he gave them the previous year! You'd have to pinch yourself to remind you its kids football in Waterford eh??

FootRace12 · 23-06-2021 10:59am

Sorry to hear this OP, if I may add some insight and hopefully you find a solution.

I live in Dublin and have been involved in soccer and GAA all my life. The difference in soccer and GAA is massive here and I’m sure all across the country when it comes to these type of scenarios. It’s tough on kids but it’s also expected.

We’ll stick with soccer as this is the sport your nephew loves. Here in Dublin with the ‘big clubs’ it is absolutely cut throat, from academy level moving to U7/8s. You have maybe 40-50 kids and a squad of maybe 15-20 could be picked to play for the team and the rest who have been at this club maybe since the age of 3 or 4 are cast aside. But as I said that is expected and unfortunately how soccer is. It won’t change. If a child is at one of these better clubs known to produce players who make careers from the game, and they are deemed as having less ability than others, they won’t be wanted. It’s tough but that’s the facts. I’ve seen it personally and while I know it’s hard on the kids and some parents, I think parents don’t understand how the game goes and these decisions have always been made like this.

There are plenty of local clubs that will take on these kids and they’ll simply get to play ball, make friends, enjoy training and playing matches in lower leagues at a lower level. Knowing they won’t make a career in the game but still fulfilling the love they have for it.

Just recently in the last couple of weeks I spoke to a guy who was basically told his kid wouldn’t be in the squad, along with another 13 kids who had been there for the last 4 years, for the upcoming season (u10s) and he couldn’t understand how a club could do this, a big well known league of Ireland club, and I felt for the guy and his kid. BUT I also understand the game and know these decisions are made every season, always have been and always will be.

This is where I told the guy look, there are hundreds of school boy teams here who will be delighted to welcome the child, they may not be in the top tier of children’s football, but will nonetheless get the same enjoyment. There is ‘elite’ levels of underage soccer here, and while I agree on one hand that’s how these kids will develop how they need to, I also understand kids and parents who don’t quite grasp this.

Rambling on now, but just know this, soccer is available for all abilities, there will always be clubs and coaches willing to take in any child at any level, so keep your nephews spirits high!

Motivator · 23-06-2021 11:16am

Flow Motion wrote: »

Some?? About 90% think there are the next tactical guru meshing Klopp-Guardiola-Tuchel together to take on the world of underage soccer. Its a shame cos at that age it should all be about enjoying the game. I know guys who coach/manage at that level and was astounded to be told that they take notes each session/game, attend seminars, read tactical books etc. Im not gonna name any names or clubs but if your familiar with the scene you know the people.

Aside from these tactical guru's I find the manoeuvre of putting some kids on the first 11, regardless of talent, just cos their Daddy is some big shot around town disgusting. Only a few weeks back Mr X wrote a letter to a club in town after Jonny X wasnt getting his game, reminding said club of the amount of sponsorship he gave them the previous year! You'd have to pinch yourself to remind you its kids football in Waterford eh??

You do realise the amount of time and effort that coaches put into training teams? I know a couple of coaches that put probably 10 or 12 hours a week into training one underage team. They get plenty of thanks off the parents, players and the club for it and I don’t think they’d be too bothered about someone like you slagging them off for it on an online forum!

I coached an u-14 team to win a league and cup double a few years ago. I had coached them from u-12 and it took two years for them to get to a position where we could win something. Did I take notes? Absolutely I did. Did I put a lot of effort into the coaching sessions each week? Absolutely I did. It was like a second job for me and I loved every minute of it. Some of the lads I had on the team will go on to play soccer at a high level locally, Premier football is the main aim for some of them and good luck to them. One lad is very bright and a very talented player and he wanted to go to America on a scholarship. That was his aim when he was 13. Commitment from players and coaches is what wins trophies and medals but it also encourages people to work harder. I’d love to hear in a few years time that the player has gone to America on a scholarship and I’d like to think the guidance he got from me at a very formative age helped him to get there in even a small way.

People who dedicate time and effort aren’t asking for recognition for what they’re doing, but they certainly shouldn’t be getting criticised for it.

Flow Motion · 23-06-2021 11:48am

Motivator wrote: »

You do realise the amount of time and effort that coaches put into training teams? I know a couple of coaches that put probably 10 or 12 hours a week into training one underage team. They get plenty of thanks off the parents, players and the club for it and I don’t think they’d be too bothered about someone like you slagging them off for it on an online forum!

I coached an u-14 team to win a league and cup double a few years ago. I had coached them from u-12 and it took two years for them to get to a position where we could win something. Did I take notes? Absolutely I did. Did I put a lot of effort into the coaching sessions each week? Absolutely I did. It was like a second job for me and I loved every minute of it. Some of the lads I had on the team will go on to play soccer at a high level locally, Premier football is the main aim for some of them and good luck to them. One lad is very bright and a very talented player and he wanted to go to America on a scholarship. That was his aim when he was 13. Commitment from players and coaches is what wins trophies and medals but it also encourages people to work harder. I’d love to hear in a few years time that the player has gone to America on a scholarship and I’d like to think the guidance he got from me at a very formative age helped him to get there in even a small way.

People who dedicate time and effort aren’t asking for recognition for what they’re doing, but they certainly shouldn’t be getting criticised for it.

Wasn't slagging anyone off just stating facts. Like many people Ive stood on the sidelines and observed the local guru coaches. And dont tell me certain young fellas dont get picked cos of cronyism. Money and status talks. Its not all about talent. Who you know also matters esp in a small place like Waterford. Your post just proved the case I laid out in my initial post.

Lots of "I's" in your post btw.

Motivator · 23-06-2021 12:39pm

Flow Motion wrote: »

Wasn't slagging anyone off just stating facts. Like many people Ive stood on the sidelines and observed the local guru coaches. And dont tell me certain young fellas dont get picked cos of cronyism. Money and status talks. Its not all about talent. Who you know also matters esp in a small place like Waterford. Your post just proved the case I laid out in my initial post.

Lots of "I's" in your post btw.

Lots of “I’s” in my post because I was talking about myself. The only thing this thread has shown is that there are an awful lot of bitter people who’s kids are sitting on their arses every Saturday morning or who were in the same position themselves when they were younger.

Moaning about the set up of a current club does nothing, either put the child in a weaker team or a different club or encourage them to work harder at their game. Cronyism doesn’t win teams matches so that’s nonsense talk. In my experience for competitive matches, players are picked on ability and not who their dad is. If a player is crap, no matter what age he is, he’s not going to play. Expecting a coach to play a young lad that is useless isn’t doing anyone any favours.

Squidvicious · 23-06-2021 12:48pm

Motivator wrote: »

Lots of “I’s” in my post because I was talking about myself. The only thing this thread has shown is that there are an awful lot of bitter people who’s kids are sitting on their arses every Saturday morning or who were in the same position themselves when they were younger.

Moaning about the set up of a current club does nothing, either put the child in a weaker team or a different club or encourage them to work harder at their game. Cronyism doesn’t win teams matches so that’s nonsense talk. In my experience for competitive matches, players are picked on ability and not who their dad is. If a player is crap, no matter what age he is, he’s not going to play. Expecting a coach to play a young lad that is useless isn’t doing anyone any favours.

To be fair, I don't see any bitter people here. I do see people who have concern for their children but few people here are slagging off the coaches. Foot Race made a very good point about GAA. GAA clubs do make more of an effort with the weaker kids. Without wanting to seem to be slagging off coaches(who I fully accept to great work on a volunteering basis), I really do have to question the FAI model underage. The idea that kids at 7 or 8 are cast on the scrap heap seems questionable to me. Is it really a good idea that some kids are put in such a competitive environment at such a young age while others are told that they're not good enough? Before you make assumptions, I'm not necessarily thinking just about the children's feelings etc. I also wonder whether this is good for the development of children's skills. Perhaps a less competitive environment with more emphasis on developing skills at younger ages would be better both for the kids and for improving football standards in this country?

Flow Motion · 23-06-2021 1:03pm

Motivator wrote: »

Lots of “I’s” in my post because I was talking about myself. The only thing this thread has shown is that there are an awful lot of bitter people who’s kids are sitting on their arses every Saturday morning or who were in the same position themselves when they were younger.

Moaning about the set up of a current club does nothing, either put the child in a weaker team or a different club or encourage them to work harder at their game. Cronyism doesn’t win teams matches so that’s nonsense talk. In my experience for competitive matches, players are picked on ability and not who their dad is. If a player is crap, no matter what age he is, he’s not going to play. Expecting a coach to play a young lad that is useless isn’t doing anyone any favours.

Just to clarify things I'm not bitter at all. I just put forward a few points that I happened to notice whilst standing on the sidelines. And your use of the words crap and useless about a young fella at a club is less than inspiring. Is essence you have proved my points by the tone of your replies. Then again your username {Motivator} tells me everything I need to know about your attitude : only winners need apply for my team. Just remember children are not machines and some need to be nurtured and treated with kid gloves in order for them to develop. TBH I would rather a child be allowed play ball with a crap, useless team filled with weaker kids where there all could at least play and enjoy the game.

spaceCreated · 23-06-2021 1:09pm

Motivator wrote: »

There’s a reason there are competitive games from u11 upwards. There are leagues and cups there to be won, all the years up to the first competitive game for a young player are about enjoyment and learning the game. Once the first competitive game kicks off then it’s a win mentality that the young lads are taught. And rightly so, coaching kids at 11, 12 or 13 and telling them that winning isn’t the main aim is just not something that happens. Yeah, kids are encouraged to go and enjoy themselves but they’re expected to win.

Like everything you're saying is flying in the face of what seems to be successful internationally https://www.irishexaminer.com/sport/soccer/arid-30926589.html and also a lot more enjoyable way to play the game at underage.

spaceCreated · 23-06-2021 1:12pm

Flow Motion wrote: »

Just to clarify things I'm not bitter at all. I just put forward a few points that I happened to notice whilst standing on the sidelines. And your use of the words crap and useless about a young fella at a club is less than inspiring. Is essence you have proved my points by the tone of your replies. Then again your username {Motivator} tells me everything I need to know about your attitude : only winners need apply for my team. Just remember children are not machines and some need to be nurtured and treated with kid gloves in order for them to develop. TBH I would rather a child be allowed play ball with a crap, useless team filled with weaker kids where there all could at least play and enjoy the game.

The problem isnt even weaker kids - its weaker kids at that time from a coaches persprective, plenty of kids are all over the place at that age and many are late bloomers as well, ignore the Kevin De Bruynes etc. and look closer to home with the Roy Keanes and Seamus Colemans. If all underage players are concerned with is winning they'll never take the risks and never develop the technical side of their game. They'll learn how to run hard and put in effort but thats about it.

Motivator · 23-06-2021 1:39pm

Flow Motion wrote: »

Just to clarify things I'm not bitter at all. I just put forward a few points that I happened to notice whilst standing on the sidelines. And your use of the words crap and useless about a young fella at a club is less than inspiring. Is essence you have proved my points by the tone of your replies. Then again your username {Motivator} tells me everything I need to know about your attitude : only winners need apply for my team. Just remember children are not machines and some need to be nurtured and treated with kid gloves in order for them to develop. TBH I would rather a child be allowed play ball with a crap, useless team filled with weaker kids where there all could at least play and enjoy the game.

I fully agree kids need to be nurtured, like I said it took two years of development for my lads to learn how to be competitive. I started coaching them when they were u12 so I had lads that were 10 and 11 and I stopped coaching that group when they came out of u14. I had some of the younger lads in the group when they stayed u14. When we won something the parents especially said they were delighted they had something to show for all the driving to and from training and matches over the previous couple of years. There’s pride in winning something and it gives young lads a great sense of achievement and makes them feel a bit special. They go into school after playing against friends or classmates and they talk about the games. Sport matters to people and so does winning.

Anything before u11 competitive games kick in, absolutely the games should be about fun and inclusion and they are. But it’s important to know that those years are what gives coaches and clubs the base to work from when things get serious. Kids are competitive and they want to win, anyone says any different is talking nonsense. Yeah there needs to be enjoyment in playing but tell me where the enjoyment is in getting beaten every week? Losing drains every bit of fun out of a game, a team and a player and a team or club that is happy to lose games is a team or a club that eventually won’t have any players. If a child is unhappy about not playing at u12 or u13 then I think they need to go and play for a weaker team immediately.

spaceCreated · 23-06-2021 1:42pm

Motivator wrote: »

I fully agree kids need to be nurtured, like I said it took two years of development for my lads to learn how to be competitive. I started coaching them when they were u12 so I had lads that were 10 and 11 and I stopped coaching that group when they came out of u14. I had some of the younger lads in the group when they stayed u14. When we won something the parents especially said they were delighted they had something to show for all the driving to and from training and matches over the previous couple of years. There’s pride in winning something and it gives young lads a great sense of achievement and makes them feel a bit special. They go into school after playing against friends or classmates and they talk about the games. Sport matters to people and so does winning.

Anything before u11 competitive games kick in, absolutely the games should be about fun and inclusion and they are. But it’s important to know that those years are what gives coaches and clubs the base to work from when things get serious. Kids are competitive and they want to win, anyone says any different is talking nonsense. Yeah there needs to be enjoyment in playing but tell me where the enjoyment is in getting beaten every week? Losing drains every bit of fun out of a game, a team and a player and a team or club that is happy to lose games is a team or a club that eventually won’t have any players. If a child is unhappy about not playing at u12 or u13 then I think they need to go and play for a weaker team immediately.

I feel like you either didn't read the article or just completely ignored the points that Van Der Haegan made or how they restructured Beligan football.

greenspurs · 28-06-2021 9:46am

Motivator wrote: »

Anything before u11 competitive games kick in, absolutely the games should be about fun and inclusion and they are.

U11 is not competitive.
The results are not recorded , and no league points awarded.

U12 is when results and scores are recorded.

greenspurs · 01-07-2021 12:16pm

Any update on the lad ?

ec18 · 01-07-2021 4:14pm

greenspurs wrote: »

Any update on the lad ?

Called up by Stephen Kenny

greenspurs · 02-07-2021 7:42am

ec18 wrote: »

Called up by Stephen Kenny

i hope hes not a sub !

:P

Cuttlefish · 04-07-2021 11:18pm

greenspurs wrote: »

Any update on the lad ?

Still attending training and games and has been give some game minutes!

Underage soccer clubs that welcome all abilities

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