When we look at our national team and the way our players play the game its hard to understand why
our countrys players always seem to be technically inferior to that of our european counterparts or are South American friends. We are a match for any nation in terms of the physical side of the game but the basics of the game which are so important things such as passing, first touch, ball control and technique. We really are lacking in these areas.
It all comes back to the way we teach our kids to play the game. For the last 6 years now I have been involved in bringing my 2 young cousins to there training and games and it seems to be mainly all about winning from an early age as young as under 7, How do we expect to produce technically gifted footballers in Ireland when you witness what I've witnessed from not only coaches but parents. Its win at all costs and the young kids are urged on by parents and coaches on the side-line to get the ball forward and really the parents shouldnt be giving instruction to the kids but this is happening every week here in this country.
Instead we should be developing the kids better, Take winning out of the game for god sake at least until there u11, I know everyone wants to win but its just not working the current way. I'm no expert but it's clear to me when you watch the national side and when i watch underage football it seems obvious that the problems stem from a very young age when players should be learning the skills and developing and honing those skills in a fun environment as opposed to having parents and coaches screaming at them and also parents and coaches going head to head in situations which I've witnessed 3 times in the last 6 years.
I know we produce the odd gifted player in this country but I really believe we could be producing alot more if we put the right methods and infrastructure in place and the FAI need to look into this area because the current way of doing things is clearly not working and will clearly go on not working unless drastic changes are made. I must also say I have come across clubs who do it the right way but most saturdays its the same old story, the Ref being abused, the kids being roared at if they make mistakes the parents shouting instructions. No wonder we dont produce players like Liam Brady too often
Agreeing with much of the comments made, I believe we must endorse a model adopted by advanced acadamies such as Ajax in Holland. Children should be coached by trained coaches who have no emotional ties to the players they are in charge off. Technique and skills are thought before any players enters the competitive environment of a "Real Match".
ReplyDeletePhilip
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