Sports teach life skills

10:00am Thursday 3rd July 2008

THE news that Under 8 football teams cannot play league and cup matches next season is a shameful indictment of our society. It now seems that the desire to emulate the achievements of sporting heroes, by winning a football match, places far too much pressure on young shoulders.

I despair that this country is in danger of producing the most boring adults.

Learning how to compete in sports can prepare children for later life through the discipline required in a team game.

First of all, children learn how to mix with their peers. They are not the only person in the team and have to share the ball. For those who have great ball skills at an early age, that can be difficult.

Learning to communicate and how to move around a football pitch and control the ball in a manner that betters the opposition is the thing that they want to do. This means that the will to win, indeed the will to survive an encounter with the opposition is a natural instinct.

Competitive football teaches respect, particularly when reflecting after a heavy defeat. Through losing, players can learn from mistakes. Through competitive football, lasting friendships are forged. It is one of the best ways we have to meet people and to learn how to behave with them correctly.

Pushy parents are given as the reason for curbing Under 8 competitive matches. Over the years I was involved with youth football, I have seen and heard some shameful events that are down to such parents. But if a club imposes a code of conduct, not only for players but their parents, and enforces it, such instances can be made history.

When you play football, it's to win. It's not just to take part, it's to beat the other team. It's about learning how to win and to cope with losing. Just like grown-ups do daily.

We need to produce more winners in this country. If there is any doubt, look at Euro 2008.

JOHN EDWARDS. Bishopstoke WMC FC.