What a load of Rubbish... how can you have non-competitive football!

I have two boys who fall into this Age Bracket, maybe they have no clue where they are in a league... and maybe they do not care, but they do want to win each individual game and they definitley like scoring goals and tackling!

If you the desire to win grows in children as they get older.... so why make it an issue, all that will happen is we will have a nation of content losers!

I have been running a local football team for boys since my son was seven years old, he is now 13 and think the experiences and social skills he has obtained has helped to make him not only a better person and footballer, but also learning about team work etc, the list could go on and on, so what are the negatives.
What next ban school sportsday, cubs, etc,
this country gets worse by the day.

Bitterne Park Tim wrote:
What a load of Rubbish... how can you have non-competitive football! I have two boys who fall into this Age Bracket, maybe they have no clue where they are in a league... and maybe they do not care, but they do want to win each individual game and they definitley like scoring goals and tackling! If you the desire to win grows in children as they get older.... so why make it an issue, all that will happen is we will have a nation of content losers!

Couldn't agree more. My boy played with the local team and being in the Team - picked and dropped, winning and losing helped in his development.

He is now a 6'4" 17 year old and I wouldn't have missed those early days gping from the 7+ side for anything in the world.

I know the FA refers to parents in particular and if you have anything to do with youth football you have to admit that some parents go totally over the top.

Part of the team ethos is to work on those parents as well!

Forgot to say, we loved winning

"Poortvliet: Sport is all about winning and losing"

Well, he's better than Burley already - he thought it was only about the latter...

It`s also a game of two halves, to be fair.

I think you all are missing the point.
The games will remain competitive, lots of tackling and scoring but the results will stand for nothing - no league tables or cup competitions.
The emphasis will be on development and coaching of the kids - what positions can they play, how do they cope under pressure from better opponents, can they learn what they are coached during the training sessions.
The senior clubs have been doing this for years with the academies and centres of excellence and if they make it work and produce talent from within and I would suggest the local clubs and associations take note and follow.
Enough shouting, ranting and screaming from the touchlines, it is time we produced better coaches and supportive parents!

its all part of growing up, learning how to cope and act when winning and losing is part of a childs education.

mullingar wrote:
I think you all are missing the point. The games will remain competitive, lots of tackling and scoring but the results will stand for nothing - no league tables or cup competitions. The emphasis will be on development and coaching of the kids - what positions can they play, how do they cope under pressure from better opponents, can they learn what they are coached during the training sessions. The senior clubs have been doing this for years with the academies and centres of excellence and if they make it work and produce talent from within and I would suggest the local clubs and associations take note and follow. Enough shouting, ranting and screaming from the touchlines, it is time we produced better coaches and supportive parents!

sorry mullinger.
where is the talent they have produced, i dont think i spotted any in the euros.

mullingar wrote:
I think you all are missing the point. The games will remain competitive, lots of tackling and scoring but the results will stand for nothing - no league tables or cup competitions. The emphasis will be on development and coaching of the kids - what positions can they play, how do they cope under pressure from better opponents, can they learn what they are coached during the training sessions. The senior clubs have been doing this for years with the academies and centres of excellence and if they make it work and produce talent from within and I would suggest the local clubs and associations take note and follow. Enough shouting, ranting and screaming from the touchlines, it is time we produced better coaches and supportive parents!

anyway you are wrong. the senior clubs academies do play in cup competitions and play in normal leagues, saints academy has done pretty well in thier league over the last few years

mullingar wrote:
I think you all are missing the point. The games will remain competitive, lots of tackling and scoring but the results will stand for nothing - no league tables or cup competitions. The emphasis will be on development and coaching of the kids - what positions can they play, how do they cope under pressure from better opponents, can they learn what they are coached during the training sessions. The senior clubs have been doing this for years with the academies and centres of excellence and if they make it work and produce talent from within and I would suggest the local clubs and associations take note and follow. Enough shouting, ranting and screaming from the touchlines, it is time we produced better coaches and supportive parents!

This should be happening anyway, having Leagues and Cup Competitions does not hinder the development and coaching..... So you are saying they should still play the games but the outcome does not count towards anything.

I do not see your point?

trever brookings comments on this issue

Due to the urgent need to improve skills and technique among young English players, from next season competitive leagues in the under-eight age group will not be allowed.

The FA's Director of Football Development, Sir Trevor Brooking, a former England international, said: "It's widely accepted that we need to improve the skills and technique of players in this country.

"At the moment we are not at the same level as other countries. In the youngest age groups, there's too much emphasis on winning leagues, often to satisfy parents and coaches. That's what we're looking to change. We need better, more skilful players coming through.

"Of course, we are not banning children from competing against each other in football. Every game played is competitive, but undoubtedly having league tables at this age is not helping their development. It is the league tables being stopped rather than matches."

As a youth administrator myself, I must praise the decision of the FA in this instance.

As previously said in the comments page, much of the games at Under 8's level are taking over my the determination from the parents not the kids.

We all contribute to youth football to see the youth of today enjoy the game we all love so much.

This action taken by the FA will only prove to be a good or bad thing in the forthcoming future, when these lads are old enough to represent their country!!!

Watching the Euro 2008 at home over the last few weeks has been rather depressing not to see our country be involved. Our youth policy in this country needs to be reviewed and I think that the FA have finally reliased this and plans are being discussed to improve this and more will soon be revealed.

At Under 8s, it is about the kids enjoying the game, learning and improving - not winning!!! How ever, for the parents, winning is everything.

The amount of games which I attend and the amount of hearings/meetings I sit on, you will be very surpised to hear the extent some paretns go to, just to win a game.

This "non-competitive" competition may also improve the level of referee's in the counties - enabling young, new referee's to gain experience with out the added pressure of either side needing to win.

I fully support this new ruling from the FA.

My son is 8 and I am always drumming it into him that whatever you a doing you should aim to win everything as long as you play within the rules.
He was taking it all in the other day and asked "Why do you support Saints then Dad?"
I had no answer.

Mike wrote:

Sandra Gidley wrote: How dare this man say that sport should be competitive? We in the Lib Dems believe that in school sport all the little ones should be winners. Competitive sport leads to tears before bedtime. Worse still, those bad children who win things might be encouraged to join the army and become fascists. If we can eradicate all this horrible competitive sport then everyone will be nice to each other, and they can all grow up to be teachers and lib dem councillors.

Please tell me this is a spoof post and you are having a laugh? If you are not then you are way off the mark and totally deluded in your views!

It was a very subtle spoof until the second half. This wont change much except take away the structure. My lad's three and loves the game. Can't imagine him not playing in some form of match by the time he's 6 let alone 8.

As much as the above is a spoof it is a worry that we are going to be the nation of "content losers" as BPT said in the first post. Hope Kelly Holmes' plan to make kids more competitive works.

at that age it should be about teaching the kids to express themselves and enjoy the game, yes they need to want to win but by taking away the league format you take away some of the 'win at all costs' mentality.

Kids should be allowed to express themselves and to take risks without worrying about getting told off by the coach because they tried a bit of skill that led to a goal.

I looked at the Spanish CB's in the Euro's and if a young lad in this country tried to play his way out of trouble in that position he'd probably be panned by his coach when he is actually playing football the right way and yet Spain have managed to win the Euro's by playing the best football of the tournament.

England would have been hammered by Spain and until someone does something drastic then we will always come up short against opposition who are better technically.

Obviously a BAD day for news. Out in the garden with my nail clippers and imagineering the Saints first game of the season.

An heroic 8 - 0 victory and "Lowe Out" writes in and says

"What a spiffing chap that nice Mr. Lowe turned out to be. He's invited "Sniper" and I out to his Castle for braised badger and Unicorn tears. I do hope Crew 657 gets an invite as well"

MORE SPIN BY LOWE AND WILDE, GET THE OUT AND THE DUTCH CLOWNS WITH THEM!!!

mullingar wrote:
I think you all are missing the point. The games will remain competitive, lots of tackling and scoring but the results will stand for nothing - no league tables or cup competitions. The emphasis will be on development and coaching of the kids - what positions can they play, how do they cope under pressure from better opponents, can they learn what they are coached during the training sessions. The senior clubs have been doing this for years with the academies and centres of excellence and if they make it work and produce talent from within and I would suggest the local clubs and associations take note and follow. Enough shouting, ranting and screaming from the touchlines, it is time we produced better coaches and supportive parents!

I think you all are missing the point.
The games will remain competitive, lots of tackling and scoring but the results will stand for nothing - no league tables or cup competitions.
The emphasis will be on development and coaching of the kids - what positions can they play, how do they cope under pressure from better opponents, can they learn what they are coached during the training sessions.
The senior clubs have been doing this for years with the academies and centres of excellence and if they make it work and produce talent from within and I would suggest the local clubs and associations take note and follow.
Enough shouting, ranting and screaming from the touchlines, it is time we produced better coaches and supportive parents!

mullingar wrote:

mullingar wrote: I think you all are missing the point. The games will remain competitive, lots of tackling and scoring but the results will stand for nothing - no league tables or cup competitions. The emphasis will be on development and coaching of the kids - what positions can they play, how do they cope under pressure from better opponents, can they learn what they are coached during the training sessions. The senior clubs have been doing this for years with the academies and centres of excellence and if they make it work and produce talent from within and I would suggest the local clubs and associations take note and follow. Enough shouting, ranting and screaming from the touchlines, it is time we produced better coaches and supportive parents!

I think you all are missing the point. The games will remain competitive, lots of tackling and scoring but the results will stand for nothing - no league tables or cup competitions. The emphasis will be on development and coaching of the kids - what positions can they play, how do they cope under pressure from better opponents, can they learn what they are coached during the training sessions. The senior clubs have been doing this for years with the academies and centres of excellence and if they make it work and produce talent from within and I would suggest the local clubs and associations take note and follow. Enough shouting, ranting and screaming from the touchlines, it is time we produced better coaches and supportive parents!

I think you all are missing the point.
The games will remain competitive, lots of tackling and scoring but the results will stand for nothing - no league tables or cup competitions.
The emphasis will be on development and coaching of the kids - what positions can they play, how do they cope under pressure from better opponents, can they learn what they are coached during the training sessions.
The senior clubs have been doing this for years with the academies and centres of excellence and if they make it work and produce talent from within and I would suggest the local clubs and associations take note and follow.
Enough shouting, ranting and screaming from the touchlines, it is time we produced better coaches and supportive parents!

mullingar wrote:

mullingar wrote:

mullingar wrote: I think you all are missing the point. The games will remain competitive, lots of tackling and scoring but the results will stand for nothing - no league tables or cup competitions. The emphasis will be on development and coaching of the kids - what positions can they play, how do they cope under pressure from better opponents, can they learn what they are coached during the training sessions. The senior clubs have been doing this for years with the academies and centres of excellence and if they make it work and produce talent from within and I would suggest the local clubs and associations take note and follow. Enough shouting, ranting and screaming from the touchlines, it is time we produced better coaches and supportive parents!

I think you all are missing the point. The games will remain competitive, lots of tackling and scoring but the results will stand for nothing - no league tables or cup competitions. The emphasis will be on development and coaching of the kids - what positions can they play, how do they cope under pressure from better opponents, can they learn what they are coached during the training sessions. The senior clubs have been doing this for years with the academies and centres of excellence and if they make it work and produce talent from within and I would suggest the local clubs and associations take note and follow. Enough shouting, ranting and screaming from the touchlines, it is time we produced better coaches and supportive parents!

I think you all are missing the point. The games will remain competitive, lots of tackling and scoring but the results will stand for nothing - no league tables or cup competitions. The emphasis will be on development and coaching of the kids - what positions can they play, how do they cope under pressure from better opponents, can they learn what they are coached during the training sessions. The senior clubs have been doing this for years with the academies and centres of excellence and if they make it work and produce talent from within and I would suggest the local clubs and associations take note and follow. Enough shouting, ranting and screaming from the touchlines, it is time we produced better coaches and supportive parents!

I think you all are missing the point.
The games will remain competitive, lots of tackling and scoring but the results will stand for nothing - no league tables or cup competitions.
The emphasis will be on development and coaching of the kids - what positions can they play, how do they cope under pressure from better opponents, can they learn what they are coached during the training sessions.
The senior clubs have been doing this for years with the academies and centres of excellence and if they make it work and produce talent from within and I would suggest the local clubs and associations take note and follow.
Enough shouting, ranting and screaming from the touchlines, it is time we produced better coaches and supportive parents!

You know whatever the subject we get this 'Lowe out' rubbish. Surely it is about time to give it a rest. As for youngsters and competitive sport, surely leagues and cu[ps are good as long as the game is played in the right spirit.

Graham wrote:
Obviously a BAD day for news. Out in the garden with my nail clippers and imagineering the Saints first game of the season.

An heroic 8 - 0 victory and "Lowe Out" writes in and says

"What a spiffing chap that nice Mr. Lowe turned out to be. He's invited "Sniper" and I out to his Castle for braised badger and Unicorn tears. I do hope Crew 657 gets an invite as well"

You've obvioulsy had too much sun with your nail-clippers if you can believe that.

Not the bit about Saints winning 8-0 (that's what most Saints supporters always believe in pre-season - one day it will come true) but 'Lowe-out' stringing more than two words together in a coheremt sentence.

I think you all are missing the point.
The games will remain competitive, lots of tackling and scoring but the results will stand for nothing - no league tables or cup competitions.
The emphasis will be on development and coaching of the kids - what positions can they play, how do they cope under pressure from better opponents, can they learn what they are coached during the training sessions.
The senior clubs have been doing this for years with the academies and centres of excellence and if they make it work and produce talent from within and I would suggest the local clubs and associations take note and follow.
Enough shouting, ranting and screaming from the touchlines, it is time we produced better coaches and supportive parents!

mullingar wrote:

mullingar wrote:

mullingar wrote:

mullingar wrote: I think you all are missing the point. The games will remain competitive, lots of tackling and scoring but the results will stand for nothing - no league tables or cup competitions. The emphasis will be on development and coaching of the kids - what positions can they play, how do they cope under pressure from better opponents, can they learn what they are coached during the training sessions. The senior clubs have been doing this for years with the academies and centres of excellence and if they make it work and produce talent from within and I would suggest the local clubs and associations take note and follow. Enough shouting, ranting and screaming from the touchlines, it is time we produced better coaches and supportive parents!

I think you all are missing the point. The games will remain competitive, lots of tackling and scoring but the results will stand for nothing - no league tables or cup competitions. The emphasis will be on development and coaching of the kids - what positions can they play, how do they cope under pressure from better opponents, can they learn what they are coached during the training sessions. The senior clubs have been doing this for years with the academies and centres of excellence and if they make it work and produce talent from within and I would suggest the local clubs and associations take note and follow. Enough shouting, ranting and screaming from the touchlines, it is time we produced better coaches and supportive parents!

I think you all are missing the point. The games will remain competitive, lots of tackling and scoring but the results will stand for nothing - no league tables or cup competitions. The emphasis will be on development and coaching of the kids - what positions can they play, how do they cope under pressure from better opponents, can they learn what they are coached during the training sessions. The senior clubs have been doing this for years with the academies and centres of excellence and if they make it work and produce talent from within and I would suggest the local clubs and associations take note and follow. Enough shouting, ranting and screaming from the touchlines, it is time we produced better coaches and supportive parents!

I think you all are missing the point. The games will remain competitive, lots of tackling and scoring but the results will stand for nothing - no league tables or cup competitions. The emphasis will be on development and coaching of the kids - what positions can they play, how do they cope under pressure from better opponents, can they learn what they are coached during the training sessions. The senior clubs have been doing this for years with the academies and centres of excellence and if they make it work and produce talent from within and I would suggest the local clubs and associations take note and follow. Enough shouting, ranting and screaming from the touchlines, it is time we produced better coaches and supportive parents!

I think you all are missing the point.
The games will remain competitive, lots of tackling and scoring but the results will stand for nothing - no league tables or cup competitions.
The emphasis will be on development and coaching of the kids - what positions can they play, how do they cope under pressure from better opponents, can they learn what they are coached during the training sessions.
The senior clubs have been doing this for years with the academies and centres of excellence and if they make it work and produce talent from within and I would suggest the local clubs and associations take note and follow.
Enough shouting, ranting and screaming from the touchlines, it is time we produced better coaches and supportive parents!

I think you all are missing the point.
The games will remain competitive, lots of tackling and scoring but the results will stand for nothing - no league tables or cup competitions.
The emphasis will be on development and coaching of the kids - what positions can they play, how do they cope under pressure from better opponents, can they learn what they are coached during the training sessions.
The senior clubs have been doing this for years with the academies and centres of excellence and if they make it work and produce talent from within and I would suggest the local clubs and associations take note and follow.
Enough shouting, ranting and screaming from the touchlines, it is time we produced better coaches and supportive parents!

mullingar wrote:

mullingar wrote:

mullingar wrote:

mullingar wrote:

mullingar wrote: I think you all are missing the point. The games will remain competitive, lots of tackling and scoring but the results will stand for nothing - no league tables or cup competitions. The emphasis will be on development and coaching of the kids - what positions can they play, how do they cope under pressure from better opponents, can they learn what they are coached during the training sessions. The senior clubs have been doing this for years with the academies and centres of excellence and if they make it work and produce talent from within and I would suggest the local clubs and associations take note and follow. Enough shouting, ranting and screaming from the touchlines, it is time we produced better coaches and supportive parents!

I think you all are missing the point. The games will remain competitive, lots of tackling and scoring but the results will stand for nothing - no league tables or cup competitions. The emphasis will be on development and coaching of the kids - what positions can they play, how do they cope under pressure from better opponents, can they learn what they are coached during the training sessions. The senior clubs have been doing this for years with the academies and centres of excellence and if they make it work and produce talent from within and I would suggest the local clubs and associations take note and follow. Enough shouting, ranting and screaming from the touchlines, it is time we produced better coaches and supportive parents!

I think you all are missing the point. The games will remain competitive, lots of tackling and scoring but the results will stand for nothing - no league tables or cup competitions. The emphasis will be on development and coaching of the kids - what positions can they play, how do they cope under pressure from better opponents, can they learn what they are coached during the training sessions. The senior clubs have been doing this for years with the academies and centres of excellence and if they make it work and produce talent from within and I would suggest the local clubs and associations take note and follow. Enough shouting, ranting and screaming from the touchlines, it is time we produced better coaches and supportive parents!

I think you all are missing the point. The games will remain competitive, lots of tackling and scoring but the results will stand for nothing - no league tables or cup competitions. The emphasis will be on development and coaching of the kids - what positions can they play, how do they cope under pressure from better opponents, can they learn what they are coached during the training sessions. The senior clubs have been doing this for years with the academies and centres of excellence and if they make it work and produce talent from within and I would suggest the local clubs and associations take note and follow. Enough shouting, ranting and screaming from the touchlines, it is time we produced better coaches and supportive parents!

I think you all are missing the point. The games will remain competitive, lots of tackling and scoring but the results will stand for nothing - no league tables or cup competitions. The emphasis will be on development and coaching of the kids - what positions can they play, how do they cope under pressure from better opponents, can they learn what they are coached during the training sessions. The senior clubs have been doing this for years with the academies and centres of excellence and if they make it work and produce talent from within and I would suggest the local clubs and associations take note and follow. Enough shouting, ranting and screaming from the touchlines, it is time we produced better coaches and supportive parents!

I think you all are missing the point.
The games will remain competitive, lots of tackling and scoring but the results will stand for nothing - no league tables or cup competitions.
The emphasis will be on development and coaching of the kids - what positions can they play, how do they cope under pressure from better opponents, can they learn what they are coached during the training sessions.
The senior clubs have been doing this for years with the academies and centres of excellence and if they make it work and produce talent from within and I would suggest the local clubs and associations take note and follow.
Enough shouting, ranting and screaming from the touchlines, it is time we produced better coaches and supportive parents!

mullingar wrote:

mullingar wrote:

mullingar wrote:

mullingar wrote:

mullingar wrote:

mullingar wrote: I think you all are missing the point. The games will remain competitive, lots of tackling and scoring but the results will stand for nothing - no league tables or cup competitions. The emphasis will be on development and coaching of the kids - what positions can they play, how do they cope under pressure from better opponents, can they learn what they are coached during the training sessions. The senior clubs have been doing this for years with the academies and centres of excellence and if they make it work and produce talent from within and I would suggest the local clubs and associations take note and follow. Enough shouting, ranting and screaming from the touchlines, it is time we produced better coaches and supportive parents!

I think you all are missing the point. The games will remain competitive, lots of tackling and scoring but the results will stand for nothing - no league tables or cup competitions. The emphasis will be on development and coaching of the kids - what positions can they play, how do they cope under pressure from better opponents, can they learn what they are coached during the training sessions. The senior clubs have been doing this for years with the academies and centres of excellence and if they make it work and produce talent from within and I would suggest the local clubs and associations take note and follow. Enough shouting, ranting and screaming from the touchlines, it is time we produced better coaches and supportive parents!

I think you all are missing the point. The games will remain competitive, lots of tackling and scoring but the results will stand for nothing - no league tables or cup competitions. The emphasis will be on development and coaching of the kids - what positions can they play, how do they cope under pressure from better opponents, can they learn what they are coached during the training sessions. The senior clubs have been doing this for years with the academies and centres of excellence and if they make it work and produce talent from within and I would suggest the local clubs and associations take note and follow. Enough shouting, ranting and screaming from the touchlines, it is time we produced better coaches and supportive parents!

I think you all are missing the point. The games will remain competitive, lots of tackling and scoring but the results will stand for nothing - no league tables or cup competitions. The emphasis will be on development and coaching of the kids - what positions can they play, how do they cope under pressure from better opponents, can they learn what they are coached during the training sessions. The senior clubs have been doing this for years with the academies and centres of excellence and if they make it work and produce talent from within and I would suggest the local clubs and associations take note and follow. Enough shouting, ranting and screaming from the touchlines, it is time we produced better coaches and supportive parents!

I think you all are missing the point. The games will remain competitive, lots of tackling and scoring but the results will stand for nothing - no league tables or cup competitions. The emphasis will be on development and coaching of the kids - what positions can they play, how do they cope under pressure from better opponents, can they learn what they are coached during the training sessions. The senior clubs have been doing this for years with the academies and centres of excellence and if they make it work and produce talent from within and I would suggest the local clubs and associations take note and follow. Enough shouting, ranting and screaming from the touchlines, it is time we produced better coaches and supportive parents!

I think you all are missing the point. The games will remain competitive, lots of tackling and scoring but the results will stand for nothing - no league tables or cup competitions. The emphasis will be on development and coaching of the kids - what positions can they play, how do they cope under pressure from better opponents, can they learn what they are coached during the training sessions. The senior clubs have been doing this for years with the academies and centres of excellence and if they make it work and produce talent from within and I would suggest the local clubs and associations take note and follow. Enough shouting, ranting and screaming from the touchlines, it is time we produced better coaches and supportive parents!

What's the point?

MikeC wrote:

Graham wrote: Obviously a BAD day for news. Out in the garden with my nail clippers and imagineering the Saints first game of the season. An heroic 8 - 0 victory and "Lowe Out" writes in and says "What a spiffing chap that nice Mr. Lowe turned out to be. He's invited "Sniper" and I out to his Castle for braised badger and Unicorn tears. I do hope Crew 657 gets an invite as well"

You've obvioulsy had too much sun with your nail-clippers if you can believe that. Not the bit about Saints winning 8-0 (that's what most Saints supporters always believe in pre-season - one day it will come true) but 'Lowe-out' stringing more than two words together in a coheremt sentence.

You're right.

It's the Letchworth sunshine has gone to my head. I haven't lived in Southampton since 1971 and I forgot its always depressing down there.

North of Watford - it's the new heaven!

p.s. My dream last year was never an 8-0 victory. I have been wishing for 3 wins in a row for as long as I can remember.
Now that would be nice.

I am was the manager of a successful U8s team last season and you would have expected me to be critical of the FA's move. However, I am not.

Unfortunately, the problem is not the kids, its the parents. The kids of course play to win every match and are gutted if they lose.

Parental behaviour however over the last few years has been getting out of hand. Of course every parent thinks their child is the next Beckham - dont have a problem with that. However a significant minority of parents use their children as some kind of way of venting frustration about their own failings, inadequacies etc in their lives. Unfortunately, the kids pick up all too easily this kind of behaviour.

I have been dorectly threatened by parents on several occasions including one parent who wanted to "knock my effing head off" over a disputed throw in (!!!), and another parent who made it known locally that he was going to "get me" - following our success in a top of the table clash. Although of course I dont take this (too) seriously,the competitive pressure of league table brings out the worst in a few parents and sets a very bad example for the kids.

Having watching the likes of Spain and Holland etc knock the ball around playing some lovely passing football in Euro 2008, I am actually very pleased that our (very talented) U7s will not be exposed for at least another year to the winner takes all "hack him down" kind of encouragement for at least one more year so they can develop their game in a slightly less pressurised environment.

me wrote:

mullingar wrote: I think you all are missing the point. The games will remain competitive, lots of tackling and scoring but the results will stand for nothing - no league tables or cup competitions. The emphasis will be on development and coaching of the kids - what positions can they play, how do they cope under pressure from better opponents, can they learn what they are coached during the training sessions. The senior clubs have been doing this for years with the academies and centres of excellence and if they make it work and produce talent from within and I would suggest the local clubs and associations take note and follow. Enough shouting, ranting and screaming from the touchlines, it is time we produced better coaches and supportive parents!

anyway you are wrong. the senior clubs academies do play in cup competitions and play in normal leagues, saints academy has done pretty well in thier league over the last few years

Actually, the academy sides from U8's up to U15's do not play in league or cup competitions!
They play league football from U16's upwards.
Talent is produced in this set-up, unfortunately some fall by the way side, others move onto to other clubs and some get through.
As for your comment about no talent in the euros - you were probably talking about no English talent on display, what is the connection with this discussion??

mullingar wrote:

me wrote:

mullingar wrote: I think you all are missing the point. The games will remain competitive, lots of tackling and scoring but the results will stand for nothing - no league tables or cup competitions. The emphasis will be on development and coaching of the kids - what positions can they play, how do they cope under pressure from better opponents, can they learn what they are coached during the training sessions. The senior clubs have been doing this for years with the academies and centres of excellence and if they make it work and produce talent from within and I would suggest the local clubs and associations take note and follow. Enough shouting, ranting and screaming from the touchlines, it is time we produced better coaches and supportive parents!

anyway you are wrong. the senior clubs academies do play in cup competitions and play in normal leagues, saints academy has done pretty well in thier league over the last few years

Actually, the academy sides from U8's up to U15's do not play in league or cup competitions! They play league football from U16's upwards. Talent is produced in this set-up, unfortunately some fall by the way side, others move onto to other clubs and some get through. As for your comment about no talent in the euros - you were probably talking about no English talent on display, what is the connection with this discussion??

yeah no english talent at euros,i think the connection is obvious. we are talking about english fa producing better players.
your quote:-
"The senior clubs have been doing this for years with the academies and centres of excellence and if they make it work and produce talent from within and I would suggest the local clubs and associations. "
if they haveve been doing it for years it obviously doesnt work AS THERE IS NOT ENGLISH TALENT AT THE EUROS.

Dave wrote:
I am was the manager of a successful U8s team last season and you would have expected me to be critical of the FA's move. However, I am not. Unfortunately, the problem is not the kids, its the parents. The kids of course play to win every match and are gutted if they lose. Parental behaviour however over the last few years has been getting out of hand. Of course every parent thinks their child is the next Beckham - dont have a problem with that. However a significant minority of parents use their children as some kind of way of venting frustration about their own failings, inadequacies etc in their lives. Unfortunately, the kids pick up all too easily this kind of behaviour. I have been dorectly threatened by parents on several occasions including one parent who wanted to "knock my effing head off" over a disputed throw in (!!!), and another parent who made it known locally that he was going to "get me" - following our success in a top of the table clash. Although of course I dont take this (too) seriously,the competitive pressure of league table brings out the worst in a few parents and sets a very bad example for the kids. Having watching the likes of Spain and Holland etc knock the ball around playing some lovely passing football in Euro 2008, I am actually very pleased that our (very talented) U7s will not be exposed for at least another year to the winner takes all "hack him down" kind of encouragement for at least one more year so they can develop their game in a slightly less pressurised environment.

Sounds like a fairly typical day.

We once had 2 parents in an under 9 tournament rolling around on the touchline beating hell out of each other.

Honestly, you wouldn't believe it until you've seen it.

whats the point
please explain
will under 8 clubs still play each other?
will they play every club home and away?

if so then people will just make up there own league tables

Graham wrote:

Dave wrote: I am was the manager of a successful U8s team last season and you would have expected me to be critical of the FA's move. However, I am not. Unfortunately, the problem is not the kids, its the parents. The kids of course play to win every match and are gutted if they lose. Parental behaviour however over the last few years has been getting out of hand. Of course every parent thinks their child is the next Beckham - dont have a problem with that. However a significant minority of parents use their children as some kind of way of venting frustration about their own failings, inadequacies etc in their lives. Unfortunately, the kids pick up all too easily this kind of behaviour. I have been dorectly threatened by parents on several occasions including one parent who wanted to "knock my effing head off" over a disputed throw in (!!!), and another parent who made it known locally that he was going to "get me" - following our success in a top of the table clash. Although of course I dont take this (too) seriously,the competitive pressure of league table brings out the worst in a few parents and sets a very bad example for the kids. Having watching the likes of Spain and Holland etc knock the ball around playing some lovely passing football in Euro 2008, I am actually very pleased that our (very talented) U7s will not be exposed for at least another year to the winner takes all "hack him down" kind of encouragement for at least one more year so they can develop their game in a slightly less pressurised environment.

Sounds like a fairly typical day. We once had 2 parents in an under 9 tournament rolling around on the touchline beating hell out of each other. Honestly, you wouldn't believe it until you've seen it.

i was one of those dads, he had it coming.
he had the audacity to say my son was offside

Actually at some places we go you are lucky if there are any dads.....!!

Usually it's superking-smoking, lard-arsed, tracksuit wearing mums looking like they rejects from a Vicky Pollard look-a-like competiton!

Iain wrote:
"Poortvliet: Sport is all about winning and losing" Well, he's better than Burley already - he thought it was only about the latter...

More like Grinning and boozing!

So is this a sports development problem, or a social development problem.
Years ago youth leagues were not really around, it was left up to the schools to run leagues. Maybe something to debate the pro's and cons's eh?

Dave wrote:
Actually at some places we go you are lucky if there are any dads.....!! Usually it\\\'s superking-smoking, lard-arsed, tracksuit wearing mums looking like they rejects from a Vicky Pollard look-a-like competiton!

LOL... Mansell park Milbrook by any chance

OK in theory wrote:
My son is 8 and I am always drumming it into him that whatever you a doing you should aim to win everything as long as you play within the rules. He was taking it all in the other day and asked "Why do you support Saints then Dad?" I had no answer.

cheap jibe.
You should have told him you're proud of your club - and that losing helps make you a better person.
I hope he asks again at the end of next season and you can point to a league table where Saints have won automatic promotion.
COYR

I understand from reading an Article by Trevor Brooking that there is lot of emphasis put on winning games at such a young age without addressing their skills.

So he wants kids to be coached better without worrying about results.


I dont know whether the point he is making is valid but other country's youngsters apparently have better skills.

COMPETITIVE SPORTS TEACHES CHILDREN ABOUT THE PLEASURE OF SUCCESS AND THE NECESSITY TO COPE WITH FAILURE.ALSO RESPECT FOR AUTHORITY IMPORTANCE OF KEEPING THE RULES AND HOW TO BE TEAM PLAYER SURELY ALL THESE THINGS HELP A PERSONALITY TO BE ROUNDED OUT

Which was it Black Tower or Blue Nun you were drinking my pikey friend and would these friends be the homeless inebriates who sit at the back of the car park in Lyndhurst drinking cheap cider from plastic bottles? A thick fool like you wouldn't know the difference between a descent wine and plonk. One day you will have to grow up and stop living in your teenage fantasy world.

Southampton manan of impeccable taste wrote:
Which was it Black Tower or Blue Nun you were drinking my pikey friend and would these friends be the homeless inebriates who sit at the back of the car park in Lyndhurst drinking cheap cider from plastic bottles? A thick fool like you wouldn't know the difference between a descent wine and plonk. One day you will have to grow up and stop living in your teenage fantasy world.

Southampton Manan of Impeccable Taste, whatever that means, do you know this person, or did you simply formulate a judgemental opinion? And what is a descent wine by the way? Your spelling and grammar would seem to indicate that either you were on Blue Nun at the time of writing this, or that perhaps you have not quite mastered your mother tongue.
RSVP.

Crew 657 wrote:

the Truth Master wrote:

Crew 657 wrote: Pathetic scum. You scummers never show when there's a row going down. pathetic just like your rubbish team. We had joy we had fun we had scummers on the run LOVIN IT LOVIN IT LOVIN IT

This childish comment is supposed to be from a so-called successful businessman and self-proclaimed hardman, yeah right! WHAT A D*CKHEAD!

Look scummer, I am a successful businessman and I have wine drinking friends in Lyndhurst who I went out to dinner with earlier. You were probably eating pot noodles in your Millbrook bedsit. If any scummer wants to discuss this I would be happy to meet them face to face, but that's not going to happen because scummers never show. Pathetic scum.

Hello 657,
I too am a successful English businessman, and a Saints fan from way back when, currently living on the west coast of the USA. I shall be in Baltimore on business in a few days, timing to yet be decided, but I would love to meet you and discuss your football views.
Business class is a wee bit costly these days, but I feel sure you will rise to the occasion.
What do you think? RSVP.

Saint Elsewhere wrote:

Southampton manan of impeccable taste wrote: Which was it Black Tower or Blue Nun you were drinking my pikey friend and would these friends be the homeless inebriates who sit at the back of the car park in Lyndhurst drinking cheap cider from plastic bottles? A thick fool like you wouldn't know the difference between a descent wine and plonk. One day you will have to grow up and stop living in your teenage fantasy world.

Southampton Manan of Impeccable Taste, whatever that means, do you know this person, or did you simply formulate a judgemental opinion? And what is a descent wine by the way? Your spelling and grammar would seem to indicate that either you were on Blue Nun at the time of writing this, or that perhaps you have not quite mastered your mother tongue. RSVP.

Saint Elsewhere don't tell me you drink the same muck as our skate friend. As you need to be educated in the finer elements of viniculture my friend I suggest we start with a decent Rhone wine perhaps a Gigondas or Sablat. If either of these fail to move you perhaps a Ribera del Duero might be a man enough wine for you. A Givry could of course be a suitable Bourgogne you could try. I could go on but you need some time to look these wines up. Remember Southampton High Street is full of wine cellars where wine imported into England has been stored for centuries and drunk by discerning Sotonians. Under Portsmouth High Street is slushy mud and that is far too good for our pikey friends to consume. Crew 657 pretends to be a sophisticated diner with friends when we all know he is a sad lonely soul who drinks cheap cider on park benches. He has no friends other than his homeless inebriated drinking companions. I am not sure what he is going to do now he has been issued with an eviction order by the New Forest DC. Maybe it is time for his wife to kick the useless waste of space into touch.

sailor sam wrote:

mullingar wrote:

mullingar wrote:

mullingar wrote:

mullingar wrote:

mullingar wrote:

mullingar wrote: I think you all are missing the point. The games will remain competitive, lots of tackling and scoring but the results will stand for nothing - no league tables or cup competitions. The emphasis will be on development and coaching of the kids - what positions can they play, how do they cope under pressure from better opponents, can they learn what they are coached during the training sessions. The senior clubs have been doing this for years with the academies and centres of excellence and if they make it work and produce talent from within and I would suggest the local clubs and associations take note and follow. Enough shouting, ranting and screaming from the touchlines, it is time we produced better coaches and supportive parents!

I think you all are missing the point. The games will remain competitive, lots of tackling and scoring but the results will stand for nothing - no league tables or cup competitions. The emphasis will be on development and coaching of the kids - what positions can they play, how do they cope under pressure from better opponents, can they learn what they are coached during the training sessions. The senior clubs have been doing this for years with the academies and centres of excellence and if they make it work and produce talent from within and I would suggest the local clubs and associations take note and follow. Enough shouting, ranting and screaming from the touchlines, it is time we produced better coaches and supportive parents!

I think you all are missing the point. The games will remain competitive, lots of tackling and scoring but the results will stand for nothing - no league tables or cup competitions. The emphasis will be on development and coaching of the kids - what positions can they play, how do they cope under pressure from better opponents, can they learn what they are coached during the training sessions. The senior clubs have been doing this for years with the academies and centres of excellence and if they make it work and produce talent from within and I would suggest the local clubs and associations take note and follow. Enough shouting, ranting and screaming from the touchlines, it is time we produced better coaches and supportive parents!

I think you all are missing the point. The games will remain competitive, lots of tackling and scoring but the results will stand for nothing - no league tables or cup competitions. The emphasis will be on development and coaching of the kids - what positions can they play, how do they cope under pressure from better opponents, can they learn what they are coached during the training sessions. The senior clubs have been doing this for years with the academies and centres of excellence and if they make it work and produce talent from within and I would suggest the local clubs and associations take note and follow. Enough shouting, ranting and screaming from the touchlines, it is time we produced better coaches and supportive parents!

I think you all are missing the point. The games will remain competitive, lots of tackling and scoring but the results will stand for nothing - no league tables or cup competitions. The emphasis will be on development and coaching of the kids - what positions can they play, how do they cope under pressure from better opponents, can they learn what they are coached during the training sessions. The senior clubs have been doing this for years with the academies and centres of excellence and if they make it work and produce talent from within and I would suggest the local clubs and associations take note and follow. Enough shouting, ranting and screaming from the touchlines, it is time we produced better coaches and supportive parents!

I think you all are missing the point. The games will remain competitive, lots of tackling and scoring but the results will stand for nothing - no league tables or cup competitions. The emphasis will be on development and coaching of the kids - what positions can they play, how do they cope under pressure from better opponents, can they learn what they are coached during the training sessions. The senior clubs have been doing this for years with the academies and centres of excellence and if they make it work and produce talent from within and I would suggest the local clubs and associations take note and follow. Enough shouting, ranting and screaming from the touchlines, it is time we produced better coaches and supportive parents!

What's the point?

Search me Sam. When my son played for City Rangers in Southampton, there were parents at games who abused officials, and abused any kid who tackled their sons or daughters. They also abused the parents of those who committed fouls. We need to get the parents out of the football equation. Sure, let them watch games and encourage their offspring, but they must not be allowed to intimidate officials or the parents of other children.
Aaah, I feel much better now.

Southampton man wrote:

Saint Elsewhere wrote:

Southampton manan of impeccable taste wrote: Which was it Black Tower or Blue Nun you were drinking my pikey friend and would these friends be the homeless inebriates who sit at the back of the car park in Lyndhurst drinking cheap cider from plastic bottles? A thick fool like you wouldn't know the difference between a descent wine and plonk. One day you will have to grow up and stop living in your teenage fantasy world.

Southampton Manan of Impeccable Taste, whatever that means, do you know this person, or did you simply formulate a judgemental opinion? And what is a descent wine by the way? Your spelling and grammar would seem to indicate that either you were on Blue Nun at the time of writing this, or that perhaps you have not quite mastered your mother tongue. RSVP.

Saint Elsewhere don't tell me you drink the same muck as our skate friend. As you need to be educated in the finer elements of viniculture my friend I suggest we start with a decent Rhone wine perhaps a Gigondas or Sablat. If either of these fail to move you perhaps a Ribera del Duero might be a man enough wine for you. A Givry could of course be a suitable Bourgogne you could try. I could go on but you need some time to look these wines up. Remember Southampton High Street is full of wine cellars where wine imported into England has been stored for centuries and drunk by discerning Sotonians. Under Portsmouth High Street is slushy mud and that is far too good for our pikey friends to consume. Crew 657 pretends to be a sophisticated diner with friends when we all know he is a sad lonely soul who drinks cheap cider on park benches. He has no friends other than his homeless inebriated drinking companions. I am not sure what he is going to do now he has been issued with an eviction order by the New Forest DC. Maybe it is time for his wife to kick the useless waste of space into touch.

Hello Southampton Man,
Please don't be too hard on 657 or Portsmouth. We all have our cross to bear, so to speak.
As for wine, you bamboozled me with all the different varieties, but personally, not being a wine buff, I think Spanish Rioja, particularly the red variety, takes some beating.
By the way, do you like football? Hard to tell from your post. RSVP.

OK in theory wrote:
My son is 8 and I am always drumming it into him that whatever you a doing you should aim to win everything as long as you play within the rules. He was taking it all in the other day and asked "Why do you support Saints then Dad?" I had no answer.

You had better think of an answer soon old chap. I have supported the Saints since they were in the third division, and since then I have followed them through thick and thin. They win and they lose, like every other football team in the world. Tell that to your son.