HOW THE BEST EDUCATION SYSTEM IN THE WORLD CAN INSPIRE SOCCER

 “There is plenty wrong with our soccer system; but also many things good about what we do.  The best thing we can do is to continue to disagree and then experiment with what we believe is a better system. Let the best ideas rise to the top through open competition and proven results,” wrote Gary Jezorski when responding to our “Reality Check” article.

Nicolas Decaup in turn answered with, “Then, the best we can do is simply apply the best educational philosophy in the world to soccer development!” And he continued … 

When I watched this quick video

 I suddenly thought about soccer, especially educating through soccer. I firmly believe educating is one of our primary responsibilities as a community club, developing the person through the player.

 How can we apply the Finland education philosophy to football [soccer] development? Here are a summary of main points from the documentary:

 Rich and poor united. Private schools are illegal in Finland; no one can get money from education. Education is not a business. Therefore, the system forces rich and poor kids to go to the same school." Rich kids spend time with poor kids, they become friends, and once they grow as a rich adult, they have to think twice before deceiving others".

 NPL model promoted by the federations and Academies (I am not including clubs) are, unfortunately, business oriented. Childhood, however, is not a milk cow. People are willing to pay to give their child the best odds (Nobody can blame them). In this game, wealth and connections win. It is like trying to go to Harvard. Like schools in Finland, let's build teams on merits, not "wallets".

 Less is more, be happy being a kid. Finnish's teachers want the kids to play and be happy in their life. There is no level assessment. No grading. No great theory. No homework. Four hours of school per day.

 "Oh boy, look at this one". In soccer, we have patterned performance.

 First, we believe we can predict if a kid is going to make it or not. There is little chance to make it if you are graded with the D's. Awkward situation. How do you know what a player should be and how much he/she need to do to be a player? Would you say to your own kid at 10 he can't be a doctor or an astronaut? We should blame ourselves coaches for rushing our judgment on ten years old kids. We push too much pressure on... ourselves. Kids are going to be what they want to be, no matter what we do.

 By the way, there is also this 10,000 hours "law". It was beneficial to level when you are an expert and make it reachable. Well, it has been busted recently by purposeful practice, physiology and the time you take to let your brain seize it correctly (which means: rest). 5,000 to 6,000 can be enough. There is no use to do more if you cannot cope with it.

 Climb trees (not mountains). "They can climb trees". What? Is it not safe? Go down, Billy! Sure, but that is what the kids desire to do at that moment, they want to see/test something. He/she has no fear. You are more scared than him or her. Deep in your heart, you want your kids to hike mountains. Let's starts with trees.

 In soccer, we tend to make more than it’s required rather than just inspire. Yes, climb the tree. "Sarah, you can dribble and pass, give it a try when you want". Don't be terrified of your player's mistakes. Open possibilities and let them experience. If they fall, give them a taste to progress and try again.

 See the big picture, life is beyond the game. "We try to teach everything they will need to use their brain as much as they can". Arts, Math, Gym, cooking, sewing, languages. It is holistic education.

 In soccer, we need to be more holistic as well. There is more than just the game to teach. You see, you think, you decide, you do, you anticipate. Football [soccer] is science, math, psychology, arts, music, civics, relationship.

 Play just across the street. "There is no list of best schools; this is not a market. All schools are the same. The best school is the nearest". What makes you drive an hour to go the club when there is one at the corner? Level, structure, coaching? You have many reasons. We club, have competed exceedingly with each other, instead of cooperating for the good of the game in a healthy competition. We should thank the other team to offer the match that makes everyone seek to be a better self, not shredding us apart. We should compete for mutual development. Let your kid play for his/her local club.

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Dear Reader, It is now your turn to give your ‘points of view’ as to the changes that can be made to improve the playing environment for our children/players. Who knows, your insights may end up helping others improve soccer, at least, in their community… Priceless!!! 

 Your FUNdamental, Koach Karl (Karl Dewazien)

• Emeritus Director of Coaching - California Youth Soccer Assoc. 1979-2012
• Author - Internationally Published FUNdamental SOCCER Books Series
• Producer - highly acclaimed ‘FUNdamental SOCCER -Practice’ DVD.
• Clinician at: www.fundamentalsoccer.com