AN OPPOSING VIEWPOINT

This article ‘A PERSONAL VIEWPOINT’ is so disappointing to read. I understand everyone has their own opinion and is entitled to it. But in my view, it misses the point entirely. Forcing kids to sit on the bench because they are not good enough; or not as good as some of their teammates will not force them to become elite players.

If anything, all it will do is discourage these players from playing the sport. A young age should be about creating an environment for these kids to love the game, to want to play it more than anything else because it’s so fun and exciting. That is how you maintain participation levels the longest, to avoid that huge drop off at later ages where these kids choose other sports as a priority. Furthermore, I believe the main issue in certain areas of America is exposure to soccer. Many of the kids don’t watch the game either in person or on TV. The game is a teacher, you can learn so much about any sport by watching it consistently. How are you expecting someone to learn something they never see?

Both of these factors correlate, no kid is going to want to watch games, professional or otherwise if they don’t love the sport. And they simply cannot love the sport because every time they turn up to a game for their team with their friends they sit on the sideline and watch; all because their coach has deemed them inadequate for his championship challenging team.

Every child deserves a chance to play any sport they choose. Of course, there are different levels and players should find teams/clubs that suit their playing ability to challenge them to develop. But the underlying point is that every child should be able to participate, regardless of ability. You lose so many potentially talented children to other sports because they don’t love the game, or don’t get to play. As a result the NBA, NFL, NHL, etc., profit from these talented players who took up their respective sports instead.

Maintain participation levels; enhance engagement in the sport outside of practice or games, whilst challenging players to develop and you will see an improvement wherever you are in the world.

I’m not trying to give answers to the American system as it is far more complex than that because there are multiple factors that accompany these points. But generally, those three points create soccer-loving talented players worldwide.

Russell Burke

Coaching Programs Director at Maestro Soccer

?Koach Karl’s Notes: 

 Thank You! Coach Burke for sharing your insights with FUNdamental SOCCER!

I am also hoping that YOU (the reader) will join the discussion; because your input may help some coaches improve and that is what this forum is all about.

 Finally, I pray that everyone is and will continue to stay Healthy and have a Happy Holiday Season!

 Your FUNdamental, Koach Karl (Karl Dewazien)

• Emeritus State DoC of California Youth Soccer Assoc. 1979-2012
• Author - FUNdamental SOCCER Books Series
• Producer - ‘FUNdamental SOCCER -Practice’ DVD.
• Clinician at: www.fundamentalsoccer.com