Mum and dad chasing more win bonus 😀😀
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Mum and dad chasing more win bonus 😀😀
I just find it funny the way these kids are being spoken about. Like, it's not a bad thing i guess, it's good we have this elite pathway and their exposure to the public. But it's also important to remember these kids are being shaped not only as footballers, but also as young men.
Majority of the players i played with were all pretty down to earth, talented guys. There was the odd tall-poppy syndrome, who always thought they deserved more and were unwilling to earn it. They left for those greener pastures, and continually move on to different clubs.
To start this business early on is detrimental to their character, reputation and their general life attitude. My first year of Senior Football, we got beaten every game bar 2 (1 draw and a win in the final game). The previous year, i had filled in for IDs at my junior club, and their coach had moved on to coach NBN First grade, so was willing to give me a crack, and the President of Junior club also had connections at another NBN club and gave me the choice. He consulted me again a few games into the season asking if I wanted to switch (the other club were in top 4) as he could "get me in". To me, there wasn't really a choice. I was committed to the team, I strived to work hard and try and better myself and my team mates. We had fun, but i learnt so much more by losing the games I did and playing against better opposition than i would have if i'd have jumped ship.
What message does it send to the younger players when if something doesn't work out, just take the easy option. Like seriously, if you get dropped, work your ass off to get back into the starting team. If an area of your game is costing you, ask your coach how you can improve. If the team is losing games, be the player that helps them win. Or strive to be promoted up to other age groups. If I was coaching a club, looking for players for the future, yeh sure, maybe you'd get 2-3 of these players that think they deserve the world, but i'd want committed and loyal players that i know would give their best and not give up.
I guess the game is changing and you've got to play the game, to play the game, so to speak. Each to their own.
[QUOTE=.
I guess the game is changing and you've got to play the game, to play the game, so to speak. Each to their own.[/QUOTE]
Times have changed, and you make some good points, but there's always going to be those that think they're better, or don't fit in, or there's some other reason for wanting to change.
Not knowing all the circumstances, it must be hard for the kids to swap teams, will there be animosity when they play against their former team, or within their new team and if they're potentially pushing out some other kids already in there. The clubs, coaches and management must take responsibility as well, treating the NPL youth like English Premier League whereas they should be supporting their players.
Some stories I've heard of kids "scrambling" to make an NPL team when they miss out on other one is ridiculous. Dog eat dog.
The real issue here is the club that is prepared to take them in and kick someone else out. If this does not happen most likely they will stay where they are.
The only other option is that some clubs have not completely filled their squads this year. Adamstown have generally decided on a squads of 14 for each grade, although some do now have 15. The idea is more game time and more opportunity for younger players to fill in playing up. Max is 16 for any that do not know.
Watching CCB and Maitland today and was surprised by Maitlands win in the 15s. Seems the talk of unrest at the Blues has some merit.
Would definitely love some of that win bonus!
But you are all right in saying that sometimes these kids get treated (and act) like they are superstars but a good parent and coach should manage this.
As I say to the parents of my u/8 side- its not all about the football.
Has the comp started yet? if so, how about some results published then, instead of the other dribble being posted.
In the 17s four unbeaten teams at the moment:
Weston, Adamstown, Hamilton and the EJets.