Something a bit different today folks I was asked recently by a parent of a young player not at our club for my take on the Irish League academies and whether its a good idea to take her son to one as she feels hes good enough Id like to share my view to help others with the same question as Ive been involved certain clubs in that bracket. I couldnt recommend it LESS, for every person that says its a good idea Ill show you 50 kids who have been shafted along the way, regardless of what they tell you your son is will be well down their list in priorities, no matter how good a team they have if a new kid comes along whos flavour of the month and they get the signature then somebodies getting the chop they will always be looking to replace you, Ive plenty of ex academy managers who will back this view, clubs want the next big thing who will either strengthen their 1sts or earn them a nice fee across the water and Ive seen some dodgy dealings to get a kids signature. You get your eyes openned. At least 95% of kids who join at a young age either return to a boys club or go on the merry go round between the local Irish league clubs getting treated the same with a lot being put off for life. My advice is this, if your son is good enough then hell make it regardless, cut out all the nonsense of academies or even worse man united or liverpool academies who recycle their kids even quicker, until at least the age of 15-16. We as parents are mostly to blame getting wrapped up in the name of a team before considering how they are set up or run. If you think by sending your son to one of these academies then hes getting the best coaching about then unfortunately again youll get your eyes open. Most these fellas are there because they do it for free not because of what they have achieved in the game and most well run boys clubs offer just as good if not better coaching. Ill always tip my hat to anyone who gives up their time to coach kids as its a big responsibility but for me some of the best coaches in youth football that I know have no interest in the academy set ups. Thats not to say boys clubs are all rosey everyone wants to strengthen but if you get a good one then youll find theres a lot more loyalty to the kids and their welfare is paramount. We have a lot of very talented kids at the club and when the times right I personally will be pushing them onto teams as far up the ladder as their talent will allow So folks dont lose sight of whats important, its kids football, your main aim should be finding him somewhere he/she can go to football with a smile and return with it still there regardless of the crest on their chest. LET THEM ENJOY IT EBFC
Posted on: Fri, 17 Oct 2014 11:41:27 +0000
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