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Help with a childs physique

Trevor Charlie

Hi. I have 10 year old in my team who is new to football wants to play in goal. My concern is his size and weight. Very very big for his age and this affects his mobility and agility especially when getting down low. I want to make things as inclusive as possible for him but I'm finding it more and more of a challenge.

Is it appropriate to try and set some goals for him to reduce the bulk of his size to improve his mobility (with parent agreement) thus increasing his ability and enjoyment of the game and chances at match day?

  • Evening Trevor

    In my opinion absolutely not.

    unless its recommended from a health point of view from his GP.

    At 10 years old they have a massive amount of growing and changing to come.

    To improve mobility you would be better to introduce stretches for flexibility throughout his week but also working the basics of goalkeeping ie footwork, hands and positioning

    If he is new to the sport and maybe has not been so active as others his own age, then keep the enjoyment there for him long term, get everyone in the team from parents, coaches and players right behind him so he knows if a goal goes in it doesnt matter.

    this will lead him to stay playing for season after season and as this happens he will start to change in physique.

    but this will be a natural enjoyable experience for him.

    Mentally for a child to think he has to do extra stuff because of how he looks (thats how it might sound to a child)

    could do more damage than good

    all the best 

    lee

  • in reply to Lee Cooper

    I think this is the right approach. Whilst I understand the concerns around his physical size, weight is sometimes down to the parents choices and not the child's so raising it could cause issues all around.

    A 10 year old is fully aware of what is going on around them (although not as an adult would) and I am pretty sure he wants to be there because he loves football. Just keeping him active and smiling should be reward enough for us as coaches and as Lee has said that could be the catalyst that changes everything for him especially as we all know self esteem is a huge intrinsic motivator.

    So, keep him smiling and enjoying sport and great things could happen for this young boy.