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Preparing for match day experience Under 8s

Jason Ferdinando

HI all,

Desperately seeking some advice/guidance/help! 

We are entering our under 7's moving to under 8's to league match football next season for the first time. We have been advised and planning on splitting the group into 4 teams and have been advised to do this by ability.

Whilst testing this in the last few weeks the bottom have had some players who have really struggled to keep up with the rest in terms of ability and interest which in turn is starting to rub off on the rest of the other team who are really trying but its often like having 3 Vs 5 which is understandably causing friction and in turn the enjoyment of the game.

What are the views or advice on how we can address this?

Should we not stream in terms of ability as we have been advised?

Do we address with the parents the lack of interest of those who are struggling and suggest excluding from match days but include in training? 

I am quite prepared for losing and losing heavily in the coming up season but want to really know how to address those who struggle or are not interested,

We don't want to exclude any child from playing but the current set up is having a negative impact on the other players as well as extra work that the coaches have to do.

Help..........

Parents
  • 0

    Morning Jason,

    sounds like you have alot of youngsters for starters around 35-40?

    Streaming works if done in the right way, i would be aware of how you communicate the levels of the teams, to both children and parents.

    the worst thing a child can hear is a parent saying "my kids in the top team" or "these are the bottom group"

    also you might find some of the most able last season might not like the competitive side of playing, so be prepared for dropping into another one of the teams and the conversation when that happens with the parent and child.

    If there is no TEAM A,B,C,D then the conversation could be easier without damaging a childs self esteem

    i also think mixing in training works well if done at the right times, if a player who is trying to achieve then they would benefit from more generous sessions, whereas a player who is starting to strive forward would benefit from more challenging situations

    sounds like you have alot of work on your hands

    all the best for the season

    lee

Reply
  • 0

    Morning Jason,

    sounds like you have alot of youngsters for starters around 35-40?

    Streaming works if done in the right way, i would be aware of how you communicate the levels of the teams, to both children and parents.

    the worst thing a child can hear is a parent saying "my kids in the top team" or "these are the bottom group"

    also you might find some of the most able last season might not like the competitive side of playing, so be prepared for dropping into another one of the teams and the conversation when that happens with the parent and child.

    If there is no TEAM A,B,C,D then the conversation could be easier without damaging a childs self esteem

    i also think mixing in training works well if done at the right times, if a player who is trying to achieve then they would benefit from more generous sessions, whereas a player who is starting to strive forward would benefit from more challenging situations

    sounds like you have alot of work on your hands

    all the best for the season

    lee

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