Click here to join the England Football Learning group and chat with other members
OPTIONS
DETAILS
  • State Not Answered
  • Replies 1 reply
  • Subscribers 365 subscribers
  • Views 246 views
  • Users 0 members are here
RELATED

Advice on player dilemma U8s

Linda Goodchild Okonkwo

I could really do with some advice please.

Our club has been a bit upside down this last season and where we had three coaches and three teams, two coaches have left as have many of the players.  So it is just me and one assistant coach.

This means we have to remove some players from our books. We are going to be U8s in July.

My dilemma is this.  I have one lad who has been with us for 2 years since development.  He tries his best week in week out, puts in so much effort and always turns up and enjoys himself.  But, he can barely kick a ball, constantly moves to the wrong goal and the rest of the team do all the work on the pitch.  His dad is a coach at another club and hasn't been able to move him there as they say he just isn't ready for a team.  I play him because it's about fun, but I realise that especially after this next season we turn more competitive and I need to get them ready for that over this next season.

I had a new player that popped by last week to see if they could have a go.  He has amazing ball skills and agility.  He matches the rest of the team in terms of speed and blew me away completely with how he plays at such a young age.

Would you....keep the kid who has shown loyalty but can't really play very well.  Or go with the lad who is a better fit with the rest of the teams abilities?

I can't take them both Disappointed

  • 0

    Morning,

    It is so difficult to achieve the balance with youth football of keeping it fun, whilst also giving everyone fair game time and opportunities.  
    I coach U8s, going to U9s next year and for me if you are able to have two matches each week, it really opens up options to enable everyone to get game time. i.e. the first match can be more competitive and the goal can be to win, whilst still making it fun. 
    The second 'development' game is great for rotating players, trying them in new positions and allowing those that are slower to develop to get match time. 

    Sounds like it will be challenging for a period until you can recruit more coaches mind. 

    I would also advocate speaking to the parents of the kid who is loyal but struggling and get a feel for their perspective. Are they just happy for their child to be playing, getting fit and making friends for example? Do they care about match time or is it more about the experience and training that they are focused on. 

    If the parents are realistic and focused on the wellbeing aspects, including fitness and socialising, then it makes it much easier to keep the loyal player, whilst also accommodating the new player. 

    Hope it works out for you and the players. Slight smile