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Mismatched ability in a team

Linda Goodchild Okonkwo

Hi

I am the manager of our new U8s and about to sort out registrations. We have two teams and I have a dilemma.

Team 2 is where i have:

  1. fantastic, always scoring, should be in top team
  2. great player, fast, great defender and midfielder
  3. great player, great gk
  4. great player, can play anywhere 
  5. great player, can play anywhere 
  6. great player, great defender and gk
  7. grear player, can play anywhere
  8. can barely play, can’t kick properly, struggles

player 1 should really be in our top team, but his parents prefer him with the kids he’s played with for over a year and where he has the most fun with

players 2-7  play well together and with player 1 they make a brilliant team

player 8 is a lovely boy and was taken on in the U7s last season just before I became a coach but he simply can’t play very well at all. In every match he struggles, he can’t turn the ball, he goes in the wrong direction, he can barely kick the ball and his ability is just so far removed from even players 2-7, let alone player 1. When in a match the other kids end up having to do all the work as this kid can’t play and with only 4 outfield it’s down to 3 to play. 

Other experienced coaches have seen player 8 play and have said he shouldn’t be in a team in matches as his ability just isn’t up to scratch. But he turns up, has a great attitude and enjoys himself and his family are wonderful.

do I

a) keep him because it’s about having fun at u8 and know that kids develop at different rates

b) tell parents that if he wants to stay they need to increase training - even just playing at home

c) drop him and state that we need a team with equal ability 

Parents
  • 0

    I would do a and part of b really. Still too early, they're only 7yo, they don't have to be great players at that age. I'm sure the parents can also see and recognise his level in comparison to the rest of the team. Speak to the parents,  if they really do want to help his development, they should seek opportunities to increase his training and they should offer him more football during the week outside the team and depending on what they want to do see how you can help.  No need to kick him out of the team. Trust me, eventually the parents will move/remove him themselves if he doesn't progress. 

Reply
  • 0

    I would do a and part of b really. Still too early, they're only 7yo, they don't have to be great players at that age. I'm sure the parents can also see and recognise his level in comparison to the rest of the team. Speak to the parents,  if they really do want to help his development, they should seek opportunities to increase his training and they should offer him more football during the week outside the team and depending on what they want to do see how you can help.  No need to kick him out of the team. Trust me, eventually the parents will move/remove him themselves if he doesn't progress. 

Children
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