“I think we would have the best team if we could go into every household
and throw away every PlayStation, X-Box, video game” - Robert
Green, West Ham United and England
English football has a huge decision to make, and it needs to make it now. It
is 41 years since we won the World Cup and England have reached only two
significant semi-finals since then. Our players are technically inferior,
the Barclays Premier League is filled with foreigners and our children are
not coming through our youth football system with anything like the skills
of their counterparts in many other countries.
A stroll across recreation grounds on a Saturday and Sunday can be a sobering
experience. Last weekend was freezing, the pitches were rock hard with frost
or hopelessly muddy and throughout the country children from the ages of 7
upwards were playing football. Or at least trying to.
We wonder why the England team play a long-ball game, or at least revert to it
when the pressure is on. The answer is there for anyone to see every winter
weekend. How do we expect seven, eight and nine-year-old children to move
the ball from one end of a mud heap to another without hammering the ball
forward? How can we expect to produce our own Cesc Fàbregas when a
shuddering slide tackle is ten times more common than a successful ten-yard
pass in an undereights match?
Issues of a new England manager, the constitution of the FA board and the
influx of foreign stars are relatively simple to deal with. What The Times
wants to address are the far more fundamental flaws at the heart of the
national game, the heart of your children’s sporting lives and the heart of
your community.
We will be interviewing Sir Trevor Brooking, the FA’s director of football
development and the man ultimately responsible for youth football. We have
spoken to children, parents, coaches, sports scientists and experts in
Brazil and the Netherlands to discover where we are going wrong and how we
can improve.
There is no doubt that the FA has put a lot of effort into youth football. The
introduction of mini-soccer in 1999 has been a huge success, making sure
that our younger children play only small-sided matches. We have thousands
more coaches than in previous years and facilities are better, but if we
want a glut of top-class young footballers ready to lead the challenge for
the 2018 World Cup, which could be held in England, a huge improvement is
necessary. In fact it is a sea change in thinking that is required.
Here are some of the areas we will look at over the next three days, and the
problem might not be with the FA, it might be with you.
Parents
On these pages today Alyson Rudd highlights the dismal behaviour of some
parents at youth football matches. Children as young as 6 and 7 are being
yelled at by parents who should be encouraging, not criticising, and the
situation is so bad that parents are being “fenced in” at some matches to
keep them away from the pitch.
I have next to my keyboard a letter from Ray Ward, the county secretary of the
Surrey FA, sent to all youth clubs in his area on October 17. “Just what do
these adults think they are going to achieve by abusing referees, opposition
parents and club officials?” it says. “It is beyond my comprehension why
some adults devote so much time during the week in order to provide children
with the opportunity to play football and then lose all self-control and
ruin the day for those same children.” Makes you feel good, doesn’t it?
“Coaches and parents shouting from the touchlines could not only damage
children psychologically but also make them not want to take risks, [rather]
play safe,” Les Howie, the FA’s player development manager for grass-roots
clubs and coaches, said.
Strategy
The mini soccer for all children under ten has been wildly successful and by
2006 there were 21,806 mini-soccer teams in England. So far, so good.
But let’s take a look at the mini-soccer handbook produced by the FA. Page
14, Law 3 - Number of Players. In the under-seven and under-eight age
groups, matches can be four-a-side, or five-a-side, or six-a-side, or
seven-a-side. Under-nines and under-tens can play six-a-side or seven-a-side.
Is this some kind of joke? This is the age of sports science. Surely the FA’s
job, and more specifically Brooking’s job, is to find out the optimum number
of players who should be playing in any match at each age level and lay that
down as law. There is a huge difference between a four-a-side game and a
seven-a-side match in terms of how many times a child touches the ball, how
far they have to run and what positions they play in. What is best, who
knows? Does Brooking know? Rick Fenoglio thinks he does, as Nick Szczepanik
discovers below.
Coaches
If your child joins a football club, they will probably be coached by a parent
who should have an FA Level 1 coaching badge. Which is good. The bad news is
that some are focused on results, not the development of players or the
children.
I have had one coach tell me that “football is all about winning” and he was
in charge of a team of seven-year-olds. And we wonder why we do not produce
skilful youths. It might be because they were too scared to try a trick or
make a mistake after taking a bollocking from a demented under-eights coach.
PlayStation, Wii, X-Box, parks and predators
Remember going to the park for a kick-about with your friends in your youth?
Now how do you feel about letting your eight-year-old do the same with his
friends? Not such a pleasing prospect, is it? Perhaps they would be safer
killing aliens in the living-room on a video game . . .
There is no easy solution, but parents have got to take responsibility. If
they do not feel that it is safe to let Jonny or Janet go to the park with
their friends to play football, go with them. But do not then try to coach
them. Let them play football.
The weather
In his book, The Italian Job, Gianluca Vialli recalls a conversation
with Fabio Capello. Capello says: “I went to Scotland and worked with a
Scottish youth side and had them do the same drills I would do in Italy.
Between the wind, the rain and the cold there was no way they could do it.”
So if we are serious about this, we need more Astroturf pitches. At least
then our children can pass the ball on a decent surface – and we need a lot
of them. And we need a large number of indoor centres as well. And finally,
how about shutting down youth football leagues during December and January?
The children play in summer tournaments, so the rest may do them good.
Tomorrow The future’s bright, the future’s Oranje. Rick Broadbent
examines the Dutch system
I would urge every football parent and coach to read Gianluca Vialli's book 'The Italian Job'
It clearly highlights the differences between the way we coach the game and the way it is coached on the continent. It is about the whole approach to football, where in England it is seen as a game, to be won. In Italy it is seen as a profession to be taken as seriously as any other. I think small sided games for under 10's is a step in the right direction, but it it needs to go further.
At the age of 6 we have just as many potentially great players as Italy France or Germany do, its all down to what we teach them.
I dont actually think the future is as bleak as it is made out in the media. I believe England will continue to produce top class players.
As for the Playstaion ruining our children, I just dont buy it. There were no playstations in the 70's and 80's and England never won anything then either! Infact during the 70's and 80's our record was far worse than the last 10 years.
Dan Barton, London,
Fortunately for English football and football mad toddlers alike there is one fantastic organisation who is already doing their bit to address these issues.
My son has been attending 'Little Kickers' from the age of two, where, not only do they learn to play the game, but warm up, warm down and play as a team, unlike the what you see on many local playing fields with older children, they do not just follow the ball like a flock of sheep.
Now my son may not be the next Cesc Fabergas (though I hope he will), but there is no doubt that there will be many great footballers who have been introduced to football by Little Kickers.
Andy Taylor, Pinner, Middlesex
Having read your article I tend to disagree. Both my fellow coach Simon Craig and I have since under 9's not played old, and tired sytems. We are both FA qualified coaches and whilst the emphasis is upon touch and control there is hardly any drills on formation.
Both our sides are used to playing 4-5-1 in a defensive mode and 4-3-3 when attacking. The problem that exists at grass roots is the one of facilities. Guildford Saints run teams for both boys and girls from under 7's to under 18's and adults. What we lack is a home ground and training facilities. Local Authorities must be encouraged to provide sports facilities within the communities rather than worry about retaining their seat.
kevin oldland, guildfordSUREEY,
If you are intending to be thorough, don't forget to include the English media in this search for where we are going wrong.
Chris, London, UK
Grass Routes
It's easy let’s just blame England’s Woes on us,
What about all the unsung heroes of the grass route game, the time, effort and money that we put into the game, we don't ask for anything, just don't blame us for what today’s parents expect from their kids.
Lazy Journalism jumping on the band wagon.
If you want to see how many clubs are doing a great job, please come join me on a Sunday morning. The invitation is open to you.
stefan, Stevenage, Herts
I read your article with interest but I don't agree with R.Green playstation. I have two boys seven and six who are keen to play football. We back on to fields and evey weekend junior football take place. I have asked coaches whether my boys can take part and always turned down because they need to compete in trials for places and the seasons trials are over. The coaches want players of the highest calibre just in case a scout from the local football team turns up. Asked when they can play these FA affliated coaches say next season or try somewhere else disillusioned with this sorry process my boys go home take out the playstation and play games where there are no barriers !! I have also taken my sons to mini soccer organised by one of the leading providers and the coaches here have requested me not to bring them until they are of better standard. In our house the playstation rules !!
Chirag, London,
my names Karen myslf and my partner coach Burghfield fc under 7s,my son Jack who is 6 lives for football sat, sun and mon we do football and during week if can,yes I agree to much telly and computer and more kick abouts in parks is needed,only we tried this mums sons dads etc 17 of us kicking in a park sun mornings we had a complaint from parish council can you believe so you cant win.We are in division 2 Hicks development in Reading,under 11 is not competitive football which is pants cause some kids are born to be cant be helped,you need to be this day and age if you want to get anywhere in life,parents cause huge problems they wrap there kids in cotton wool and they wonder why they cant play this is becoming a huge problem with holding kids back,parents have attitude of win win,we aim to build confidence and trust,some we win some loose,we come away shake hands smiling had fun turn up for training mon and start all over again,will soon no which ones are dedicated enough as time tells
karen diedrich, mortimer common, England
thank you for starting to penetrate the real issues behind englands poverty of talent.but brave national self analysis is needed to really solve this...I suggest therapy! here are some issues: you so rightly point out that slide tackles happen more than passes...young and old...but go one step further...if a young player dribbles skillfully, what will be the outcome? he will be hacked down, and most everyone will nod in agreement that he "dwelt on the ball too long", and deserved to get hammered. Name me a sunday team anywhere in england where there isn't at least one player who is out there primarily to do harm to the opposition...as a culture we stand in awe of this common brutality/bullying, heck, we elevated our most brutal player to play the same brute in hollywood movies, vinnie jones..and then we wonder why skillful players don't develop. our culture hates those who stand out, and we will tear anyone down who does.we know this is true,and in this alone there is explanation.
david agnew, san francisco, california
This is the most insightful article ever written on this subject. It should be required reading for every coach and parent whose child plays football.
Every weekend in the Surrey area I see youngsters aged from 6 to 10 playing football,and being shouted at by other parents and 'wannabe' premier league coaches. It is terrible and has to stop. Let the children express themselves rather than shouting " Effing get rid of it Johnny"!
Martin Golding, London, England
There is no simple solution.However a point nobody has mentioned is the Long Term Athlete Development that most governing bodies are committed to. Youngsters today do not have the opportunity to develop the core skills of balance and coordination which are the bedrock on which sporting techniques are built,especially when 11 a side football is started much too early . With the emphasis on winning at all costs the big physically more mature will always win out to the detriment of the more skilful on boggy pitches. How about teams decided on physique rather than chronological age?
robert pearce, Cheddar, uk
The answer to bad behaviour by parents on the touchline or from the players is simple - Every team starts the match with a bonus point which can be lost by bad behaviour. Up to the referee to decid, possibly witha yellow card as warning then red card ; you have lost your point. Parents will soon behave if their child's team league position is at stake!
Smon Mulley, Coventry, UK
Coaches of junior football teams must lead by example and conduct themselves in a manner which befits there position. A coach that shouts and screams at his own team aswell as officials is condoning that behaviour by others . If any parent associated to a team behaves in a threatening way he or she could then be asked to leave. In my years of taking my son to football on a Sunday morning i would say 90% of club officials and parents have behaved in a sporting manner it is only the small minority that are creating a atmosphere that is ruining the enjoyment of the game for everyone else.The reality is that the only people who will lose are the children playing the game and yet supposedly us parents take them to football for their enjoyment.
Steve Byrne, Addlestone, Surrey
You are all doom. The situation is that thousands of volunteers are running football teams for all age groups all over the UK.
Football clubs provide opportunities for skills coaching in many districts from age 7 upwards.
Qualified trainers are available for coaching all youth teams prepared to pay nominal sums.
Most Junior sides are sponsored for kit and parents don't have pay for shirts, shorts or training tops.
My 12 year old is coached by PITC (Portsmouth) on Thursday evening and Friday evening plus holiday courses, by a qualified coach on Saturday and plays on Sunday.
Problems?
Playing on full size pitchces with full size goals.
Copying the Star players by shirt pulling, diving and arguing with reFereees.
Stupid goal scoring celebrations (again copied from pros) that wind up the opposition
Emphasis on "Man of the Match" awards every week.
My generation (60 years ago) didnt have organised football before 17 but look at the players still produced
John Best, Waterlooville, U.K.
What a lot of Gloom!
Look at the positives -across the country 1000's of volunteers provide football for all junior age groups.
Professional Clubs provide skills training.
Qualified coaches are available for small fees.
There are more pitches than ever
There are more players than ever.
My 12 year old is coached by PITC two evenings, trains with his club on Sat and plays on Sunday.
Sponsors provide most the kit so parents dont have to buy it.
Whats wrong?
Pitches and goals too big for juniors.
They copy the pros - diving, shirt pulling and moaning at referees. Over enthusiatic goal celebrations that wind up their opponents (pro influence again).
There are weekly awards for Player of the Match etc. Trophies come very easily and are not hard to earn.
My generation (60 yrs ago) had no teams until 16+, no training faclities and only the local coach, yet look at the players produced then
The potential is out there just as it always has been.
John Best, Waterlooville, U.K.
In Brazil we play for fun, just this. Give your children freedom to play football on streets, give them chance to be proud
claudio, Cel . Fabriciano, MG/ BRAZIL
Follow the money, or to be more precise the expense accounts. Grass roots soccer is not sexy, nor does it give Brian Barwick and no doubt numerous hangers on the chance of a jolly to South Africa to watch team names being drawn out of plastic balls. The scandal of our England Ladies team being paid the princely sum of £40 a day at the World Cup in September [last eight and head of their qualifying group for Euro 2009] shows a wilful neglect of anything out of the limelight. I wonder how much "out of pocket" the administrators who were with the girls pulled in? My son plays soccer in rural Lincolnshire and his team gets precisely zip from the FA.
andy leighton, Lincolnshire, uk
What about Spain?
Richard, London, England
In Italy kids play mini-soccer as well, and matches are seven-a-side, with no exception.
I was wondering why you should take the dutch system as an example...netherlands hasn't been winning anything for ages and their team is often full players from former colonies, like France. If you want some examples, go in germany or in italy
Raf, Mantua,
I currently live in Japan teaching English in a senior high school. I play football with my school at least once a week and it's taken me four months to even begin adapting to the way they play.
Although lacking the physical attributes we value so highly in the UK, the first touch, movement and technique of the young Japanese players is outstanding, even in an average local school team. Every training session involves smaller games and technique building exercises. I cannot imagine British players of the same age group being able to keep up with the quick movement and playing style. Instead I'm sure they would resort to physical assertiveness, which I believe is the root of the problem.
Although the Japanese are not world beaters, the difference of the skill levels in comparison with home has really made me think about the shortcomings of the British way. If our football is to progress to the highest level again then we have to change the entire way we coach football in the UK.
Scott, Tokushima, Japan
I think there are two issuies firstly when league clubs do bother to look for young English talent they tend to focus on the bigger boys who can kick the ball furthest. Secondly clubs seem to have limits on the number of boys thay can coach - my son plays for an Under 11 team in Kent and last year, as under 10's they won the league and cup double, both Gillingham & Charlton refused to look at the boys because, as they put it, they were already up to thier quota...Surely this is shortsighted and they run the risk of missing the next big superstar.
Philip Head, Sittingbourne, Kent
Football is still about and I know alot of strong players.. but you can;'t blame computer games for this.. The international influence and players in the leagues don't allow our stars to shine... We won the world cup when most the players in the premiership were English...
Adam Webb, MK, UK