The number of young children playing football in the UK is always growing, some players are very young. When we say football we mean friendly football matches with friends, playing for local teams and having a kick around in the park. Football is often used as an activity for P.E in schools; this is enjoyed by most children and was not available as much as it once was a few years ago. Football matches are available on the television and easy accessible to children. This is where most children find their favourite players and then some kids see a certain player as their idol. Many parents by their children football kits, the child may choose to have their strip personalised, there are often requests for their favourite player's names and numbers. One of the most popular names to be printed over the past couple of years has been Messi 10. As most already know this is Barcelona's number one striker, also known as the best player in the world. Many junior Barcelona football kits
have been ordered by parents and they have requested additional name and number printing, this is due to the player being their child's idol.
Some children take football very seriously, they may want to become their idol one day and be one of the greatest footballers of all time. Some may think that this is impossible but there are ways of doing this. One of the best chances of getting in to a professional team is through scouts, these are people are come and watch football games but are unknown to the public, they pick out certain player's when they see great talent. All professional clubs run a youth development scheme which offers a pathway to all young talented players and gives them a taster of professional football, but is this healthy for such young children?
There are two different pathways that a young footballer can take, the first one is to join a talent development center and these are usually connected to your local team and will provide more challenging football training. When training with development centers you are allowed to still play for your local team, school and can also take part in development center matches also. The other pathway would be by showing great talent at these development centers and being picked out by a scout to join an academy, sometimes you can even get picked straight from your youth team while playing each week on a Saturday. You usually start at the Academies on a six week trial, here the staff will get to see how you play, see your full talent, your behaviour, temperament and how you play with the other children. You will probably find you will be training with a professional club two or three times a week. There are age rules and distance for joining academies; you must be 9 years of age. There is one exception, for example Arsenal football club do cater for even younger children. Is this good when they have other priorities such as school work and life?
After the six week trial you may be offered a contract, this may be one year or it could be more. It usually depends on your age. If a child decides to sign a contract the whole commitment changes, you are no longer allowed to play for the local team you previously played for, you can however carry on playing for your school. Depending on how your first season goes the club will decide whether or not to keep you on, many children end up being 'released' by the club and this can be very disappointing for the child and quite upsetting. Some benefits from playing in academies is that your child will get to play with very talented players, this will push them to their very best and they will improve their football skills over time and be able to try again in the future. There is no real proof on the negatives this is having on young children but with school life and growing up in general at such as young age, all of the pressure from becoming a professional footballer is very tough for a young child and can put unnecessary stress on that person.
What are your opinions on the ages children are allowed to join these academies?
Should there be a higher age limit?
Emily writes exclusively for Soccer Box, here you can see a range of official football kits, training wear and souvenirs.
have been ordered by parents and they have requested additional name and number printing, this is due to the player being their child's idol.Some children take football very seriously, they may want to become their idol one day and be one of the greatest footballers of all time. Some may think that this is impossible but there are ways of doing this. One of the best chances of getting in to a professional team is through scouts, these are people are come and watch football games but are unknown to the public, they pick out certain player's when they see great talent. All professional clubs run a youth development scheme which offers a pathway to all young talented players and gives them a taster of professional football, but is this healthy for such young children?
There are two different pathways that a young footballer can take, the first one is to join a talent development center and these are usually connected to your local team and will provide more challenging football training. When training with development centers you are allowed to still play for your local team, school and can also take part in development center matches also. The other pathway would be by showing great talent at these development centers and being picked out by a scout to join an academy, sometimes you can even get picked straight from your youth team while playing each week on a Saturday. You usually start at the Academies on a six week trial, here the staff will get to see how you play, see your full talent, your behaviour, temperament and how you play with the other children. You will probably find you will be training with a professional club two or three times a week. There are age rules and distance for joining academies; you must be 9 years of age. There is one exception, for example Arsenal football club do cater for even younger children. Is this good when they have other priorities such as school work and life?
After the six week trial you may be offered a contract, this may be one year or it could be more. It usually depends on your age. If a child decides to sign a contract the whole commitment changes, you are no longer allowed to play for the local team you previously played for, you can however carry on playing for your school. Depending on how your first season goes the club will decide whether or not to keep you on, many children end up being 'released' by the club and this can be very disappointing for the child and quite upsetting. Some benefits from playing in academies is that your child will get to play with very talented players, this will push them to their very best and they will improve their football skills over time and be able to try again in the future. There is no real proof on the negatives this is having on young children but with school life and growing up in general at such as young age, all of the pressure from becoming a professional footballer is very tough for a young child and can put unnecessary stress on that person.
What are your opinions on the ages children are allowed to join these academies?
Should there be a higher age limit?
Emily writes exclusively for Soccer Box, here you can see a range of official football kits, training wear and souvenirs.
