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7v7•U11•Player Development

Would you tell an U11 they are not ready to play up?

Asked by CharlotteB
1414 views 3 replies
My daughter has asked to train with the older group because two friends are doing it. Her coach thinks another year at U11 is better for her because she is only just starting to become confident. How honest should a coach be about the reason without making the player feel they have failed?

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UEFA C Coach

Introduction to Talent Identification • early pathways

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I would support the coach being honest. Playing up should not be a reward for wanting it or because friends are doing it. It should be a development decision. If the player is only just becoming confident, being one of the more secure players in her own age group may currently give her more touches, leadership and freedom to try things. That can be more valuable than simply surviving in the older group. I would explain what the coach wants her to develop and keep the door open without promising anything. The older group can always be revisited later. At U11, staying in the age group that gives the best challenge is not being held back. The pathway is not a race to the oldest team you can physically manage.

COMMUNITY DISCUSSION

Join the football discussion. 3 replies

A

Andy_44

Community Member

There is a lot of value in being one of the confident players in your own age group. Playing up is not automatically the next level of development.
R

RachelInLiverpool

Community Member

I would rather hear 'this is the best place for you to improve right now' than 'you are not ready'. Same decision, very different message for a child.
L

LouiseAgain

Community Member

That wording is much better. I think the fear is making her feel the coach has decided she is behind her friends.