The Academy Dad.
@AcademyDad1
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Academy football from a parents perspective. Follow us on Instagram and Threads. Link to blog. ⬇️
Academy Training Grounds.
Joined January 2022
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Let’s all start appreciating how tough being a young GK is.
Many hours of technical training would have gone into making a save or block, only to hear ‘that’s routine for a GK’
Not many have the mental strength to play a position which attracts more criticism than compliments!
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The best advice I would give to any academy parents is to just make sure your child’s life is balanced.
Don’t build a life solely around football. Its also about family, friends, school, holidays, play & fun.
We are not just developing a footballer, we are developing a person.
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Keep hearing parents complain their child is being played out of position in games.
This is often done to challenge the player & to get them seeing different pictures.
You may feel your child isn’t playing as well but the coaches will be looking at different outcomes.
Relax!
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The role of a goalkeeper is an unforgiving one no matter the level you play.
When you see a young GK misplace a pass or take a heavy touch please consider how many times the outfield players have done the same during the game before you pass judgment.
The bravest of positions.
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With less than 0.5% of academy players who enter the system at 9 years old going on to have a career in football, it’s important for parents to have perspective.
Yes encourage your child to dream big but also ensure they are laying the foundations for a life outside of the game.
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Parents, there’s no rush to get your child signed by an academy.
Do not take the first opportunity out of fear of not being asked again. Make sure the child is ready and the environment is right.
Remain at grassroots, the right club will come knocking if they are good enough.
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The art of goalkeeping is not recognised enough, even within academies.
Young GK’s working hard at their game with little appreciation from ‘non GK’ coaches of the specific intricacies of the position
Coaches take time to respect the micro-steps, hand position, diving shape etc
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Once again this weekend I saw a young keeper make saves, provide support positions, give detailed communication and showed excellent GK technique……however made one mistake at the end so everyone huffed and never mentioned the 89 mins of good stuff!
Great game you played lad👌🏻
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One thing academy football has got absolutely right is the ban on parents barking comments from the sideline.
It makes the whole experience of watching a game far more enjoyable for all & is a better environment for the kids.
Encouragement & praise is all that’s required of us.
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Many parents are surprised to hear that coaches at academy level are paid poorly.
On top of that they work unsociable hours, do countless performance reviews & partake in the horrible task of releasing players.
In most cases it’s simply the love of the game which drives them 👏🏻
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When your child enters the academy system be aware that it’s highly likely at some stage they will be told they will not make the required standard.
Many parents are often angry/surprised when this eventuality arrives.
Fully understand the odds before embarking on the journey.
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Parents whilst your child will no doubt have to make sacrifices along the way to have a career in elite football, it really won’t matter if your 10 year old misses a few training sessions to attend other events with friends and family.
Don’t make them miss out on being a kid.
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Remember whilst your child may be an academy player, they are not yet a professional.
Signing for an academy is simply taking one more step along a difficult, unpredictable road.
Of course be proud but more importantly be realistic.
The journey is only just beginning…
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Why exactly is it so important to parents that our children be signed by a professional academy?
Our latest blog reflects on the darker side of our decision making processes which many parents are not always willing to acknowledge.
Let us know your views
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Before getting frustrated about how your child may be playing in a game, understand that the coaches may have given them specific instructions to implement during the match to aid their development.
A performance you might not be happy with, the coaches may be delighted by.
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Parents always remember just one thing…
‘It’s their dream, not yours.’
Really is that simple.
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Had a heartbreaking piece sent to me by a parent whose child had wrote a personal essay for a school project about their release from the academy system.
Below is an extract (published with permission) which other parents should read given the small percentage chance of success.
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For parents of U/9 players who really want their child in the academy system it’s worth knowing that in my experience almost half of those players aren’t there come U/14.
Why? Other players show greater development, academy fatigue, complacency, change of focus.
Don’t rush it.
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Always fascinated by shouts from the sideline.
One child being yelled at to be brave because he wasn’t throwing himself into tackles however that very same child continued to show for the ball despite being repeatedly under pressure.
🗣️There are many variations of being brave
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Overheard a group of parents during the week speaking very cruelly of other players within the set up.
This happens across the football spectrum but what’s the reason?Insecurity, bravado or just plain nasty?!
Life can be tough enough, simply be kind and focus on your own child.
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My advice for future academy
parents:
• Maintain perspective.
• Role is off the pitch.
• Everything in balance.
• Except a lack of control.
• Set realistic expectations.
• Dont make comparisons.
• Promote fun not fear.
Enjoy the experience & be a positive influence.
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Whilst there are a number of coaches with incredible coaching CV’s within the academy system, its the coaches with exceptional interpersonal skills who appear to truly inspire the young players.
The skill of being able to connect with youth players should never be underestimated
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Why do parents desire academy football so badly?….
As your child’s new football season begins I encourage all parents to have a read of our attached blog and just reflect on your own aspirations and how they might manifest.
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Parents spot a scout and often immediately say things like:
‘Try to play well today as a scout is watching’ or ‘Here's your big chance, make it count’
Instantly you have replaced the fun and enjoyment of the game with an unnecessary pressure for your child to ‘perform’.
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Playing for a pro-academy doesn’t necessarily mean your child will be coached any better, likewise playing at grassroots doesn’t necessarily mean they will feel any less pressured or have more fun.
It’s simply about finding the right environment which enables THEM to thrive.
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So what is the purpose of your 6-9 year old child training with more than one professional pre-academy?
Hedging your bets but why?
At 7, my child had absolutely no idea what they wanted to be so here’s an uncomfortable question:
At this young age, whose dream really is it?
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What I have learnt as a parent of an academy player is no matter how much you encourage, shout, analyse etc, you simply can’t do it for them.
Once through those academy gates it’s all down to them - fail or succeed.
The journey is more enjoyable for all once this is accepted.
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As parents it’s important to encourage your children to work hard and strive to be the best they can be. It’s also equally important to give them time to relax and switch off.
Seeing recent social media posts with ‘no days off!’ worries me.
Having a break is a good thing!
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A message to any player recently released:
‘Football does not define you. You have many other outstanding qualities so be open to explore them. Take the lessons learnt and apply them to your next move. Your next exciting opportunity is just around the corner’.
The Academy Dad.
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Academy football requires a huge commitment from the whole family. This often manifests into many building their lives around the football schedule.
Remember to prioritise your family & be willing to miss training/games to simply enjoy life & each other.
That is whats important
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Football is a game of opinions & an academy environment is no different.
Whether your child is unsuccessful at trial or released by a club, there is always a route into the game for those who endure.
It takes just one coach to believe in their ability to kickstart the process.
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In order for an academy player to thrive, it’s important for all aspects of their environment to be balanced.
Leave the football element to the coaches and focus on monitoring other area’s such as school performance, mental wellbeing, nutrition etc.
Our role is off the pitch.
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Do clubs genuinely appreciate the commitment parents make to bring their child to the academy?
Rushing home from work, bringing other siblings along, time away from home etc.
Heard some clubs dont even provide a place to get out of the cold or buy a beverage.
Too much to ask?
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So tired of hearing stories about academy coaches screaming at youth players in the dressing room saying things like ‘performances like that and you won’t be here long!’.
Explain how this is coaching?!
Justifying aggressive behaviours as being ‘passionate’.
Please do better.
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• A clean GK catch vs. a great first touch.
• A spread block vs. a last ditch tackle.
• A top hander vs. a top corner finish.
I watch youth games in astonishment at how both coaches and spectators react so differently to these.
Respect the work undertaken in becoming a GK.
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My very first question when I started this page was ‘whose dream really is it?’
Almost 18 months later, discussions with parents, coaches, sporting bodies and academy players have led me to believe parental influence is still the main driver.
Are we brave enough to admit it?
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Its important that parents understand the commitment required should their child signs for a pro-academy.
Training 3-4 times a week plus matches all over the country.
Remember that the trial process is not just for the club, it is also to see if it works for YOU as a family.
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The
#footballdreams
documentary highlighted how many young kids from challenging communities see football as a financial means to an improved life for them & their families.
So much more needs to be done to educate & empower these boys to show that football isn’t the only option
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This weekend don’t concentrate on how well your child plays, their attitude, the result and put your aspirations for them to one side.
Now simply appreciate watching them run around, smiling, exploring, having fun and being free.
I promise you BOTH will enjoy it more.
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Many ‘retain & release’ conversations will be happening at academies over the coming month.
Its important for professional clubs to remember that how the message is delivered will determine what a child’s future football journey may look like.
Don’t kill their love of the game!
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An amazing visual example of the journey to success.
Ensuring your child is aware that the ups and downs are a natural part of the pathway is so important.
It’s the bouncing back that counts…
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Given the current cost of living crisis I would love to set up a central database for families containing a variety of discount codes for football clothing & equipment.
If any brands or players wish to share their codes please reply adding website link and code.
Retweet/Like.
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This image is something we have all witnessed at grassroots.
I’ve seen young 16/17 year old referees being screamed at during under 10 matches.
What example does this set? How would you react if that was your child refereeing?
Without a ref there’s no game!
Be better…
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What makes a professional football academy stand out?
For me it’s not necessarily the facilities or category it is, but that they focus on all aspects of the individual player. Whether that’s their game, school, home-life, mental health etc.
A holistic approach to development.
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I once thought it best to be brutally honest with my child on their performance, the old mantra of ‘saying what they need to hear rather than what they want to’
At times my approach was far too direct & I neglected my main role of just being their Dad.
Learn. Change. Be better.
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Within academy football the second half of the season is filled with parents frantically trying to establish where their child fits within the pecking order.
My advice for what its worth, stop second guessing as it’s completely out of your control.
Except what will be, will be.
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Resilience is one of life’s most undervalued skills.
If your football pathway has so far been difficult then it’s those very scars that may be the thing that sets you apart during your future journey.
The ability to pick yourself up and go again is invaluable.
Don’t give up!
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As parents the best thing we can do for our children throughout their football journey is to simply be their parent.
Academy football can be really tough at times so when they walk out of the training complex make sure the first thing they feel is support.
That’s our role.
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Initial changes for parents when transitioning from grassroots to academy include:
• No shouting on sidelines.
• There is no league to compete in.
• Child may get less game time.
• No presentation evenings.
• Increased travel.
• Reward is being retained.
It’s different.
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If the academy pathway was presented as a business plan for investment it would be thrown in the bin!
• Only 0.5% chance of success.
• Large monetary & time sacrifice.
• Same concepts.
• Consistent leadership change.
• Market saturation.
So why does it get Parent buy in?
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Leading up to my Son’s release not one review stated he wasn’t on target, in fact it was that he was excelling and what the next steps were.
Just 4 weeks before his release a review stated his goalkeeping was ‘exceptional.’
Not even given the slightest negative hint until BAM!
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It seems from the feedback I have received whilst doing this page that goalkeepers appear to get some of the roughest treatment in academy’s.
Let’s give them a bit of love & post to this thread the favourite video or photo of your young GK!
@Goalkeepersofn1
@themoderndaygk
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Its fascinating how many of us parents will spend obscene amounts of money on extra training for our child to chase a near impossible dream.
Yet if our childs dream was to be an astronaut would we spend the same?
So whats our motive? Are we driven by our own failed aspirations?
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The average WEEKLY mileage for my child to attend academy commitments is 320 miles.
Do clubs feel this is sustainable given a vast majority don’t offer any fuel subsidies.
With the cost of living crisis beginning to bite, some parents will be forced into making tough calls.
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As pre-season approaches it’s so important that parents remember to refrain from consistently shouting instructions to their child during a match as it negatively impacts their own ability to make in-game decisions.
Allowing errors & mistakes are often the best learning lessons.
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It always surprises me just how little professional academies use a parents unique knowledge to better understand the children within their systems.
Can an academy fully develop a player without recognising their own individual traits?
The Parent: A widely untapped resource.
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The game of football is full of different opinions.
To one coach a particular youth player might be deemed not good enough whilst another coach might see that same player as exactly what they are looking for.
This carries through to all levels of the game.
Make peace with it.
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The retain & release procedure is brutal!
Called into the office, if your child is told they are no longer required then that’s it!
The aftercare is improving but it is far from perfect.
Parents always surprised with the process but it’s always been like this.
Be prepared!
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At all levels, parents obsess about their child ‘playing up’ an age group as if that’s the best way to develop.
There is equally as much benefit in a child ‘playing down’ an age group as different aspects of their game & character can be tested
Development comes in many guise’s
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As the football season draws to a close ensure your child fully recharges their batteries rather than focus immediately on the new season.
Those daily 1-2-1’s may help short term but the impact of not having that break may come further down the line.
The pro dream can wait….
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Why do the academy gates seem to transport us into a parallel universe where coaches parade as rock stars & parents act like groupies?
Can we all agree to quit the nonsense, leave the ego’s at the gate and concentrate on the real reason we are there, the development of the kids.
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What I wish for every player coming through the academy system is not success, but they find a life long friend who would run through a wall for you and for no other reason but love!
This epitomises that very notion.
What a friendship!
Kevin Sinfield emotionally carried his former Leeds Rhinos teammate Rob Burrow over the finish line at the inaugural Rob Burrow Leeds Marathon, having pushed his friend around the 26.2 miles in his wheelchair ❤️
1K
3K
36K
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Whatever level your child is choosing to play this season, as a parent make sure the experience is simply based around enjoyment.
Yes there will no doubt be tears & tantrums along the journey but they are only young once so ensure they come away from every session happy.
Enjoy!
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When a child joins a football academy they often go from being the ‘big fish’ at grassroots to being one of many talented players.
My experience of watching this scenario play out countless times reflects that parents find it harder to adjust
Relax & let the transition play out
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If your child is training with a development or elite centre through a professional club that does not mean they are ‘at an academy’.
Many parents seem so desperate to use that phrase.
Just let the process play out and stay true to what’s really happening.
Don’t force it.
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Those who asked about my son:
Released over 6 months ago. Was offered places in 2 other academies but turned them down.
Joined a non league youth team, immediately thrown into training & match days with mens 1st team.
Is now getting a completely different football experience.
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@fullback03
Many want their kids excelling in the sport they are playing but I’d be far prouder for them to be excelling at being kind and respectful.
These emotional skillsets are more important than ability.
Superb from this young lad.
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Over this summer break, whether at home or away on holiday please allow your child a well earned break from football.
The constant social media posts tagging the term ‘no days off’ for young players whilst on a beach concerns me.
Encourage other interests outside of football.
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The best advice I would give to any academy parent is to just make sure your child’s life is balanced.
Don’t build a life solely around football. Its also about family, friends, school, holidays, play & fun.
We are not just developing a footballer, we are developing a person.
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Why does every academy have that one scout/coach who strut around the training complex in their club tracksuit like they own the place?
They appear to only remain at the club because they once brought in a youth player who made a 1st team substitute appearance back in 1993!
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It’s easy for parents to get so swept up in the academy trial process that they forget to maintain any communication with their child’s grassroots coaches.
Remember it’s these very coaches you will be entrusting to restore your child’s confidence if the trial is unsuccessful.
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It’s incredible the impact a new trailist has amongst academy parents & the onset of paranoia about their own child’s position within the set-up.
If a career in football is to be pursued then get used to this! Ultimately if your child is good enough they with find their path.
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There are so many transferable skills obtained by young academy footballers that can be taken into a world outside of the game:
• Teamwork
• Self-discipline
• Work ethic
• Social skills
The journey isn’t all about growing as a footballer, it’s about growing as a person.
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A reminder to parents to remain humble and gracious throughout your child’s journey in sport.
Sometimes it will just be another child’s time and not yours!
Yes want success for your child but also create a space which allows others to grow.
Lead by your own actions.
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As Christmas approaches make sure both yourself & your child fully relax and forget about the academy football journey.
The process is such a huge commitment so just enjoy the family time when football isn’t on the schedule.
To all our followers, wishing you a great Christmas🎄
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Im receiving numerous messages from parents about how poorly the retain & release process was conducted by many professional clubs.
Limited rationale on decision with a number delivered by email or even text!
Little thought about child wellbeing.
Clubs must do better!
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I’ve received numerous messages from parents asking for advice in selecting between category 1, 2 or 3 clubs.
My response is simple; Choose both the environment which suits the child best & where they most enjoy playing.
Remember the route into the game has many pathways.
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Often hear the word ‘mentality’ thrown around and whether a youth player has it to compete at the highest level.
Yet it’s an area which is mostly neglected by clubs during the development phase.
The brain is like any other muscle so has to be equally trained and harnessed.
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Failure, disappointment, self doubt, sacrifice & hard work is all part of the building blocks to achieving success.
As a parent don’t be afraid to see your child fail. Guide them into learning from each set back and watch it enhance their development.
Success don’t come easy.
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There is a consistent narrative around the ruthlessness of the game from academy to professional level.
However there are many scouts, coaches and managers who strive to raise the standards and are full of integrity, honesty & humility.
Some good work being done at all levels
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Its so important that playing for an academy does not become the ‘identity’ of young players.
As parents make sure other hobbies are pursued, education is prioritised & opportunities outside of football are equally considered.
Playing for an academy should never define them.
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Delighted to be receiving regular feedback from parents who state this page helped them feel more informed & empowered when their child entered an academy environment.
It was simply created to become a reference point for parents & I’m glad many are finding the content useful👍🏻
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As parents of young academy players we need to ensure we also measure success against how our children have grown as individuals & not simply whether they are retained by the club.
There is so much more to be gained from the academy system than just improving playing ability.
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It’s funny the comments you hear within the academy training ground during the first week back.
New coaches being scrutinised after 5 minutes of a session, concern as new trialist’s already in the mix, comments on physical growth of other players etc.
Some things never change.
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Many people talk about keeping a talented child at grassroots whilst young.
A counter argument is in grassroot leagues there are 2/3 strong sides with other matches proving uncompetitive.
Academy football tends to see your child getting tested every week against high quality.
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Always remember they are your children & YOU decide what’s best for them.
Whether that be managing their workload, allowing other sports to be played, deciding if day release from school is suitable, ensuring life balance etc.
It’s YOU who knows them better than anyone else.
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Just a word of advice when your child is starting a trial with a professional academy.
If the child has a small injury, feeling unwell etc then don’t send them!
It won’t ruin their chances. Clubs would rather see them when they are ready.
They will get another opportunity.
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At your child’s 8/12 week academy review session try to avoid making comparisons to other players!
Ask about the qualities they admire in them, how they have performed in the cycle, improvement areas & how the club will work on these.
Just make it solely about YOUR child!
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So its been a while since I last posted. The reason being one of my children was released by the professional academy he was signed to.
Was I bitter at first…yes. So it would have been foolish to post without proper reflection.
However did the club handle the process well…No.
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