When teams progress to 9 v 9 and 11 v 11, it is an exciting time for coaches, players and parents alike. Players especially are chomping at the bit to emulate the version of soccer that their idols in the pro game play. For coaches, the chance to test themselves with 22 players on the field on match days is one that should be fully embraced.
Despite this excitement, it is also a time that is fraught with challenges. With a lot of clubs having 2 teams per age group up until 11 v 11, merging them is something that is inevitable. Where as 2 squads of 12 players were ideal for 9 v 9, it is too few for 11 v 11. Similarly, combining them to create a squad of 24 is unrealistic and unfair for children who just want to play. Some players might not be ready for the step up to the larger field, but at the same time, are we really in a position to tell a youngster that they can’t play the game anymore?
As with a lot of things related to the beautiful game, there is no right answer and everybody won’t be pleased. However, the following options can make sure that every child at your club has the chance to play, whether with you or someone else
Find Additional Players
Growing up, I wasn’t a particularly good player. I wasn’t strong or fast and I was constantly the last pick whenever captains chose teams on the school playground. From an early age I was well aware that I would never play professional. Despite this, I would have given anything to play for a team and have my own jersey and number. Even if we had lost every week in the bottom division, it wouldn’t have mattered. I just wanted to represent someone.
I was never going to get that opportunity. The mentality back then of grassroots soccer was that the coaches wanted to imagine they were in the Premier League. Win at all costs. Similar to those who play Football Manager, some would dress up in a suit for the U10 Birmingham Combined Division 3 Cup Final!
There are hundreds of kids that feel the same way as I did. They would give their right arm just play for a team. Schools are more than happy to hand out information regarding football teams looking for new players. There may be some who are not “up to standard”, but our role as a coach is to help them improve. At that same time 3 or 4 players who may be lost for the game forever, have the chance to continue playing. Their development may even skyrocket being seen as the leaders of the new team. Who knows, though they might not be “A” team players yet, but within a year or 2 of taking on the responsibility of leadership with the new players, they just might be.
Growing up, I wasn’t a particularly good player. I wasn’t strong or fast and I was constantly the last pick whenever captains chose teams on the school playground. From an early age I was well aware that I would never play professional. Despite this, I would have given anything to play for a team and have my own jersey and number. Even if we had lost every week in the bottom division, it wouldn’t have mattered. I just wanted to represent someone.
I was never going to get that opportunity. The mentality back then of grassroots soccer was that the coaches wanted to imagine they were in the Premier League. Win at all costs. Similar to those who play Football Manager, some would dress up in a suit for the U10 Birmingham Combined Division 3 Cup Final!
There are hundreds of kids that feel the same way as I did. They would give their right arm just play for a team. Schools are more than happy to hand out information regarding football teams looking for new players. There may be some who are not “up to standard”, but our role as a coach is to help them improve. At that same time 3 or 4 players who may be lost for the game forever, have the chance to continue playing. Their development may even skyrocket being seen as the leaders of the new team. Who knows, though they might not be “A” team players yet, but within a year or 2 of taking on the responsibility of leadership with the new players, they just might be.
Help Those You Won’t Be Keeping On Find A New Team
The recent documentary “No Hunger in Paradise” did an excellent job of highlighting the pitfalls of Academy Soccer. Understandably so, as the amount of kids that succeed in making it as a professional player is extremely limited. The issue of what happens to players who are released by clubs was also brought up. A lot of comments suggested that players were tossed to one side. Having worked with Football League clubs, my experience is a lot different. Coaching staff will look for a new club for their former Academy players to play for. This is something that the grassroots can learn from.
Bringing in new players might not be a possibility if you cannot find a willing coach. However, relationships with other clubs in the local area should be maintained. If 2 clubs are both struggling to find roster spots for players, yet one club has a coach willing to work with those extra kids, it makes sense to transfer them across. This takes communication on the coaches part rather than leaving it to the parents to figure it out. Families may be hurt initially, but the action of the coach finding a new club for the player will be appreciated
I had a team completely disintegrate a couple of years back. Age group changes and players moving to Academy level led to this. A relationship with a nearby club allowed us to offer those spare players an opportunity to continue playing. Though it wasn’t an ideal situation, it was appreciated that we didn’t just leave those players to their own devices. In fact, I still hear from the parents now, updating me on how their daughter is progressing.
Start Your Own League
The pay to play model in the US understandably has a lot of critics. At my previous club, parents were playing close to $1,000 a year to play travel soccer. Believe it or not, we were one of the most cost effective options in the state! Despite the negatives, the extra cost of playing does allow for a number of added pluses. Paid coaches, 2 practice sessions a week and sole access to a wide range of facilities to name a few.
The benefit of this access to facilities allows clubs to run their own recreational program. This is an in-house league for those who are either not fully committed to the travel or those that want to play despite not being at the level for a more competitive standard.
The beauty of the Rec program is that clubs have the ability to set their own league structure. For example, just because they have a U14 group, it doesn’t mean that they have to play 11 v 11. If there is only enough interest to form teams to play 7 v 7, that is what will happen.
My time at Crawley Town saw us set up the REDS program for 5-8 year olds. The premise was a “league” for players either too young to play league football, or not assigned to a local team. The parental feedback we received was great and even received a visit from then FA Chairman David Berstein.
Admittedly a lot of time would go into organising this – the need for fields, coaches, uniforms, insurance and referees have to be considered. However, you get to set it up how you want, for as long as you want and the time of year you think is best. Combined with local clubs the roles can be delegated. MUGA’s can be used to set up a “street” league. Fees charged to compensate the extra time being taken away from you. Links to your local pro club could even see a player become an ambassador for the program.
Have you found anything else that helps give everyone the chance to play, while benefiting those who are ready to compete at a higher level? Let us know in the comments box.