By Joe Godfrey
Scouts from pro clubs contact us a lot. We have a good relationship with many. Please, never pay for the ‘opportunity’ to be ‘introduced’ to scouts. Indeed, at our own SK Cup in July, we were inundated with requests to attend.
When your child plays for a decent team at the right level, scouts will see him. But that’s a whole other article…
Trialling and Trying Out
When ‘trialling’ for a club, a trial should be a two-way thing. Yes, the club is trialling the child to see if they are of the required standard. But what about the other way? Why don’t the parents trial the club? Judge their communication, the delivery of coaching, the coaches’ rapport with the players… Are the children’s emotional needs supported? Can your family sustain the huge commitment and travel required? The list could go on. These are all big asks and should never be taken for granted.
Too often, children ‘sign’ at an academy club virtually at the club’s demand. Many parents don't consider the many factors that should influence their decision. I advise parents who’ve been offered their ‘contract’ (a silly term, 8-year-olds can’t enter contracts) to stop and think. See out the full trial before committing. The trial should be both ways.
Always Aim High
We’re ambitious in our football. We make no apology for that. Dreaming big and aiming high are good and should be encouraged. But adults have to be responsible. A recent stat suggested that only around 0.5% of children signing at U9s ever make it to first-team football. That’s only those who’ve actually been signed. Just one in two hundred. It doesn’t mean that it’s impossible. It's just that signing at 8 years old really doesn’t mean much.
Likewise, NOT signing at 8 years old doesn’t mean some sort of failure.
One of our many success stories only signed at U13. He’s still playing Cat. 1 football now. Another SK lad is now playing Cat. 1 U17s, and one of our goalkeepers signed at U16, and is now moving up the ladder. None of these boys played any academy football at 8 years old…
Take Time to Decide
Signing at 8 years old isn't wrong, necessarily. There are children who have made it. Phil Foden is quite a good example, isn’t he? It’s more to say that jumping headlong is rarely a good decision. Every parent should spend time - an 8-week trial, for instance - weighing up the following:
Will this club develop my child’s football more than his current commitments?
Will my child enjoy this more than his current commitments?
Can we sustain the time and expense of travel? It’s not just evenings to training but away games through the season…
Could this impact negatively on my child’s siblings?
Is my child mentally and emotionally ready for the demands of academy football?
How will my child cope with perceived rejection if he is released? How will he respond?
Will academy football interfere with other commitments, social or education-wise?
Yeah, yeah - it looks good on Instagram. It sounds good to other parents on the playground. Maybe you think it’s the chance you never had. But clubs - particularly the top clubs, who’ve got the most resources - ought to ensure parents know exactly what is required and what they are committing to.
Big Business
Parents, too, must take responsibility and remember that the clubs are businesses. They have a purpose. At the top end, the ultimate aim is to produce players who can go and play at the top level, to make the club money. At the lower end, it might be to create first-team players or even players who can be sold on in the future. This is nothing like a grassroots club, which is more community-focused. Understanding those different structures is crucial in making your decision.
To conclude, it’s just that - your decision. I won't say that signing is either a good thing or a bad thing at a young age. Just remember that it isn’t a clear, black-and-white decision. Taking time to weigh up the pros and cons is crucial.
We are always happy to advise. Contact us in confidence if you’re considering a contract for your child.
Notes:
1. When referring to ‘he’, I am referring to boys’ academy football.
2. These are my views and opinions. Experienced opinion but opinion nonetheless.
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