Looking for some recommendations for Under 7 football teams in and around the kidbrooke/eltham area.
My eldest turns 6 in September and currently does training with JMF down at Long Lane. I took him to the Long Lane training session today and are thinking about signing him up with them but a few mates have said they aren't as good as they are hyped up to be. Although the training for their teams is also with JMF who I have found to be fantastic with their coaching so far.
So thought before I sign him up, I would look for any other recommendations first n look into it.
1
Comments
ny son is 7 and I see so many dads that want their son to be their meal ticket. They go barmy on the sidelines and it’s ridiculous.
let your kid have fun - that’s all that matters
He then went on to stand on the touch line for the best part of the season until one day the manager called him on. The ref looked at his watch and told our manager, 'You've gotta be joking, there's less than a minute left'. My boy (the most even tempered kid you could wish to meet), took off his shirt, threw it down in front of him, walked over it and never returned to competitive football again. That was over 25 years ago.
I kinda guessed that the manager would phone me, and having already had the discussion with my lad I was prepared for him. He, as I predicted offered the next game to my boy. However, my kid was absolutely steadfast that he didn't want to return. I gave the manager my views about adults who didn't allow children to play, about the utter futility on the emphasis on winning at any cost at the age of seven especially over the education of learning the game and having fun. To make matters worse games at that time were played on oversized pitches with oversized goals, and it seemed to me that praise was heaped on any kid who could simply kick the ball up the field a decent distance. Utter madness.
I have felt a bit guilty over the years that I didn't devote more time to coaxing my lad back, but it was a tough time for me. I had recently been widowed, had three kids to bring up and a full time job. Time was not on my side. He has at least been a Charlton season ticket holder in the intervening years.
Glad you're sticking to where he's happy @kidbrookeaddick!
my daughter played at Long Lane and left after half a season, their U12's girls team has 3 coaches and they run it like a professional outfit - it's ridiculous and drove me mental how much they shouted at the girls, luckily she got fed up with it before I pulled her out of there - I bit my tongue on more than a few occasions.
Both my girls now play at Crayford Arrows, cracking club and they ensure all the kids play enough football. It's not all about winning at that age, they just all want to feel part of a team and that they contribute.
basically don’t try and play for a team who are above his level.
parents will to win normally comes before boys happiness in just playing football
The other half looked on the Selkent League website for players wanted and found Hayden. Although a friend joined the same time as him, he gets on well with the other lads, who dont go to his school, which is actually quite nice.
Although we love to win, the coach is mainly concerned with developing the children’s footballing abilities.
Everyone has hit the nail on the head though, it should be where he feels comfortable and enjoys his football, there are too many coaches or parents that value a win over the development of the child and it's sad to see! The enjoyment of coaching was always seeing how the boys develop a part of their game, or even something as simple as mastering a 5 yard pass with their weaker foot, it all made doing it worthwhile.
I,like you all have said, just want him to be happy and enjoy himself. I know he will be happy at long lane whilst he is training with JMF, as he already trains with them on another day, i just hope he will be happy with the Long Lane side of things when it comes to games and hope that is involved with the matches as he loves football so much. Obviously I want him to do well for his own benefit but his happiness is most important to me and my wife.
Was just a bit wary as had heard a few things about Long Lane being pushy and only interested in results but I'm hoping if anything thats more at an older stage and he can continue to progress now and move clubs later on if needed