newsportfuture.com/elite-junior-athletes/
I thought this was an interesting article, particularly applicable to soccer. I tend to agree with much of the article, although I prefer the word "passion" over "fun". I don't think fun gives you enough drive to become a great athlete. Whereas, passion gets you through those days when training is hard work and the drive to outwork your competitors.
One sentence stood out to me, "But time and time again all over the world we see evidence of young kids who are pushed, promoted and prodded down the increasingly discredited “pathway” system failing to realize their potential or even remaining involved with the sport much past their mid teens."
I cringe when I hear anyone sell, or even call, something a pathway. The DA is a perfect example of this and is Exhibit A of the failure of the so-called "pathway" system.
I thought this was an interesting article, particularly applicable to soccer. I tend to agree with much of the article, although I prefer the word "passion" over "fun". I don't think fun gives you enough drive to become a great athlete. Whereas, passion gets you through those days when training is hard work and the drive to outwork your competitors.
One sentence stood out to me, "But time and time again all over the world we see evidence of young kids who are pushed, promoted and prodded down the increasingly discredited “pathway” system failing to realize their potential or even remaining involved with the sport much past their mid teens."
I cringe when I hear anyone sell, or even call, something a pathway. The DA is a perfect example of this and is Exhibit A of the failure of the so-called "pathway" system.