Kids Grassroots Football - The good stuff!
Discussion
M3ax said:
Just been told they will start playing matches Dec to give them time to train for a while. Anybody have any ideas for training kit? There's a lot of falling over on artificial grass at the the moment 
not unusual for my boy I must say as he seems to go for the Unachievable . What should they wear through winter training?
It should be whatever he wants basically. The only mandatory items would be shin pads and whatever type of boots are Ok for the playing surface. not unusual for my boy I must say as he seems to go for the Unachievable . What should they wear through winter training?Hi
New manager here in U8s, I have got a fantastic bunch of kids (8 in the squad) and the parents seem very reasonable as well (so far.. :-D ). 2 wins one loss so far, with some interesting scorelines makes for the most entertaining football I ever watched!
The only thing really concerning me is equal play, and I would like to hear opinions on this. My idea from day one was to always ensure 100% equal time, rotating positions equally as well. My 'assistant' is of the view that as long as each kid gets half a game, you can use the 'extra time' to play the stronger players a bit more to try and win.
I can see good points from both arguments, yes we are here to have fun first and foremost, but on that same note we all know it's also much more fun to win. Looking back at playing myself as a kid, I remember that as long as I actually played a fair amount I was happy to have my stronger team mates play a bit more to enable us to go home with a win.
My position on this is swaying a bit back and forth, and I would like to hear where other people stand?
Also if you were a parent what would your view be? I think my son would definitely be happier to go home from a game having played half of it and won, then having played 3/4 and lost.
New manager here in U8s, I have got a fantastic bunch of kids (8 in the squad) and the parents seem very reasonable as well (so far.. :-D ). 2 wins one loss so far, with some interesting scorelines makes for the most entertaining football I ever watched!
The only thing really concerning me is equal play, and I would like to hear opinions on this. My idea from day one was to always ensure 100% equal time, rotating positions equally as well. My 'assistant' is of the view that as long as each kid gets half a game, you can use the 'extra time' to play the stronger players a bit more to try and win.
I can see good points from both arguments, yes we are here to have fun first and foremost, but on that same note we all know it's also much more fun to win. Looking back at playing myself as a kid, I remember that as long as I actually played a fair amount I was happy to have my stronger team mates play a bit more to enable us to go home with a win.
My position on this is swaying a bit back and forth, and I would like to hear where other people stand?
Also if you were a parent what would your view be? I think my son would definitely be happier to go home from a game having played half of it and won, then having played 3/4 and lost.
Hi fredt,
Glad you're enjoying it. Working with them when they are very young is so enjoyable. Mine are only U11's now but they haven't half changed in that time!
My view - I work out who I have available the night before a game and work out my starting line up, I work out my substitutions and select a time when to make subs, appropriate to the length of the match. I make all the subs at once. so 2/3/4 off, 2/3/4 on. If injuries occur I go with the flow bringing a player on and then when the other player is fit to rejoin (after stopping crying) take that same player back off until their allocated time has arrived. I'll rotate subs according to availability and previous game time. No player starts as sub two weeks on the trot. My players play in all different positions. Invariably there is an imbalance of playing minutes some players playing more game time than others, I address that the following week.
I had a spreadsheet that I can't seem to find now that helped me in the early days, it recorded minutes on the pitch at each match and cumulative totals. Not rocket science but if you would like it and I can find it drop me a PM and I'll send it to you.
I made it clear to parents and players at the start that this is what we would do regardless of results. It's a bit more work, but it's the right thing to do IMO.
S
Glad you're enjoying it.
Working with them when they are very young is so enjoyable. Mine are only U11's now but they haven't half changed in that time! My view - I work out who I have available the night before a game and work out my starting line up, I work out my substitutions and select a time when to make subs, appropriate to the length of the match. I make all the subs at once. so 2/3/4 off, 2/3/4 on. If injuries occur I go with the flow bringing a player on and then when the other player is fit to rejoin (after stopping crying) take that same player back off until their allocated time has arrived. I'll rotate subs according to availability and previous game time. No player starts as sub two weeks on the trot. My players play in all different positions. Invariably there is an imbalance of playing minutes some players playing more game time than others, I address that the following week.
I had a spreadsheet that I can't seem to find now that helped me in the early days, it recorded minutes on the pitch at each match and cumulative totals. Not rocket science but if you would like it and I can find it drop me a PM and I'll send it to you.
I made it clear to parents and players at the start that this is what we would do regardless of results. It's a bit more work, but it's the right thing to do IMO.
S
Edited by anniesdad on Wednesday 12th October 15:12
Hi mate, yeah I do it exactly the same. Spreadsheet and a scheduled plan for starting line up and subs.
My question was more that should 100% fairness always be the main consideration, or could it be that it's actually in the teams interest (including the 'weaker' players) that winning from time to time would took preference over 100% fairness?
My question was more that should 100% fairness always be the main consideration, or could it be that it's actually in the teams interest (including the 'weaker' players) that winning from time to time would took preference over 100% fairness?
fredt said:
Hi mate, yeah I do it exactly the same. Spreadsheet and a scheduled plan for starting line up and subs.
My question was more that should 100% fairness always be the main consideration, or could it be that it's actually in the teams interest (including the 'weaker' players) that winning from time to time would took preference over 100% fairness?
We have the exact same dilemma with our U7's. Its slightly easier for us as we have 10 on a matchday so each gets 20 minutes regardless of their ability. My question was more that should 100% fairness always be the main consideration, or could it be that it's actually in the teams interest (including the 'weaker' players) that winning from time to time would took preference over 100% fairness?
In our squad of 12 we have 7 who could be a really good team together. 2.5 who are half decent but a bit timid, understand what is going on and are improving. And 2.5 who are shall we say not quite as able.
We started the season by rotating them round each position. But that seems to confuse them in matches against other teams. They are fine when doing it in training.
So we now try and only play them in 2 positions. We will then change those position after a few games.
Our problem is trying to keep a balance of the able/less able kids. We could play a stronger team in one quarter and they would do well, but then we would need to play the weaker ones together who would just get hammered. This isn't good for their confidence. We hope that playing a balanced team that the lesser able will raise there ability a bit. Or at least get in the way sometimes
One thing we do is look at each quarter as a separate game.
Your starting point is what your league rules say. For example, my Saturday league U8 rules state "all players shall play a minimum of 20 minutes per match", where a match is 4x10 minutes. Therefore all players play a half a game.
You say you have a team of 8. Under my leagues rules, this means you'd have to drop 1 player each week, as it's a 5v5 format and maximum 2 subs.
Then whatever you finally decide is the right option for you, and you're happy with it, explain to the parents very clearly how you're managing it. The last thing you want is some parents 'perceiving' that their little darling is not playing as much as his best mate, and causing friction, etc.
My own personal opinion ... over the whole season, everyone will have played an equal amount. This gives you the option to perhaps field a stronger team for tough games, must-wins, cups, etc, and then a more balanced side for other games.
What is key (and trust me, this might become invaluable to you) is to keep a log, and update after every game, exactly how much time each lad has played. You can then refer back to this at any time to prove you've managing it fairly and balanced across the whole team. Some parents might be nice now, as there's amug awesome dad who has taken up the challenge. But come later in the season that might well change. I'm speaking from experience here.
But bottom line, communication is key. As long as you tell the parents that these are the league rules we have to adhere to and this is how I'm going to manage it, and I'm keeping a log to ensure it all works out at season-end, then you'll have their buy-in and support.
Just my tuppence worth
You say you have a team of 8. Under my leagues rules, this means you'd have to drop 1 player each week, as it's a 5v5 format and maximum 2 subs.
Then whatever you finally decide is the right option for you, and you're happy with it, explain to the parents very clearly how you're managing it. The last thing you want is some parents 'perceiving' that their little darling is not playing as much as his best mate, and causing friction, etc.
My own personal opinion ... over the whole season, everyone will have played an equal amount. This gives you the option to perhaps field a stronger team for tough games, must-wins, cups, etc, and then a more balanced side for other games.
What is key (and trust me, this might become invaluable to you) is to keep a log, and update after every game, exactly how much time each lad has played. You can then refer back to this at any time to prove you've managing it fairly and balanced across the whole team. Some parents might be nice now, as there's a
But bottom line, communication is key. As long as you tell the parents that these are the league rules we have to adhere to and this is how I'm going to manage it, and I'm keeping a log to ensure it all works out at season-end, then you'll have their buy-in and support.
Just my tuppence worth
Kinky said:
Your starting point is what your league rules say. For example, my Saturday league U8 rules state "all players shall play a minimum of 20 minutes per match", where a match is 4x10 minutes. Therefore all players play a half a game.
You say you have a team of 8. Under my leagues rules, this means you'd have to drop 1 player each week, as it's a 5v5 format and maximum 2 subs.
Then whatever you finally decide is the right option for you, and you're happy with it, explain to the parents very clearly how you're managing it. The last thing you want is some parents 'perceiving' that their little darling is not playing as much as his best mate, and causing friction, etc.
My own personal opinion ... over the whole season, everyone will have played an equal amount. This gives you the option to perhaps field a stronger team for tough games, must-wins, cups, etc, and then a more balanced side for other games.
What is key (and trust me, this might become invaluable to you) is to keep a log, and update after every game, exactly how much time each lad has played. You can then refer back to this at any time to prove you've managing it fairly and balanced across the whole team. Some parents might be nice now, as there's amug awesome dad who has taken up the challenge. But come later in the season that might well change. I'm speaking from experience here.
But bottom line, communication is key. As long as you tell the parents that these are the league rules we have to adhere to and this is how I'm going to manage it, and I'm keeping a log to ensure it all works out at season-end, then you'll have their buy-in and support.
Just my tuppence worth
I don't think I've ever agreed more with a post on PH than this one. The last two paragraphs in particular are not important, they're vital!! You say you have a team of 8. Under my leagues rules, this means you'd have to drop 1 player each week, as it's a 5v5 format and maximum 2 subs.
Then whatever you finally decide is the right option for you, and you're happy with it, explain to the parents very clearly how you're managing it. The last thing you want is some parents 'perceiving' that their little darling is not playing as much as his best mate, and causing friction, etc.
My own personal opinion ... over the whole season, everyone will have played an equal amount. This gives you the option to perhaps field a stronger team for tough games, must-wins, cups, etc, and then a more balanced side for other games.
What is key (and trust me, this might become invaluable to you) is to keep a log, and update after every game, exactly how much time each lad has played. You can then refer back to this at any time to prove you've managing it fairly and balanced across the whole team. Some parents might be nice now, as there's a
But bottom line, communication is key. As long as you tell the parents that these are the league rules we have to adhere to and this is how I'm going to manage it, and I'm keeping a log to ensure it all works out at season-end, then you'll have their buy-in and support.
Just my tuppence worth
GloverMart said:
Kinky said:
Your starting point is what your league rules say. For example, my Saturday league U8 rules state "all players shall play a minimum of 20 minutes per match", where a match is 4x10 minutes. Therefore all players play a half a game.
You say you have a team of 8. Under my leagues rules, this means you'd have to drop 1 player each week, as it's a 5v5 format and maximum 2 subs.
Then whatever you finally decide is the right option for you, and you're happy with it, explain to the parents very clearly how you're managing it. The last thing you want is some parents 'perceiving' that their little darling is not playing as much as his best mate, and causing friction, etc.
My own personal opinion ... over the whole season, everyone will have played an equal amount. This gives you the option to perhaps field a stronger team for tough games, must-wins, cups, etc, and then a more balanced side for other games.
What is key (and trust me, this might become invaluable to you) is to keep a log, and update after every game, exactly how much time each lad has played. You can then refer back to this at any time to prove you've managing it fairly and balanced across the whole team. Some parents might be nice now, as there's amug awesome dad who has taken up the challenge. But come later in the season that might well change. I'm speaking from experience here.
But bottom line, communication is key. As long as you tell the parents that these are the league rules we have to adhere to and this is how I'm going to manage it, and I'm keeping a log to ensure it all works out at season-end, then you'll have their buy-in and support.
Just my tuppence worth
I don't think I've ever agreed more with a post on PH than this one. The last two paragraphs in particular are not important, they're vital!! You say you have a team of 8. Under my leagues rules, this means you'd have to drop 1 player each week, as it's a 5v5 format and maximum 2 subs.
Then whatever you finally decide is the right option for you, and you're happy with it, explain to the parents very clearly how you're managing it. The last thing you want is some parents 'perceiving' that their little darling is not playing as much as his best mate, and causing friction, etc.
My own personal opinion ... over the whole season, everyone will have played an equal amount. This gives you the option to perhaps field a stronger team for tough games, must-wins, cups, etc, and then a more balanced side for other games.
What is key (and trust me, this might become invaluable to you) is to keep a log, and update after every game, exactly how much time each lad has played. You can then refer back to this at any time to prove you've managing it fairly and balanced across the whole team. Some parents might be nice now, as there's a
But bottom line, communication is key. As long as you tell the parents that these are the league rules we have to adhere to and this is how I'm going to manage it, and I'm keeping a log to ensure it all works out at season-end, then you'll have their buy-in and support.
Just my tuppence worth
One thing we did is write a code of conduct for the players, coaches and parents. We sent it out to the parents and made them bring a signed copy back. We sat the kids down and read it to them in training.
Have a look at the FA respect stuff and get the parents to read it and watch the online videos.
fredt said:
Hi mate, yeah I do it exactly the same. Spreadsheet and a scheduled plan for starting line up and subs.
My question was more that should 100% fairness always be the main consideration, or could it be that it's actually in the teams interest (including the 'weaker' players) that winning from time to time would took preference over 100% fairness?
In my view 5 minutes after the game the kids have moved on, win, lose or draw. I don't think the result has any lasting effect except perhaps on the parents. My question was more that should 100% fairness always be the main consideration, or could it be that it's actually in the teams interest (including the 'weaker' players) that winning from time to time would took preference over 100% fairness?
I'd always go with minutes on the pitch as equal as possible over results.
48Valves said:
This time a million.
One thing we did is write a code of conduct for the players, coaches and parents. We sent it out to the parents and made them bring a signed copy back. We sat the kids down and read it to them in training.
Have a look at the FA respect stuff and get the parents to read it and watch the online videos.
This is the FA Respect Code of Conduct that our club expect everybody to follow. One thing we did is write a code of conduct for the players, coaches and parents. We sent it out to the parents and made them bring a signed copy back. We sat the kids down and read it to them in training.
Have a look at the FA respect stuff and get the parents to read it and watch the online videos.
Parents / Carers and Spectators will:
• Remain outside the field of play and behind the Designated Spectator Area (where provided).
• Never engage in, or tolerate, offensive, insulting or abusive language or behaviour
• Always respect the match officials’ decisions
• Applaud effort and good play as well as success.
• In addition, when attending youth games I will:
• Remember that children play for FUN
• Let the coaches do their job and not confuse the players by telling them what to do
• Encourage the players to respect the opposition and match officials
• Never criticise a player for making a mistake –mistakes are part of learning.
• Notify team managers of any special medical needs or injuries that a player may have.
• Notify team managers as to whether players will be unavailable for matches or training as soon as possible
• Not leave children unsupervised at matches or training without the prior agreement of the Manager
• Be punctual in attendance for training and matches
• Ensure that children are appropriately dressed for training and matches (including shin-guards and suitable footwear)
• Ensure club registration fees are paid promptly
• Not take photographs (still or video) of matches or training sessions without specific prior permission of the Manager or Coach
• I understand that breaches of the code may result in action being taken by the Club, County FA and /or The FA.
Young Players (Upto U14’s)- When playing football, I will
Always do my best, even if we’re losing or the other team is stronger
• Play fairly – I won’t cheat, complain or waste time
• Never be rude to my team-mates, the other team, the referee, spectators or my coach/team manager
• Do what the referee tells me
• Shake hands with the other team and referee at the end of the game
• Listen to my coach/team manager and respect what he/she says
• Talk to someone I trust, for example my parents or the club welfare officer if I’m unhappy about anything at my club.
• I understand that if I do not follow the code, action may be taken.
Thanks all! Agree with all of the above, and I would like to think I'm on the ball (pun intended) I have most of the points raised under control; I log playing time, I issued a statement outlining my philosophy before the season started, I keep a good report with the parents and I'm trying to run a tight ship. I did FA level 1 coaching (required by the club) I think this has been useful, as is having a well organized club behind you.
I think I have come to the conclusion that I need to keep to more or less equal playing time for now, regardless of results, and try and manage the team within these parameters. Which is a definitely more challenging as well.
Thanks
I think I have come to the conclusion that I need to keep to more or less equal playing time for now, regardless of results, and try and manage the team within these parameters. Which is a definitely more challenging as well.
Thanks
anniesdad said:
Sadly two of the this seasons squad are missing from this "end of season presentation" picture. Two of these boys pictured holding trophies will next season be moving into a team that plays in a higher division and the rest are staying with me for next year, alongside the 2 that are missing from the picture and some others that have come up into the team.
We've been a squad of 9 this year playing 7v7, next year at U11 we're a squad of 13 playing 9v9 and for the last few weeks we've been playing tournaments and friendlies aimed at the transition for next year. The kids all get to play in different positions and for pretty much the same length of time as their team mates, often my substitutions are worked out the night before, it's impossible to give them all the same game time but I try to redress any imbalance the week after. Whilst we've not won any team trophies this season the kids have all enjoyed themselves and are all looking forward to next season. The 3 at the front have individual awards also. From L-R, Most Improved Player, Players Player (the one they all value the most), Managers Player.
It's been a pleasure this season but I'm ready for a break if I'm honest.
I'll enjoy this that the kids and their parents bought for me.
![](http://thumbsnap.com/sc/OJYI3JBg.jpg[/img]</a> <a href="http://thumbsnap.com/ngAH1hwv" Target="_blank" rel="nofollow">[img]http://thumbsnap.com/sc/ngAH1hwv.jpg)
Silvernoble883 said:
just a shame you support Utd
We can't all be perfect! Here's our squad for this season.
The eagle eyed amongst you may spot that we have changed names in the transition from 7v7 to 9v9 from Falcons to (ahem)...United. This was to help ease the transition from 6 U10 teams to 5 U11 teams this year so that there was no negative perception and to help deal with parents expectations that their son/daughter should be playing in a "higher" team. We made sure that none of the children felt as though they were dropping down into a "lower" team. The coaching group did receive some feedback from parents questioning our decision, there was some dissention (not by the kids I hasten to add), since then I have learned that those parents have since confirmed that we were right to change things the way we did.
Edited by anniesdad on Thursday 13th October 12:21
anniesdad said:
We can't all be perfect! Here's our squad for this season.
The eagle eyed amongst you may spot that we have changed names in the transition from 7v7 to 9v9 from Falcons to (ahem)...United. This was to help ease the transition from 6 U10 teams to 5 U11 teams this year so that there was no negative perception and to help deal with parents expectations that their son/daughter should be playing in a "higher" team. We made sure that none of the children felt as though they were dropping down into a "lower" team. The coaching group did receive some feedback from parents questioning our decision, there was some dissention (not by the kids I hasten to add), since then I have learned that those parents have since confirmed that we were right to change things the way we did.
Edited by anniesdad on Thursday 13th October 12:21
XM5ER said:
No way! If you have a match with Egerton this Saturday, I'll say hello. However I think we are playing Devils not United, you guys have quite a few teams at under 11. This should be our toughest match so far, hopefully we'll get a good challenge.
Yeah the Devil's are our first team, they play in the group above United. We've got 5 U11 teams. I think your boys have joined our league this season? I know your team have some really good players (Seb is one, his dads got an i8?). We had a good game the other week against your "Tatton" team. You'll find the Devils tough to beat. Enjoy the game.
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