An Issue That Requires Careful Thought - Playing Up

Nearly every Club I've encountered allows young players to "play up" an age group, on the basis that they can handle the higher level of resistance inherit in company of more physically able (if not more  technically competent) players. Why, it happens in ACT Representative teams. But what's wrong with being good at age? Parents more often than many would like to admit, bask in the reflected glory associated with their child appearing to be rewarded for superior talent at age. The odd few Clubs cynically move young children forward to cover playing roster gaps at the higher age. No thought for "development". As the children grow, their performance in effected, usually adversely, until nature takes its course and they are back on track. Push them too hard at these times and you risk injuring them or pushing them into another sport - or back to their Playstation! But try telling some parents (and the odd Coach) that this year the boy or girl should go back to their age group. "Development" and "Fun" are two words frequently used most inappropriately in junior football. Tread carefully around "playing up"!

There is one exception to the "playing up" trend - it was the ACT teams at the Futsal Nationals. Bravo! It works!

This article is courtesy of http://www.usyouthsoccer.org/

by Sam Snow
Sam Snow is the Senior Assistant Technical Director for US Youth Soccer.


Playing Up?

Fairly often we are asked about players moving up in age group or level of competition. So here first is a check list of questions to be asked by the coaches, parents, administrators and the player to make a decision on whether to move up or stay put. The check list is followed by several of the Position Statements pertinent to this topic from the state association Technical Directors.

What are the Start Times for Junior Football Games in 2010?

As I watched the trials at my son's school this week, we parents asked the obvious question - when do the games start this season?

This is an important question! If there is more than one child to get to Football on Saturday, this is vital information. If you intend to coach a team (other than the one your child is playing in), you need to get the timing right so that you can get across to see your son or daughter play.

I rang Capital Football to find out what time all the Junior Football games would start this season - girls and boys. The Capital Football Junior League Manager, Melanie Luksa kindly gave me the following information for the start times and it applies to both Girls and Boys:

• Under 10 - 11:30AM
• Under 11 - 12:30PM
• Under 12 - 1:45PM
• Under 13 - 12:30PM
• Under 14 - 1:45PM
• Under 15 - 3:10PM
• Under 16 - 3:10PM
• Under 18 - 3:10PM

So start planning and get the transport solution sorted out. Volunteer to coach or manage a team. Do a Community Coaching course through Capital Football - its painless and interesting and gets you started.

Remember there are some changes to the small sided games this season - for example, Under 12's go to a full size field and 11v11.

Detailed draws will be published when Clubs advise CF of the teams etc.

I notice that some Junior teams (various ages) are already in training around the ACT.

Let the 2010 season for Junior Football begin.