This is one of the subjects I am most passionate about, youth football, particularly with having an 8 year old boy and trying to find somewhere to play each week.
The thing is, most clubs are only interested in winning games. The "training" during the week is nothing of the sort and ridiculously, one club I went to had lads of around 9 or 10 running round the field like an army drill and then doing press ups. What a load of ****.
They then play a game on a Sunday, when players hardly see the ball, there is no football played and the ball is constantly launched forward for people to run on to and score past a small goalkeeper in a large net. It really is cringeworthy to watch.
For now, my son is going to a weekly futsal class.
Futsal - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Smaller, heavier ball that doesn't really bounce. Played by countries such as Spain, Brazil, Portugal the game promotes skill, quick movement off the ball, fast feet and tricks, close control.
There are no corners, long balls, long throws etc. The pace of the game is incredible and is really demanding on your ability to control the ball, move it quickly and precisely and then get a return pass. Think Xavi and Iniesta.
The amount of times England played a long ball last night was excruciating. We have no skillful players who can beat a man. We never string a succession passes together.
Until there is a radical overhaul of the Youth system in this country we will always be behind nations that encourage passing, control and do not play competitive games at such young ages.
My next door neighbour came home with his son, "we won 16-0". I felt dead inside. Really? 16-0 in a game between 12 year olds? Who is that helping?