We are driven to succeed, and to create some potential future stars of the next generation, but to do that we need to hit our primary objective of getting as many kids playing and enjoying the sport as possible. We would like to think that all children have a dream of playing for Wales and being the next Gareth Bale or Jess Fishlock, but right now the only thing they want is the correct environment with the correct coaches to be able to have fun and enjoy the game.
Our vision incorporates a full club philosophy and way of thinking, which isn’t all about winning and striving to win, but to ensure all players have equal opportunity to succeed and develop, with this in mind a ruling across the board that every player will be guaranteed at least a set amount of game time which would be set and agreed with the coach. This model is not universally accepted by all of the coaches who are absolutely determined to win the local under 12’s league or cup competition, which is apparently the most important thing, but when you talk to the players, the one thing they don’t like is going to training on a weekly basis and working their hardest like everyone else, to stand on the sidelines and get no game time, or at best get five minutes on a weekend. These children have signed up to play football, not just train for football, so we have to create opportunities and let them play.
To all the parents worried about what level of ability your child has or what their role would be on a specific team, may you allow perspective in your thoughts and actions that no matter what team they are placed on or what their role ends up being, it is still a great privilege to be a part of this sport in any capacity. Children develop at different stages and must be given the opportunity to shine. There are some kids who would give ANYTHING to be a part of it, yet for one reason or another, they can't, whether that be money, logistics, geographic restrictions, lack of support, resources in their area, or health to name a few. So instead of worrying about their ability, what team or what role, focus on what IS present for your child, the opportunities to learn, love, and grow into the next chapters of their lives. Don't let the "level" that they are at in comparison to others they play with dictate the value of your child or the joy they get to have from their experience. Let them see you celebrate their accomplishments as part of a big journey, not as a snapshot in time that completely stops all other things.
The minutes, hours, years you have to be a part of it are limited. Make them good and enjoy the huge privilege it is to watch your child walk onto that pitch to do what they love.
