In the world of professional youth football, success is often portrayed as glamorous — elite academies, training facilities, and dreams of the big leagues and so on. But beneath the surface, many young players endure a training culture shaped not just by discipline, but by punishment, intimidation and fear. After a conversation about the culture within clubs with a parent this week, it was. topic I wanted to blog about. I also mentioned it in this week's video, which you can watch here:
Punishment or Discipline? The Hidden Reality of Youth Football Training
Behind every professional prospect is a young person learning about themselves, the sport, and, of course, the world. Education and development should be built on support and growth, not fear and punishment. It is up to us to take control of that.
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I strongly believe...
I believe in putting more power in the hands of players and their families, and that is what I can do.
Education in Academies
At the heart of this issue is a fundamental misunderstanding of the relationship between education and professional football. So let me be clear on this. Undertaking education alongside your playing career makes you a better player.
Why the academy system is dead
While I believe the academy system will still be there in 20 or 30 years, and I see there are many good people working in it, it is outdated, misfocused and, in many cases, irrelevant.