No football leagues for under 8's

[Loki]

http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/uk/7477154.stm

Interesting story on the BBC that the FA have looked to ban league competitions for Under 8's. No doubt some of the press will have a field day saying another competitive activity taken away from children, and were making a nation of softies etc.

However I think this really is a good thing for kids. They can still play in games that would be no less competitive whilst it takes away the pressure of having to win to finish somewhere in a table. So in essence more work can be done to help with the skills work.

I find this interesting as I am a coach for my sons under 7's team and they were due to go into their first league this September. I would much rather see the players develop their skills both as footballers and as people any day above winning a league.

The current system is forcing teams, coaches and players alike to be focused on the next match and the next 3 points. I think it is a bold step by the FA and one I applaud.

What you think

 

[Loki]

I think one of the biggest problems English football has is that kids start playing organised football too early. This is why we have no flair players in the England team, it seems as if any flair/individuality is drummed out of kids as coaches try to get them to submit to a system.

To me it's no surprise that the most successful national football team ever has kids playing on all surfaces in bare foot etc. for most of their childhood.

Indeed.

Although I have not payed that much attention to the Euro's from what I have seen Spain have been an absolute pleasure to watch with some excellent pass and move football. I don't think it's coincidence that they are in the finals when their coaching ethos is geared towards skill development, ball control on small pitches upto their early teens. Also worth noting that they have probably the smallest midfield in Europe. So it shows that the physical game is certainly limited