I've played soccer my entire life. However, in this last two years I've had the opportunity to observe soccer from an entire different perspective: a coach's perspective. And, I must say that I'm rather disappointed with the way American soccer is being developed.Just like the concept of capitalism itself, youth soccer in the States has been taking a very competitive approach, something that in my humble opinion is dead wrong. I don't want to be misunderstood as I love competition and I understand that soccer is a natural competition sport. However, competition should not be the focus when developing successful soccer players at a very early age.
Allow me to explain my point with an example. A fellow coach, Sean, and I were having a conversation at work the other day. Sean -- who is British and has far more coaching experience than I do -- was telling me about an interview he had with the parents and organizers of a girl's under-10 soccer team. During the interview, he was asked again and again about his winning record as a coach. His interviewers were very clear to point out that their goal was to win. Apparently that's all they wanted since they failed to mention the necessity to educate the players and to develop them technically. Sean tried to explain the importance of developing the players since, at that age, children are like sponges and they absorb everything that's taught to them. To learn to win is a very important step. However, it is tricky as a considerable amount of pressure comes with it. Such pressure is something a 10 year-old is not equipped to dealing with.
English people have it down and that's why they are so successful at developing players such as Frank Lampard or Steven Gerrard. Sean was telling me that in England, youth soccer teams focus in player development, not winning. That comes later. Coaches pay close attention at the player's technique. They try to explode their skills to a maximum. And then, when they've learned all the basic stuff properly -- passing, dibbling, defending, and shooting -- they move on to more tactical stuff like spacing and different set plays.
That's the great difference between the success of European players and the failure of American ones. European kids are taught to play the sport correctly and they are taught to love the sport. Kids in America are taught that they have to win at all cost.
Think for a second, how is a 10 year-old going to enjoy soccer in an environment where winning is not only necessary but the goal itself? How are they going to feel if they lose? Where did the idea of "having fun" go? and, are they really going to love soccer?
Fortunately, coaches in America are starting to pick up on this mistake. The National Soccer Coaches Association of America, NSCAA, has actually created guidelines similar to those of UEFA and other organizations that teach the game the way is supposed to be taught. Also, many of the coaches that I work with encourage their young players to have fun and enjoy soccer without the pressure of having to win the game. At the same time, such coaches also work towards a formula where proper development of young players actually earns them the victories.
Winning is important, but in order to win, one has to attain all the necessary tools for it. One does not get those tools at 10 years old. True success comes later, or do you think Steven Gerrard won all the games he played when he was 10?
