Where do you get your information?
Reading this article made me realise the need for people like me (and others, of course) to rally against such populist writing.
Chris Platts
Dr Chris Platts worked in Academia for over 15 years studying the work of professional footballers. He presented and published on the international stage before starting chrisplatts.co.uk
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I believe in putting more power in the hands of players and their families, and that is what I can do.
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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.
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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the academy system will still be there in 20 or 30 years, and I see there are many good people working in it, it is outdated, misfocused and, in many cases, irrelevant.
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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.
Why Young Footballers Should Think Globally, Not Just Locally
The takeaway is simple but powerful: Don鈥檛 let geography limit your football dreams. Whether you鈥檙e a player or a parent guiding one, broaden your horizons. Think globally, act boldly, and see football for what it truly is鈥攁 game that offers opportunities far beyond your backyard.
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For young players who have just been offered professional contracts, the next phase is likely to be entering under-21 squads. But there is a hidden danger to this, and you need to be aware of it.
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Making the most of time in a professional football academy means understanding what you are entering. I speak with Heads of Academies, Player Care Officers and Coaches weekly, and all speak about the same thing... "at the end of the day, we're a business"
"Because of what he鈥檚 saying, like that they think you鈥檙e a faggot"
Let's be clear, professional football is a high-risk occupation, with research showing injury rates as high as 0.40 per player per season at the academy level.