Society tends to simplify our worth down to our football performance, and many players internalise this message. We begin to believe that football defines us. But here’s the thing: Football is something you do, not who you are. That shift in perspective is vital.
This blog is inspired by a question posed by a Player Care Manager at a professional football club on LinkedIn. I was moved to respond to the question because of my experiences in this area and the data that supported my view.
Why would a professional football club look out for the welfare of a young player? The answer, in most cases, is they won’t. Read the full article to learn more.
Semi-professional football occupies a vast and unique space within the English football pyramid, bridging the gap between amateur and professional levels. But what is it like to play there?
We know that many young players have begun to disengage with education before they undertake their scholarship. We know that then they will be 'spoon fed' their education at an academy developing in them 'learned helplessness'. Despite this, we know that they will pass the qualifications.
In recent months, it has become clear that the financial rules clubs have to abide by have constrained them to sell academy players. But, why is this the case?
If you are a scholar, you will encounter authoritarian leadership. You need to be prepared for that or you will not last long in that environment
It is just as important to prepare yourself for getting a professional contract as it is for not getting one. There are few places this applies more than when it comes to the financial aspects of a career.
These claims do little to advance our understanding of this topic and, therefore, are of little use for players who are trying to prepare for their careers or the parents and guardians supporting them
Have you ever wondered what a young player thinks they need from their support network?
What does leisure look like for young players? A wealth of free time after training? Latte's at the local Costa? Shopping for 'drip'? The reality might surprise you and it is something young players and their parents and guardians must understand.
There are some inherent dangers in this project and other collaborations seeking to attract young people who have been released from professional football clubs. Players and parents need to understand these dangers.
