Series 2 - Episode 5 - Youth Football Q&A With Pez, Geoff & Betsy

2023-07-25

Download 886

In the fifth episode of the new series Pez, Geoff & Betsy tackle 10 more questions from parents and coaches. Probably the most diverse list of questions of this series so far and a fantastic amount for parents and coaches to take away: My daughter likes to use her toe a lot, especially to shoot at goal, but a few of her teammates have teased her about it and saying she shouldn’t “toe punt” the ball. Should I be encouraging her not to do it? What is spotlight profiling? The manage...

My daughter likes to use her toe a lot, especially to shoot at goal, but a few of her teammates have teased her about it and saying she shouldn’t “toe punt” the ball. Should I be encouraging her not to do it?
What is spotlight profiling?
The manager of my son’s U8 team has had to step down. I’ve been asked to take over and I have accepted. Although I played quite a decent standard myself, I am nervous taking over the team as it’s a bit out of my comfort zone. I really want to do a good job though and help the children develop. Have you got any advice for me?
My son is 14 and plays at decent standard of grassroots football. He’s had a few scouts come to watch him and he’s progressing well. However, he likes to play in the centre of the park and often tries quite difficult passes that often result in him giving the ball away, much to the frustration of his manager. Is there any way I can help him to understand when to do difficult passes and when to keep it simple…?
Should youth players be coached for positions, in terms of individual skills and tactical awareness, or allowed to roam free and find their own "cool”...?
Is there a way to help children who struggle to retain information learn what skill to use, what touch to try and when to use them? (We have a boy who is dyslexic and struggles with the how’s and the when’s but ultimately always tries and never gives up. He sometimes gets deflated as he knows he can do more)
How can I help my child go to the ball more?
My son is 12 and has been diagnosed with Osgood Schlatter’s disease. He’s been recommended to stay off sport for a while and take it easy. He’s a very active child who is always playing football/sport and is finding it really frustrating, especially as there’s not any definite recovery period and sometimes it’s not painful and he could participate. Have you any advice for how I can help him through this difficult period as he gets very down?
From your experience is there much aftercare after a child has been released from a pro club.
Do you think there’s a good age for a child to join a pro club or does it depend entirely on the individual?