This program is very much about the development of junior / youth players. Not surprising, since we have just concluded another fantastic Kanga Cup and with that has come the realisation for many young players and parents that there are lots of good players beyond the boundaries of the ACT, particularly from Asia. The Around The Grounds, grand final special edition is at http://www.capitalfootball.com.au/userfiles/KANGA%20CUP%20-%20GRAND%20FINALS.pdf
The two Korean teams (under 12 and Under 13 age groups), based as they are on Primary Schools that specialise in Football, were as ever, a delight to watch and so well disciplined and polite in all their dealing. So much to admire. The obvious visible difference is the much higher level of individual technical skill. The Head Coach of the AIS Jan Versleign spoke on this difference last week.
It was also interesting to note the difference between some interstate teams and ACT Div 1 Club teams at age. The Under 14 boys demonstrated just how advanced the top level age teams were by comparison to the best ACT club age teams in the Cup competition. This is not a criticism, just a fact and it points out how important the Kanga Cup is, because we get a chance to play these teams. It would be good if we had more of these opportunities, particularly for our representative age teams. This is not news, but it does underscore the development gap.
We are getting better, but again, as we observed in our last program, the changes required by the FFA National Curriculum and Development plans will take several generations, not a quick fix. So, does it look like we are making progress here in the ACT? How can we make it better?
Picture beow is the ACT 2011 Under 14 Girls team (will publish the U15 team photo as soon as it arrives)
During the Kanga Cup, most of the best of our Under 14 and Under 15 Girls represented the ACT at the FFA National Junior Championships in Coffs Harbour. This is a very important Football competition where the best at age play for their State. Important conclusions are draw with regard to the implementation of the National Curriculum and Development plans. The senior womens' coaches do take note of emerging players at these competitions. In the case of the ACT girls, several made the "ALL Stars" teams for the final exhibition match. The one thing that is gleaned by coaches and parents alike, is how much "effective preparation", and I stress the word "effective", is undertaken by each State development process. All reports thus far indicate that the young ACT players gave their very best. Well done all the players and coaches and many thanks to parents of the players for their tireless support.
Were our Under 14 and Under 15 Girls squads as well prepared as they might have been is one question?
It seems unlikely and that requires some explanation.
The other question is how we can improve for 2012?
Our preparations / forward planing should have already commenced. It would be a good thing for CF to hold a parents forum for the parents of players in these teams and glean as much information as possible for 2012, a survey would assist, but holding a parents forum would be best. Parents like to know that what they have expereienced can be of use to others, and perhaps their own children if they are in representative teams again. And do it quickly because parents are already on to the next thing with their children.
The tensions that surround the talented junior players can be oppressive for the player and confusing / frustrating for parents. Every parent wants the best for their child and so it is in Football. But it s an expensive business for a family with a talented player and much more so when there is more than one child to provide opportunities for off a tight budget. Then of course, what is the best development opportunity for the child, in the context of every other little thing that goes on at school and so one. Not simple. How much is too much training, and what is the best training at age and how and who can or will provide it and at what cost. The preparation of ACT teams for the Nationals is swept into these considerations and often not reported on well by parents (or young players). This is the landscape travelled by the parents of emerging athletes in all disciplines and Football is no exception.
With these questions in mind, I have selected excepts from two interviews the NPL has conducted with two very authoritative sources – Aflred Galustian and Shinji Ishubashi of Coerver, and George Huitker the Director of Co-Curricular of Radford College. They speak on aspects of the development of the young Football player. The starting points are different, but their points of intersection and agreement are many. They give pause for thought among all parents of players. Draw your own conclusions.
Once again, well done to all that played in the Kanga Cup 2011 and the U14 and U15 Girls ACT rep teams at the FFA National Junior Championships.