• A clean GK catch vs. a great first touch.

• A spread block vs. a last ditch tackle.

• A top hander vs. a top corner finish.

I watch youth games in astonishment at how both coaches and spectators react so differently to these.

Respect the work undertaken in becoming a GK.

• A clean GK catch vs. a great first touch.

• A spread block vs. a last ditch tackle.

• A top hander vs. a top corner finish.

I watch youth games in astonishment at how both coaches and spectators react so differently to these.

Respect the work undertaken in becoming a GK.

When it comes to playing academy football for a profession club, whose dream really is it for the 6-9 year old age range?

Are children picking to play at 3 different pre academies during a week? Does the standard of training outweigh playing with friend’s?

Your thoughts

Grassroots coaches does this exchange look familiar?

Being a grassroots coach is a lot of work so parents just keep them in the loop during a pro club trial.

Remember it’s these very coaches you will entrust to build your child’s confidence back up if the trial is unsuccessful

As Christmas approaches make sure both yourself & your child fully relax and forget about the academy football journey.

The process is such a huge commitment so just enjoy the family time when football isn’t on the schedule.

To all our followers, wishing you a great Christmas🎄

A reminder to parents to remain humble and gracious throughout your child’s journey in sport.

Sometimes it will just be another child’s time and not yours!

Yes want success for your child but also create a space which allows others to grow.

Lead by your own actions.

Academy football requires a huge commitment from the whole family. This often manifests into many building their lives around the football schedule.

Remember to prioritise your family & be willing to miss training/games to simply enjoy life & each other.

That is whats important

Today I got it wrong by making their football about me!

I took the sole perspective of how I would have approached a situation and got frustrated at their viewpoint.

They might be my child but they aren’t always going to think exactly like me.

Messed up, lesson learnt.

As a parent it’s often easy to fall into the trap of making every kick-about in your back garden an opportunity for your child to learn.

Remember that your child simply wants to play with their mum/dad.

Free play is a great way for them to develop skills anyway so have fun!

So your child is deemed good enough to be signed by a professional football academy but in reality what does that look like…….

This blog reflects on my observations when entering the academy system.

theacademydad.com/post/academy-o…

So your child gets an invitation to trial with the actual academy side but what is involved.

This article reflects my observations from various trials my own child has been on.

My advice, try to focus on the actual experience and not the final outcome.

theacademydad.com/post/trial

Fantastic post 👏

Now the football season is well and truly underway some will begin to see academy scouts attend their child’s matches.

This article outlines both the role of a scout and how us as parents deal with the scenario.

Have a read….

theacademydad.com/post/ive-spott… theacademydad.com/post/ive-spott…

Why do parents desire academy football so badly?….

As your child’s new football season begins I encourage all parents to have a read of our attached blog and just reflect on your own aspirations and how they might manifest.

theacademydad.com/post/why-do-pa…

Once again this weekend I saw a young keeper make saves, provide support positions, give detailed communication and showed excellent GK technique……however made one mistake at the end so everyone huffed and never mentioned the 89 mins of good stuff!

Great game you played lad👌🏻

Being a coach can be tough at times.
Being a parent can be tough at times.
Being a child can be tough at times.

Respect the challenges faced by everyone and work together to create a positive football environment for all to flourish.

Change can be made by learning to listen.

Football is simply a game of individual opinions.

It’s important to always remember that whether those opinions of you are either positive or negative.

Never allow one opinion of you define who you are. Stay true to your goal.

One man’s rags is another man’s riches.

Believe.

The role of a goalkeeper is an unforgiving one no matter the level you play.

When you see a young GK misplace a pass or take a heavy touch please consider how many times the outfield players have done the same during the game before you pass judgment.

The bravest of positions.

Its important that parents understand the commitment required should their child signs for a pro-academy.

Training 3-4 times a week plus matches all over the country.

Remember that the trial process is not just for the club, it is also to see if it works for YOU as a family.

There are so many high and lows that come with being an aspiring young athlete and as parents we have all in our own way been Jim Redmond.

Parenting within sport can be really tough at times but remember you are doing a great job!