Do children need pressure?

One thing I've learned over the years is that children often put a lot of pressure on themselves. I got a reminder of this when I was a tournament recently in Lockleaze. I saw a kid crying after missing a penalty (we’ve all been there mate!).

They don't want to let their teammates down. They want to impress their coach. Many want to make their parents proud too. They don't need adults piling even more pressure on top.

That's not to say children don't need honesty or challenges. They absolutely do.

As coaches, our job is to create situations where children are challenged, make mistakes and learn from them. The key difference is that they should feel supported throughout that process. Feedback is important, but so is creating an environment where mistakes are seen as part of learning rather than something to fear.

One thing I often notice is children looking towards their parents after making a mistake. That doesn't necessarily mean the parent has done anything wrong. Children naturally want approval from the people who matter most to them, so it's worth remembering how easily they can worry about disappointing someone they love or look up to.

Too much pressure can change how children play. They become less willing to take risks. For instance they might stop using their weaker foot, avoid trying new skills and become reluctant to shoot in case it goes wrong. The more they fear making mistakes, the less they learn.

As players grow older, they will experience pressure. Football at higher levels demands resilience, and the adult game offers very little sympathy. But that doesn't mean we should rush children into that environment before they're ready. Pressure should be introduced gradually and matched to the stage of development they're actually at.

I'd love to see more coaches and parents encourage, challenge and, above all, remember that football is still a game. When children feel safe to express themselves, it's amazing what they can do. 

Antonio - Head Coach