My kid plays for Swansea City's U13's development, looking to get a place in their Center of Excellence. He has always been football mad which may have been my influence/fault. This stage is where it all starts, he was picked up by a scout 18 months ago after getting a name for himself as a striker for his local club side. Naturally 2 footed, good pace, skill and an eye for goal. He reads the game better than any kid of his age I have ever seen. All rose tinted spectacles which I accept and make no apologies for. Lately he has not been playing well and after some chats in the car on the way to games and training it seems his form is down to him being so scared of getting kicked out, something that happens a lot. He was one of 15 kids initially picked up and is now the only one left from that batch, his former team mates were called into a room and given the news individually. Heartbreaking to see these kids coming out in tears. I thought I'd start this thread and keep updating it to give an insight into how it all starts, it may only be a couple of weeks long but hopefully not.
Played against another Swansea team on the weekend and he played well for the first time in a while causing their defence loads of problems. Training last night was very much technique based and was a good session. Big improvement from the boy over the last couple of weeks. 2 weeks until he is assessed, they decide if the players stay for another 8 weeks at this point.
No game this weekend which is a pity. Training was a game against the U14's, the lad went back to being a bit afraid of showing what he can do, the COE coach watched the session the boy looked terrified in front of goal and missed several chances. Pressure is showing as he gets older, he thinks too much and the natural instinct he shows when relaxed playing for his club side are gone. He has to relax and play his natural game.
Great stuff Luv, it’ll do your boy a world of good to get out the house and away from them pesky builders.
Various trials around the lower leagues but no didn't ever get signed. Had a great time throughout that period though and trained with the likes of Viera, Ginola, Coleman and even had a training session with Terry Venables. Oh and Fat Frank Sinclair. Take the piss if you like but he had a great time playing football and gave it a good go, should have been signed up imo but I'm bound to have rose tinted glasses on.
