Reader,
I am currently overseas with my team at a tournament in China – an amazing opportunity for our players to play against teams from different countries. There have been six months of preparation for the event and it got me thinking about the role of tours and tournaments in youth development.
Many grassroots and community clubs in contemporary environments quite rightly work towards equal game time for players on game day. In the past, and certainly when I was growing up playing football, this wasn’t something that was ever thought about.
Providing children equal opportunities to test themselves on game day is important and should be something we manage through the season to ensure they enjoy their experience and stay in the game.
However, at some point (usually, as players transition towards senior football) this is likely to change.
In my experience, tours and tournaments present opportunities to change the narrative from equal game time to earning an opportunity.
In my time working in academies in England, we often referred to these as ‘win weeks’ where players would learn about being a good teammate, preparation, recovery, travel and nutrition. All of these things are great life experiences for the players involved and whilst they can be challenging, for me, they are superb learning
Three things to consider.
- If you are leading a tour or tournament, communicate clearly with players and parents as to whether you are continuing with equal game time, or selecting a team to win games during the event.
- Manage your players individually. Have honest conversations if they are or aren’t selected, what your reasons are and what they need to do to make the team.
- Most importantly, be consistent in modelling good behaviour. Tournaments can bring out poor sideline behaviour from adults which can be mirrored by kids.
One thing for you to try this week.
If you have tournaments or tours to plan for in your season, consider putting together a short campaign plan. Write down all the considerations around medical, recovery, transport, playing time, tactics, and role clarity. Use the document as a reference point for the event.
One critical resource on the topic.
Check out this Q&A discussion on the value of tournaments in youth football.
