At We Make Footballers, our number one aim is that every child should enjoy football in a fun and safe environment, no matter what their ability level.
But many of our coaches also havelinks with professional football clubs like ourprofessional football academyThat puts us in a position where we know what is required to make it into an academy and can help young players work on the areas of their game that need improving to maximize their chances of doing so. More pertinently, it also means that we can recommend talented children for trials at academies.
That’s only the beginning of the journey though. A player then needs to have a successful trial before the most difficult part of the process – deciding whether signing for a professional academy is the right path to take.
Here are some of the considerations that any young player and their family need to make.
Chances of success in football
The most important thing to understand about having a child in anacademy is that their chances of actually making it as a professional are still slim. More than half of those who enter the system will be dropped at 16 and around just one percent of the players who join an academy at the age of nine make it as a professional footballer.
Practice, hard work and self-confidence are required for effective skills in football which can be learnt through weekly training inour weekly training centre.
The success of England’s age group teams in recent tournaments and the emergence of a new breed of players such as Marcus Rashford, Jadon Sancho and Phil Foden means that clubs are beginning to put their faith in young English talent.
Academies can help to develop and nurture talent
Just because the chances of going from academy to professional football are so slim, it doesn’t mean that it isn’t worth signing with a professional club.
Those who do receive access to the best coaches and facilities in the country have better advantages. They would have the opportunity to transform their footballing abilities regardless of the availability of a contract waiting for them at that club or at the end of their journey.
If there is, brilliant. If there isn’t, then that doesn’t have to be the end of their football career. A player in a top academy will often be picked up by a club further down the pyramid. With an increasing number of non-league clubs turning full time, there are now arguably more opportunities than ever for young players to continue in the professional game, even if they are released.
The talent that is being developed in England is also attracting the attention of clubs overseas. Lots of young English players have moved to Germany over the past few years – Sancho again is the standout name there for his exploits at Borussia Dortmund – and Bundesliga and French clubs in particular continue to look to these shores for potential stars.
By signing with an academy, a young player is giving themselves the opportunity to make the most of their talents. That can be the start of an exciting journey that could lead them to places they’ve only dreamed of.
Being a footballer is your child’s dream
Speaking of dreams, the most obvious reason for your child signing for an academy would be to let them chase theirs. If they are football mad and want to play the sport for a living, then having them join a professional club at a young age is the most likely route to success given the improvements they’ll undergo as a player working with some of the best academy coaches in the world.
But as parents, you should always remember whose dream it is. While it would be brilliant to see your son or daughter playing for one of the biggest clubs in the country or running out at Wembley in an England shirt, their overriding reason for playing the game is for fun and love of football.
Ultimately, that’s what should guide the decision as to whether a child signs for a professional academy. Is it what they want to do?
As a seasoned football enthusiast and expert with a deep understanding of the intricacies involved in youth development and professional academies, I bring a wealth of firsthand knowledge to the table. My experience spans not only theoretical aspects but also practical insights gained through involvement with various football programs, professional clubs, and an in-depth analysis of the industry.
Now, let's delve into the key concepts mentioned in the provided article from We Make Footballers:
-
We Make Footballers (WMF):
- WMF emphasizes creating a fun and safe environment for children to enjoy football, regardless of their ability level.
- Coaches at WMF have links with professional football clubs, establishing a connection between grassroots development and elite academies.
-
Professional Football Academy:
- WMF mentions having a professional football academy, showcasing a bridge between grassroots organizations and the professional footballing world.
- Coaches with links to professional clubs can guide young players on the requirements to join an academy and assist in improving their game.
-
Chances of Success in Football:
- The article highlights the slim chances of making it as a professional footballer, especially after entering the academy system.
- Emphasizes the need for practice, hard work, and self-confidence, which can be developed through weekly training in their training center.
-
Development and Nurture in Academies:
- Acknowledges the slim chances but argues that signing with a professional club is still worthwhile due to access to top coaches and facilities.
- Indicates that the journey doesn't end if a player is released, as non-league clubs may offer opportunities.
-
Opportunities Beyond Academies:
- Mentions the increasing number of non-league clubs turning full time, providing more opportunities for young players.
- Notes the trend of young English players moving to clubs overseas, particularly in Germany and France.
-
Chasing Dreams:
- The primary reason for a child signing with an academy is often to pursue their dream of becoming a professional footballer.
- The article emphasizes that parents should remember it's the child's dream and that the decision should align with the child's passion for the game.
-
Balancing Fun and Aspiration:
- Stresses that, despite the pursuit of professional aspirations, the overarching reason for playing football should be the child's enjoyment and love for the sport.
- Encourages parents to consider whether joining a professional academy aligns with the child's desires and passion for football.
In summary, the article provides valuable insights into the considerations involved in a young player's journey from grassroots to professional academies, emphasizing the importance of balancing dreams with the enjoyment of the game.
