Unconscious Bias on the Training Ground: Is Your Child Experiencing Microaggressions? Your 14-year-old son comes home from academy training quiet and withdrawn. When pressed, he finally admits, ‘Coach said my ‘natural athleticism’ makes up for my ‘lack of tactical understanding.” Or perhaps your Moslem son mentions offhand that a staff member ‘joked’ about his fasting…
From the Pitch to the Boardroom: Transferable Skills Your Son is Gaining at the Academy ‘So what exactly is my son learning by spending 15 hours a week chasing a ball around a field?’ It’s a question I’ve heard from more than one academy parent, usually after a particularly gruelling week of school drop-offs, work…
The Academy Parent’s Survival Guide: Managing Logistics, Emotions, and Expectations ‘I used to think marathon runners were extreme,’ laughs Maria, watching her son’s academy team train on a bitter December evening. ‘Then my 11-year-old got scouted, and I realised they had nothing on academy parents for endurance.’ It’s a sentiment echoed across training grounds nationwide….
Building Your Child’s Support Team: Working Effectively with Coaches and Academy Staff ‘The real turning point wasn’t a training breakthrough or a great performance,’ reflects David, whose son spent six years in a Premier League academy. ‘It was when we finally understood that we were part of a team supporting him—not just spectators of his…
The Mental Game: Psychological Skills Your Son is Developing at the Academy When James first joined the academy at age nine, his parents focussed on the obvious benefits—professional coaching, superior facilities, and a pathway to potential footballing success. Seven years later, his mother Sarah has a different perspective: ‘The technical training has been excellent, of…
The Academy Experience Through Your Child’s Eyes: What They’re Really Learning ‘Dad, do you know why I luv academy football?’ Martin was caught off guard by his 13-year-old son’s question as they drove home from training. After three years of 5 am weekend wake-ups, midweek evening sessions, and countless miles on the motorway, he assumed…
The Secret Struggles of UK Football Academies: What Every Parent Needs to Hear In UK football academies, your child faces immense pressure to constantly perform while balancing academics. They encounter intense expectations, often resulting in mental health challenges, such as anxiety. Early specialisation restricts diverse skill development, affecting their long-term passion for the sport. Be…