As I wade further and further into the Youth soccer scene as a parent (which btw, is such a blast)… I see so many great things— and unfortunately, so many bad.
One disturbing trend, clubs or travel “teams” mandating young athletes have instagram pages…. What are we doing?
I don’t have enough characters to describe how detrimental that is on our youth and the type of disruptive dynamic that creates within young players, teams, and the coaches. Of course, in the best case — the kids are blissfully unaware and it is managed purely by the parents — but I see young athletes now doing something on the field and asking their parents if they got the clip or the meg, move, goal, etc.
While individual brilliance is such an important part of the game, I feel we are normalizing and prioritizing that above the “team” for fear of kids falling behind or not getting a look for the best academies, colleges, pro’s etc. I fear it’s only going to get worse, especially the more it is glorified and we start to amplify that among the younger generation. There are clear studies and research (the anxious generation) that point to social media’s influence on kids mental health that grew up with unregulated access to these apps before they have the tools to process and handle it — the same goes for sports— which is a vital part of youth development, fostering work in team environments, and ultimately learning how to compete both individually and collectively to grow, socialize, and have FUN.
As we continue to tighten the grip on youth access to these platforms— this is something we should take a look at. Kids under the age of 15 or 16 should not be “mandated” to have social accounts for any sport and if the parents choose to put some of their highlights out there— IMO they should have no access or involvement in that process. Don’t do that to your kids, please.
Let’s protect our youth and keep the sport pure and their participation FUN.
@ImCollegeSoccer With colleges looking to more foreign players, portal, and juco players, where you start is the decision you have to make. Sitting and waiting for playing time has destroyed more players than you know.
@CarliLloyd do not apologize for your comments about the national team. You are right on point. Too many players believe they are bigger than the game and the team.
@Verizon.@VerizonPolicy@VerizonNews
Hundreds of young soccer players are injured or killed every year by hanging on soccer goals. Verizon showing a kid hanging on the goal simply endorses the behavior. Please edit the commercial.
Don't let bias blind you. Judge action! A masterclass was witnessed by the world.
All of this from a 35-year-old man. A 35-year-old! The likes of it will never be seen again.
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