Ever wondered why little Timmy scores a screamer one year and forgets how to tie his cleats the next in the wacky world of youth soccer? The answer, my friends, lies not in the magic disappearing act of childhood athleticism, but in a surprising lack of, well, magic.
As per AFP, over there in the States, unlike countries like Spain with their regimented systems, youth soccer clubs often operate on a wing and a prayer. There’s no overarching game plan, no curriculum to guide little strikers and midfield maestros. It’s all down to the individual coach – a bit like enrolling your child in a school where the curriculum changes with the teacher’s mood. One year it’s mastering the alphabet, the next they’re grappling with astrophysics (hopefully not both in Kenya, right?).
This lack of structure creates a chaotic game of chance. Your kid’s progress hinges on the luck of the draw – a passionate coach this year, a coach more interested in perfecting their whistling technique the next. Consistency? Forget about it.
Imagine the outrage if schools switched up the curriculum every year! Parents wouldn’t stand for it. Yet, in US youth soccer, this educational anarchy reigns supreme.
The solution? A coaching conquistador – a revolutionary who overthrows the current system and establishes a structured approach. Think of it as a coaching director with actual directorial power, someone who trains the trainers, not just coaches a gaggle of teams.
In Spain, such figures hold immense sway. Stray from the established game plan, and you’re out faster than you can say “ole.” Here, coaches are more like independent contractors, focused on building their own empires (or at least their own roster numbers) than on player development.
Why the difference? Passion versus profit. In Spain, coaches work for the love of the game, not a hefty paycheck. Here, it’s often a business, and businesses, as every good Kenyan entrepreneur knows, prioritize profit over product improvement. Packed bleachers mean there’s no incentive to invest in better coaching, just better marketing campaigns.
The consequences? A stagnant system where competition is stifled. The current league structure in the US, with its lack of relegation and promotion, creates a cozy bubble for established clubs. Why bother improving when you’re guaranteed a spot at the table, t-shirt sales are booming, and everyone’s happy (except maybe little Timmy, who’s still struggling to find the net)?
The answer? Let the beautiful game flourish through healthy competition. Introduce a system where clubs have to constantly strive to be better, not just sell more merchandise. This means better coaches, better training, and ultimately, better players.
Kenya may not have the same level of development as the US, but perhaps there’s a lesson to be learned here. Just like a successful safari company prioritizes skilled guides, US youth soccer needs to invest in its coaching staff.
Collins Olimba is a Football Investor and Administrator, and a Youth Coach at Cheza Sports Academy. Email: director@chezasports.co.ke
