As part of the continuous evolution of our football program to fit with the unique environment at CCSC, we’ve recently grouped players according their age rather than ability.
Elite environments usually promote ‘the best with the best’ referring to grouping players based on their current level of ability. This becomes difficult when we realise that development is non-linear (times of maturation and stagnation, progression and regression) and placing barriers and labels upon individuals can be harmful and create divisions (you’re an ‘A’ player, she’s only a ‘B’ player) particularly in a college environment.
Instead we are focusing on the benefits of a diverse learning environment and bringing together a mix of varying confidence levels and experienced players each having their own strengths to share and areas to work on.
Often we only judge players on how skilful they are with the ball. But what about game sense, teamwork, work ethic, attacking, defending, attitude, motivation and physical attributes? Each individual has different qualities to offer.
Is she faster than you? Then be smarter and give yourself a head start. Is he not as confident with the ball? Then work hard to make an easy option for him. Are you not feeling very motivated today? Then feed off that player who is always keen to work hard.
It’s a different approach to the usual football culture that wants to grade and judge players, so a change such as this could be challenging for some to understand. But if we focus on the benefits of diversity, I think Bono is onto something.
“To be one, to be united is a great thing. But to respect the right to be different is maybe even greater” – Bono
Leave a Reply