Development of Young Talents: From the Academy to Professional Football
In modern football, the financial aspect is a crucial component of a club’s sports project. With increasing challenges in securing sponsorships (reduced due to COVID-19) and declining attendance in stadiums (resulting from interest in alternative activities), the sale of players from the academy has become one of the key pillars for sustaining football clubs. This strategy is essential not only to generate revenue from player sales but also to attract new fans to the stadiums and boost jersey sales. Designing and establishing a successful sports project requires the commitment and effort of all stakeholders, along with attention to fundamental aspects like time and patience. Projects aimed at developing athletes must be planned with a medium-to-long-term perspective, typically spanning 4 to 6 years. The foundations must be strong, and the head coach of the senior team should play a pivotal role in the project. They must have the freedom to express their opinions, ensuring that their vision and philosophy align with the decisions being made. Moreover, the head coach should have significant input in the recruitment and transition of players, actively participating in the club's daily activities. This involvement allows the coach to exchange feedback with the academy staff, monitor the young players’ development closely, and instill ambition in them by showcasing the possibility of being called up to the first team. Such aspirations drive greater dedication and effort from the players. During my two-year experience in Finland, I encountered numerous challenges in the second season, such as suspensions and severe injuries, which reduced the number of available players. With the transfer market closed, the solution was to promote players from the U17 team who had already started training with the senior team during the preseason. When the need arose, these players were permanently integrated into the squad. By the end of the season, two players aged 15 and 16, who had debuted in the senior team, were sold to one of Finland’s top teams, KUPS, the reigning champions. The pathway from youth football to professional football involves several critical stages. It is not only the technical, tactical, and physical development that matters but also the mental and personal growth of the athlete. It is essential to prepare players for the pressures of professional football, the constant criticism, the frustration of injuries, and the disappointment of not being selected to play. This preparation helps to build resilience, work ethic, emotional management, leadership, respect, ethics, and a balance between professional and personal life. Equally important is equipping players with financial management skills, a crucial aspect of an athlete’s life, especially since many young players earn high salaries compared to the general population. This sudden financial influx can lead to excessive spending, poor investments, and, in some cases, significant financial difficulties after their sports careers. Preparing athletes for life after football is also vital, guiding them on potential career paths post-retirement to ensure a smoother and more natural transition. If we want to cultivate successful athletes in the future, it is crucial to carefully plan their present development, prioritizing not just their growth as players but, more importantly, as individuals integrated into an increasingly complex and challenging society. Keywords: Development + Athlete + Human + Resilience
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