Greater attention needed in youth Football

Last Sunday, December 10, the 2023 Schools’ Football Competitions came to an end at the Victoria Park. The 2023 edition ushered in Owia Government as winners in the Primary Schools Division, with St Martin’s taking the Junior Division of the Secondary Schools, and Barrouallie retaining the Senior Secondary title.

Kudos to the Physical Education teachers, community coaches and others who worked with the various schools in ensuring that the teams had some semblance of technical, tactical and mental preparation.

Most, with little support, used their limited knowledge as they endeavoured to make a good showing.

To the casual onlooker and the organisers, the fact there were goals, excitement and winners, meant it was a successful tournament.

Analytically though, there was not much to write home about, as aside from the enthusiasm of the youngsters, the Football itself was far from attractive.

Critically and most instructive, the schools’ competitions provided that gauge of what to expect within the next decade, when the current crop are no longer in school. Inevitably, they will form the basis of the Football capital in the future.

Unfortunately, that future does not look that bright, although there were flickers of hope here and there.

This, as it was evident that many of the students, whilst displaying some physical attributes, lacked the basics required to play consistently well at a high level.

It is sad that in 2023, we have to still be lamenting the state of youth Football in the country, when year after year, competition after competition, persons have been calling for a comprehensive island-wide development programme.

This is not to say that there is any form of development taking place among the youths.

However, we are not seeing that structured pathway aimed at developing a cadre of footballers who will be able to suffice our national teams in the next 10 to 15 years, doing so with any high level of technical and tactical skills.

It is time for the touted and promises to cease and get down to brass tacks with the cradle of Football.

The onus is therefore on the Executive of the St Vincent and the Grenadines Football Federation (SVGFF) to initiate the conversations with the schools and clubs, to get the ball rolling.

The national custodians have to take handle of its sport, liaise and form alliances to devise the best possible route to rescue Football from its continuous decline.

Whilst this exposition is mainly based on the evaluation of the recent schools’ competition, one must not lose sight of the fact that most of the players also appear in the SVGFF organized National Club Championships.

Therefore, it is imperative that the slide be slowed down now more than ever.

Correcting our bad situation, the Football authorities have to work in tandem with the clubs, empower them, inject more finance, and overall hold them accountable for the development of players.

In this instance, the work of the club coaches will be constantly evaluated, so too will be the progress of the players/Parallel, those young players who have exhibited above average potential can be fast tracked and exposed to the best coaches.

We cannot forever boast of having young Football talent, and the overall product is less than what is desired to compete against others in the region.

It is for the said reason of a lack of proper youth development programme, that our players invariably, are unable to maintain the hold on contracts overseas.

This, as they often lack the solid foundation to pile on the advanced coaching, rigorous training and discipline to think and act quickly in given situations.

Despite the aforementioned concerns and realities , we seem to like it so, play Football, get a sweat, train just ahead of a tournament, participate, then keep the cycle going.

As a consequence, we are paying the price for our protracted nonchalance towards the holistic development of the cradle of our Football.