Football, School and the Connections

The majority of young players may delay or skip school work in order to play football. So use this article as a way of highlighting the similarities between them and how success in school will assist their football.

It may not at first seem like school and football have much in common but if the time is taken to look a little deeper then it becomes apparent that drawing such a comparison is not such a strange conclusion.

Similarities

• Social interactions: In either situation, school or football related training / matches, there are social interactions undertaken.
• Uniforms: School uniforms and team kits, both provide the individual with a sense of belonging / identity and a visual statement of that belonging / identity.
• Rules: Whether they are the rules of the educational establishment or the laws of the game, there are still regulations that must be adhered to. With disciplinary sanctions facing those who do not comply.
• Role models: Young individuals look up to those older than them, in positions of power or those they perceive as being successful, all of which can be found in both schools and football clubs / teams.
• Time keepers: Lessons or sessions / matches take part in set time frames. Attendance: Although one is optional and one compulsory, both require the individual to actually attend.
• Homework: Well coaches call it practice, but they both revolve around enhancing skills learnt during the lesson / session.

So participation in football can actually contribute to a child’s long term development in the same as a school can, as it assists them with learning and grasping basic life skills. Even though we have uncovered a number of similarities, this does not mean that differences do not exist. An appreciation of these differences is required to ensure the players involvement and development.

Differences

• Choice: School attendance is seldom an option, but participation is football is.
• Reasons to attend/participate: The reasons to undertake football vary slightly from those of school, with enjoyment and exercise two of the largest differences.
• Consequences: Not taking part or attending school can affect their education and long term prospects, not participating in football does not produce the same consequence.

On a side note: If it can be agreed that similarities do exist then it cannot be viewed as unfair to draw the following questions. Would you allow or expect teachers to:

• Swear
• Set bad examples
• Touch
• Play fight
• Show aggression
• Use threatening behaviour

So why should you tolerate coaches who do the same.