Page 11 - link magazine

RECREATION 11
Youngsters prepared for battle, not football says coach
A local junior football team manager has slammed demanding coaches and over enthusiastic parents who push young children too hard.
Speaking at the AFC Greendown countries, and said the focus should Calderwood, who leads a team re- in the 92/93 season. Next year the
end of season players and parents also be put on the youngest players. nowned for its skill and stylish foot- dub will be entering under lOs and
evening at Shaw's Village Inn, at- "The most important thing for ball, agreed that a 6 a-side league under 11 teams in the Mid-Wilts
tended by Swindon Town captain nine to twelve yearolds is the devel- would be a good thing. "Kids play League.
Colin Calderwood, manager Gary opment of basic skills like passing, good football if they're enjoying it. Training starts at Greendown
Williams said pressure is put on dribbling and ball control," said .Trainingtheir skills and guiding their school on Monday9 August. Young-
children to compete at the expense Gary. "Kids are only young once technique is important for the future sters who would like to find out
of developing skill and technique. and they must be allowed to enjoy of the game." moreabout theclub should callGary
He drew attention to poor per- playing. If they're good and be- • AFC Greendown were runners up Williams on 873664 or Doug Jones
formances by England team where come confident, then success will in the Cricklade and District League on 874985.
the lack of skill and over-emphasis follow.
on physical ability in the English "There's plenty of time to develop
game have been exposed by other the competitive edge, but all too Active August at Link Centre
Come on over to the Link Centre this summer, the action is sure to
keep you on your toes says Promotions Officer Alison Bruce.
• Whilst the school holidays con- prices do not include skate hire.
tinue into August, Lincoln's Holi- Then from Monday 23 August to
day Camp is well underway but still Friday27AugustourSummerSkate
has anotherfourwks to run. Plenty School is available to Beginners,
of spaces are still available so come Improvers or Advanced skaters and
along and bookat Main Reception as there are a few places still available.
soon as possible. Cost: £18 per skater for five days
Cost: £5.20, Gold Card holders: tuition. Contact the Ice Rink and
£1.50, per day book your space now.
At the 'Coolest Place in Town' - Finally, on Bank Holiday Mon-
the Link Centre Ice Rink - we are day, 30 August, our specially ex-
offering a summer sizzler of a pack- tended afternoon skating session
age for all age groups. From Mon- will give you the chance to skate
day 19 July to Friday 3 September your feet off before school starts.
we will be giving one FREE skate This session runs from 2pm - 5pm
Award winners at the AFC Greendown presentation on 27 June with Cohn session with every five purchased. and Bank Holiday prices will apply.
Calderwood, from left Alex Bridges, Jock Hanky, Graig Reed. Centre, Jamie Yes, six skates for the price of five. For furtherinforma tion, call Main
Williams Available at off-peak sessions only, Reception. Tel: 871212
often I seethe 'rottweiler' manager
on the sideline screaming at ten and
c-LINKTh eleven year Olds to do better and not
CENTRE make mistakes. The kids get con- CAP TAI N
fused and lose their enjoyment of
playing.
"Some parents are just as bad. COCONUT
SUMMER SKATE Skill takes second place to winning,
ltlusljvfi'
OFF-PEAK RATE there's too much emphasis on Now Eookingl
strength and size - even at this age,
and they complain rather than en-
courage. The pressure they put on
SIX SU/tTI43 children and also on the managers Activity Camp for Children
SESSICS is almost unbelievable." running weekdays
Gary also criticised the way foot-
FCI TIlE ball is organised for young chil- 21st July - 27th August inclusive
dren. "Children are expected to
FI?ICE Cu play on full sized pitches which are 9.30am - 3.30pm
completely out of scale. You see a
FIS'E player win the ball, beat a defender ' Inflatable fun
and then have another fifty yards to Swimming (over 8s)
run to the goal. Often only five
Available to all skaters ' Arts &Crafts
players on each team will play the
- adults and juniors -
game whilst the others freeze." Rollerdiscos
throughout the He called for junior league foot- ' and much more
summer holidays ball to be organised on a 6 a-side
basis where all players are involved £5.20 daily
Valid 19 July - 3rd September £1.50 Gold Card
on pitches more suitable to the
at off-peak sessions only
physical abilities of children. "How For every day booked,
can you expect a ten year old to your child receives a
6 skates for just
defend goals used by grown men?," Captain's Lunch voucher
£10.50 adults
he said. 'The present system is which buys a meal or
£7.00 juniors designed to bum kids out. Junior packed lunch for LI
(Prices do not include skate hire) football should be made relevant, it (normal price £1.99)
should give all players the chance to
Please ask at Main Reception get involved in the game in any
for further details position. Better skills, technique Oasis Leisure Centre
Rec,eabon Services North Star, Swindon Recreation Services
BOROUGH OF and enjoyment should be the aim." BOROUGH OF qff
THAMESDOWN
} Swindon Town captain, Cohn Tel: (0793) 533404 THAMESDOWN AV