COULD it be that James Traynor (The Final Say, February 20) has
unwittingly uncovered the master plan to restore our football fortunes?
Do the hitherto unrecognised visionaries of The House on the Hill have a
scheme designed to return the quality of our game to that of the days of
Baxter, Law, Johnstone et al?
The article acknowledges the fact that the teaching of football skills
at all levels is under the direction of those approved by the SFA's
Technical Dept. But it also confirms that the vast majority of those at
the top levels in our game do not have the qualifications required to
allow them to come into contact with our youngest talent.
The point was made that this would mean that those people now coaching
our senior players would be prevented from passing on their expertise to
the next generation. What an excellent idea! When we consider what is on
offer at most grounds on most weeks, would we really want more of the
same in the future?
Could it be that the regulations attached to the 'D' and 'E' licences
are the first of a range of measures to be taken which will ensure that
our youngsters are given the opportunity to develop their skills
naturally? Will the next move be for the football authorities to link
with districts to identify suitable sites for more floodlit all-weather
pitches? These can then be left open for the kids to play their small
games with their own rules without having to bother about the textbook
jargon.
They would all enjoy it, as always, and the best of them would stand
out and come to the attention of the talent spotters. The chosen few
would get the opportunity to move into the senior game. The hope is that
by the time the next generation are ready to take that step our coaching
skills have progressed enough to enable the craftsman to be recognised
as a more essential part of the team than the labourer!
John Cushley,
18 Wordsworth Way,
Bothwell.
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