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We Must Remember Football Is All About Having Fun

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A great performance by our team with a terrible ending is how I can sum up our game v Brisbane. Sometimes you are just out of luck and Saturday night was one of those but it’s all about Perth on Wednesday and Gold Coast on Sunday.

A great performance by our team with a terrible ending is how I can sum up our game v Brisbane. Sometimes you are just out of luck and Saturday night was one of those but it-s all about Perth on Wednesday and Gold Coast on Sunday.

There is no point in looking back over these last few weeks as we must continue being positive and the desired results will come. This week is about recovery and being at our physiological best during this busy schedule.

It is also about being psychologically prepared and moving forward rather than living with the “What if-s” and “”How did that happen” mindset.

This week is also exciting as we have our holiday football camps for grass roots and high performance players. I am often asked “how can my child be a great player” or “I want my son to be a professional – what should I do?”

I think firstly parents need to understand that it is very difficult to become a professional footballer and that it is a combination of talent and hard work. The priority in the early years is enjoyment and mastery of task, which will enhance overall self esteem, and competence. We need to first acknowledge that football is wonderful for health, making friendships and community. It is not all about winning and becoming a professional footballer.

Parents and coaches should always remember that the NUMBER 1 reason children participate in sport is to have FUN and the NUMBER 1 reason for dropping out of sport is NOT HAVING FUN. So we as adults have an obligation to our children to establish life long exercise habits and we should not confuse this with pursuing a dream that may be ours and not our child-s.

I am excited to be involved with our camps as they give everyone an opportunity to have fun, build friendships and learn new skills. The introduction of our high performance camps also gives these players a chance to work with great coaches and pursue their own dreams.

Dr Craig Duncan
(twitter) @drcraigduncan
(email) craigd@sydneyfc.com