Do you see that as a good or a bad thing?

I'm not sure tbh, but I see it as a sign that there is more effort going into it the coaching. I didn't mean for my OP to come across as overly critical as it has, and reading it back it sounds much worse than I meant it. I just think that the kids shouldn't be expected to learn things by osmosis. Simply being on a pitch isn't going to teach them. I'd like to see fun little drills where they develop their handling skills without really realising what they are doing. For instance, a game of ball-tag, where they need to have the ball in two hands. A pretty basic rugby skill, but they are getting used to doing so in a manner not nessercarliy overly competitive and advanced.

FWIW, anybody who gives their time to coach has my respect, the majority do it on a voluntary basis and for the right reasons. I just think there needs to be clearer structures of what the kids are doing at that age.

No problems. I didn't take it as negative. I coach a girls football team and I was interested in your view. The bit I've quoted above is spot on in my view.

i think that children must enjoy playing and taking part to begin.i feel as a coach you owe to any children you are coaching to teach correctly.i am a firm beleiver the more fun at u7s level you make it learning drills etc the more positive the children are a react as such.if you make all the drills regimental i think you get less input with them.i feel sometimes the "winning" at all cost mentality seen at some games is a disservice to the kids and have found a few teams by the time the kids are 10/11 dont want to play anymore.to see any child over a period of time improve and blossom is reward enough for me and tink thats the only approach you should have at this level

Yeah, the round ball code has the FA Long Term Player Development Strategy which has the result of matches as the least important element. The only problem is the most competitive ones are .... the children. They want to win at all costs!

yes totaly agree mate and i think its healthy that kids want to win and think its great when they play matches best training session possible.i also beleive kids to to also need to feel as long as they have tried there best losing is also ok and can still be proud of themselves.we have played some friendlies and won been a great game both teams and the opposition coach shouting at them for not winning think that needs stamping out as i feel kids learn from both

My girls' team's best performance in terms of skill, technique and attitude last year was a 2-0 loss....

You have more than one girl in the team or a rare gramatical error? I know that you like to uphold forum standards (against all odds) and all if it's the latter. Profuse apologies if it's the former.

Interesting one. My initial reaction was to say neither. It is a girls' football team. Should there be an apostrophe there or not? Let the debate begin....

There definately should.

Who gives a monkey, the discussion was about kids rugby / fotball and different ways of coaching not picking people up on spelling errors. In the grand scheme of things does it really matter?

I don't mind, Geordie. You know 71 and I have this love/hate relationship.

It was not a spelling error and yes it does, to me.

A spelling error would have been so embarrassing.

It is interesting TANCW. To be honest I believe you were referring to the team in which you girl plays rather than the team of girls which are in your possession. Geordie - if you don't like it you can...

a) Bang your drum.
b) Not bang your drum yet seek affirmation and secretly invite requests to bang said drum again.
c) Hang a monkey.
d) Tell us you are more Warringtonian than those born in Warrington.
e) Ban me
f) All of the above.
g) Any of the above.
h) Any other sanction you may see fit or otherwise.
i) Take no action and think more.