It’s a plan that means kids would never have to lose another soccer match again.
The Manitoba Soccer Association is considering some changes that include not keeping score and getting rid of leagues for kids under the age of 12.
"We want to make sure that the players are enjoying the game and stay in it for life," said the Manitoba Soccer Association’s Hector Vergara.
Vergara says the changes are part of a long-term plan to put more emphasis on athletic development for younger players.
Sport Canada says "The Long-term Athlete Development Concept" is part of a national overview of all children’s sports programs across the country.
"Hopefully every sport will take a look at what they’re doing and try to determine the best developmental stages and what practises should happen at each age," said Janet McMahon with Sport Manitoba. "Fundamentally, overall what we’re finding in sport is overcompeting and under-training."
Soccer officials say more time should be spent on training and not tournaments.
"How many times in a game does your child actually get to touch the ball and actually make a play on the ball during a match," said Vergara.
But soccer moms, like Darcie Guadera, say keeping score is part of the game.
"The first thing they say to you at the end of the game is “˜Did you see my goal?’,” said Guadera. "It’s important to them and I think it builds character to know whether you win or lose.
Mental health experts agree and say happy kids are those who understand that it’s okay to fail.
"It has nothing to do with keeping score,” said Winnipeg psychologist, Dr. Toby Rutner. “It has to do with the tremendous pressure they feel from parents and coaches and officials.”
The Winnipeg Youth Soccer Association has set up a task force to look at how it can educate parents and coaches that it’s not always about winning but how the game is played.
Comments
Want to discuss? Please read our Commenting Policy first.