If they are performing brilliantly in training but disappearing in games, we must first look at our training sessions. Are they challenging, realistic and match-like? Next, the cause may be a psychological challenge. Do they feel too much pressure to perform? Are they free to make mistakes, and encouraged to be brave, or commanded to play within a system (at too young an age) and reprimanded by the sideline (coaches or parents) for technical deficiencies they haven’t yet mastered?

Character development-it’s talked about, but rarely implemented or executed . Youth sports are far too transactional instead of transformational- Valuing short term wins and stats over player and character development. Game intelligence and teaching the why, not just the what or how Mindset and emotional regulation- resilience, EQ, overcoming setbacks, normalize mistakes Age-appropriate and football-relative physical loading Purpose and identity beyond football- leadership, growth mindset, discipline, service Shared philosophy and language, progressive instead of reactive (to the weekend) training sessions

Additionally, a strategic, intentional, and measured blend of unopposed, semi-opposed and opposed practices are critical in every curriculum. Most of the time the emphasis is either on unopposed drills, or fully opposed activities.