The Coach Diary Football Blog

Month: March 2011

  • The Impact of Video Games

    The Impact of Video Games

    As someone who played video games as a kid, but have since grown out of them; I am always checking with my own team to see how late they were up the night before a match playing vgames. I know my own nephew (14) sometimes plays well into the wee hours the night before a game. I have been doing some research on the impacts it has on the kids and we all know that violent games can lead to negative thoughts which are sometimes acted out in real life.

    But then sports games can certainly help kids understand the game better, I’v noticed kids playing FIFA’10 etc always seem to play 1or2 touch football and will try all types of tricks, which can be brought on the the training ground and they are fun; kids love nothing more then to show their parents how it’s done in the gaming world!

    Video Games

    have been available to consumers for the last 30 years. They are a unique form of entertainment, because they encourage players to become a part of the game’s script. Today’s sophisticated video games require players to pay constant attention to the game, rather than passively watching a movie. This has both positive and negative impacts on players. Several studies have been published that explore these impacts on today’s children.

    The most widely used “positive” impact video games are said to have on children is that they may improve a player’s manual dexterity and computer literacy. Ever-improving technology also provides players with better graphics that give a more “realistic” virtual playing experience.

    Recent Studies

    However, numerous studies show that video games, especially ones with violent content, make teens more aggressive. Part of the increase in aggressive behavior is linked to the amount of time children are allowed to play video games. In one study by Walsh (2000), a majority of teens admitted that their parents do not impose a time limit on the number of hours they are allowed to play video games. The study also showed that most parents are unaware of the content or the Entertainment Software Rating Board (ESRB) rating (see below) of the video games their children play.

    The authors also stated that teens who play violent video games for extended periods of time:

    • Tend to be more aggressive
    • Are more prone to confrontation with their teachers
    • May engage in fights with their peers
    • See a decline in school achievements.

    Gentile & Anderson (2003)

    state that playing video games may increase aggressive behavior because violent acts are continually repeated throughout the video game. This method of repetition has long been considered an effective teaching method in reinforcing learning patterns.

    Video games also encourage players to identify with and role play their favorite characters. This is referred to as a “first-person” video game (Anderson & Dill, 2000, p. 788) because players are able to make decisions affecting the actions of the character they are imitating. After a limited amount of time playing a violent video game, a player can “automatically prime aggressive thoughts” (Bushman & Anderson, 2002, p. 1680). The researchers concluded that players who had prior experience playing violent video games responded with anincreased level of aggression when they encountered confrontation (Bushman & Anderson, 2002).

    American Academy of Child & Adolescent Psychiatry

    Caution parents about violence in the media and its negative effect on children. Their report states that exposure to violent media can elevate aggressive feelings and thoughts, especially in children. These effects on aggressive behavior can be long-term. Although fewer studies have been conducted on interactive video games, evidence suggests that playing violent video games may have a more dramatic influence on the behavior of children and adolescents (Joint Statement, 2000).

    Tips on managing your child’s media consumption

    Because of the popularity of video games, completely eliminating them from your child’s life might be difficult. But you can decrease the negative impact that they have on your child. Here are a few tips:

    • Know the rating of the video games your child plays (see below).
    • Do not install video game equipment in your child’s bedroom.
    • Set limits on how often and how long your child is allowed to play video games.
    • Monitor all of your child’s media consumption — video games, television, movies and Internet.
    • Supervise your child’s Internet use — there are now many “video games” available for playing online.
    • Take the time to discuss with your children the games they are playing or other media they are watching. Ask your children how they feel about what they observe in these video games, television programs or movies. This is an opportunity to share your feelings and grow closer with your child.
    • Share with other parents information about certain games or ideas for helping each other in parenting

    The Entertainment Software Rating Board (ESRB)

    Similar to the movie industry’s rating system, all major game companies now submit their new products for rating to specially trained raters at the ESRB. The ESRB rates over 1,000 games per year.

    The ESRB looks at a number of factors when rating games. In particular, it considers the amount of violence, sex, controversial language and substance abuse found in a game. Based on its developed guidelines, the ESRB then gives an age recommendation and content descriptor to each game submitted. The following are the rating symbols currently in use, according to the ESRB Web site.

    • Early Childhood (EC): Content should be suitable for children 3 years and older and contain no objectionable material.
    • Everyone (E): Content suitable for persons ages 6 and older. The game may contain minimal violence and some “comic mischief.”
    • Teen (T): Content suitable for persons ages 13 and older. Content is more violent than (E) rating and contains mild or strong language, and/or suggestive themes.
    • Mature (M): Content suitable for persons ages 17 and older. Content definitely has more mature sexual themes, intense violence and stronger language.
    • Adults Only (AO): Content suitable only for adults and may contain graphic sex and/or violence. Adult Only products are not intended for persons under the age of 18.
      Rating Pending (RP): Game has been submitted to the ESRB and is awaiting a final rating.

    Research: WEB, http://www.esrb.org/index-js.jsp,

    References

    Bushman, B. & Anderson, C. (2002). Violent Video Games and Hostile Expectations: A Test of the General Aggression Model. Personality and Social Psychology Bulletin, 28, 1679-1686.

    Gentile, D. A. & Anderson, C. A. (2003). Violent video games: The newest media violence hazard. In D. A. Gentile (Ed.), Media violence and children. Westport, CT: Praeger Publishing.

    Gentile, D. A., Lynch, P., Linder, J. & Walsh, D. (2004). The effects of violent video game habits on adolescent hostility, aggressive behaviors, and school performance. Journal of Adolescence, 27, 5-22.

    Joint Statement on the Impact of Entertainment Violence on Children: Congressional Public Health Summit. (July 26, 2000.) Available: http://www.aap.org/advocacy/ releases/jstmtevc.htm.

    Walsh, D. (2000). Interactive violence and children: Testimony submitted to the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation, United States Senate. (March 21, 2000.)

  • Irish Players Abroad

    Irish Players Abroad

    Below is a list of players playing outside Ireland and the UK. Do you know of any others?

    The numbers beside the league’s name indicate the tier of local football the player plays in.

    BELGIUM

    Cercle Brugge – Jupiler Pro League (1)
    Dominic Foley (F)

    BULGARIA

    CSKA Sofia – TBI A Football Group (1)
    Cillian Sheridan (F)

    CYPRUS

    AEL Limassol –  Cypriot 1st Division (1)
    Matthew Cassidy (M)

    APEP Pitsilia – Second Division (2)
    Michael Collins (M) ?

    MS Anagennisi Deryneias – Second Division (2)
    Michael Roddy (M) ?

    DENMARK

    Odense Kammeraternes Sportsklub (OKS) – Danish Series: Group 2 (3)
    Shane O’Doherty (F) ?

    FRANCE

    Stade Rennais – Ligue 1 (1) Reserves
    Niall Burdon (GK)

    GERMANY

    Union Berlin – 2nd Bundesliga (2)
    Patrick Kohlmann (D)

    Ungmennafélagið Afturelding – 2. deild karla (3)
    John Andrews (D) ?

    LUXEMBOURG

    CS Pétange – BGL Ligue (1)
    Dylan Nissan (M) (Is Dylan of mixed nationality?)

    NETHERLANDS

    FC Utrecht – Eredivisie (1)
    Barry Maguire (M)

    NORWAY

    Steinkjer FK – Fair Play-ligaen (3)
    Gary Hogan (G)

    PORTUGAL

    Paços de Ferreira – Liga ZON Sagres (1)
    21. Padraig Amond (F)

    RUSSIA

    Spartak Moscow – Russian Premier League (1)
    64. Aiden McGeady (M)

    SPAIN

    Cádiz CF – Segunda División B: Group 4 (3)
    12. Ian Daly (F)

    Jerez Industrial – Tercera División: Group 10 (4) Glen Hoddle Academy
    James Cronesberry (M) – Lee Lynch (M) David Hutton (M)

    SWEDEN

    Örebro SK – Allsvenskan (1)
    Anthony Flood (F)

    TURKEY

    Samsunspor – Süper Lig (1)
    Billy Mehmet (F)

    Let me know if you know of any Irish Players playing aboard?

  • Sportsmanship – Compete with Character and Win In Every Game!

    Sportsmanship – Compete with Character and Win In Every Game!

    I would love to see Football adopting the same sportsmanship polices Rugby has !!

    Rugby

    Rugby as I know well from playing it in my youth is a mans game and many of my friends still play it today. In fact as a nation we have all turned to love Rugby over the last years with the success of Munster, Leinster and the National team. What I truly admire about this game is the way the players conduct themselves on the pitch, there is no back chat or verbal abuse of any kind to any official and if it does occur the players get his 10minutes in the sin bin. More often then not players are respectful of each another.

    What I admire most about the game as well as they way the official control and limit verbal abuse from the players is the clapping off at the end and the Sportsmanship of every single player, win, lose or Draw.

    We Can Change!

    So I continually ask myself, Why are the governing bodies of Football not clamping down on the outrageous scenes we see week and week out on the Televisions and  football pitches throughout the world. The cash rich nature of the world’s most popular game now means that being on the winning side is everything.

    Cheating

    Soccer has become a sport of cheats, with Diving, faking injury, time wasting, getting booked deliberately to miss games, faking getting hit by an opposition player to get him or her sent off, doing anything to win at all costs, the tapping of players, no loyalty. Is this what this beautiful game has become is soccer losing its honour?

    Pic: I entered Soccer Cheat in Google and this is what came up!

    “Character is formed by doing the thing we are supposed to do, when it should be done, whether we feel like doing it or not.”

    What can we do to change some of the things in our game!

    The best football atmosphere for young people is one that focuses on their needs and wants and not those of their coaches and parents.  The ideal setting in any sport is one in which:

    • Good character is a priority.
    • Practices and games are fun.
    • Good sportsmanship and positive behaviours are the norm for players, coaches and spectators.
    • Shake hands before and after each game
    • Players and Athletes learn valuable life skills.
    • Coaches and parents are not frustrated.
    • A cooperative and positive relationship exists between coaches and parents.
    • There is good communication between players, coaches and parents.

    Kids come First

    Coaches and parents need to remember to put kids first.  No matter what level kids are playing at – International, Elite, recreational, club or School – teaching good sportsmanship and forming good character should lead off your lineup.

    Adults teach sportsmanship and help build good character by modeling it themselves.  Kids watch how adults act, not just listen to what they say. Unfortunately, children are increasingly exposed to poor behaviour on the pitch in professional and other televised sports, teams against whom they compete, overzealous coaches on the sidelines, unruly parents … even on the playground at school.

    Parents and Coaches

    are ideally placed to counteract these poor examples of sportsmanship. Consider the following list:

    A list of To-Do things for better Sportsmanship

    • Model appropriate behaviour.
    • Discuss examples of poor sportsmanship when they occur on TV etc
    • Discuss ways to exhibit good sportsmanship (e.g., helping opponents up after they
    • have fallen or get hurt from a tackle).
    • Reinforce that winning is not the sole goal of sports (e.g., ask kids if they had fun or performed something well before asking if they won).
    • Offer examples of how players can be good winners and losers. (TV or even watching a friend etc)
    • Encourage kids to discuss sportsmanship as a team; make it a key objective of the team’s success.
    • Talk to the coach to make sure he or she stresses sportsmanship over winning, too

    One Day

    While it is a good thing that we are slowly trying to remove such things, (But still have a long way to go) we must not lose sight of the competitiveness that makes soccer such a great game. We must not be blinded by the notion of cleaning up the game that we make it an entirely goody two shoes affair.

    However we can learn a thing or two from our Rugby friends. But one thing is clear, and that is I do not condone cheating, diving, influencing the officials or any other despicable act in the game.

    But I feel that an intelligent and professional player will do all he can to use the rules to help his team win. And this win at all costs, no holds barred competitiveness, is what makes professional sport so exciting. Professional sports I said!

    So be a good sportsman and show your child the right way!

    Research Web

  • COACK TALK: Jobs-In-Football.com

    COACK TALK: Jobs-In-Football.com

    Coach Profile: Richard Sutherland – www.Jobs-In-Football.com

    Location: Madrid

    TCD: Did you play football as a kid?

    RS: I played football for many years in Glasgow and ended up playing at a Division 1 youth team.

    TCD: How did you get into coaching?

    RS: I started coaching initially my local school team while still playing and then moved to college (knew I wasn’t going to make it as a pro player) to complete a degree in Sports Coaching. Whilst at college I gained some valuable experience working in many different football environments; grassroots, elite and 1st teams. I then moved to the USA when I completed college and worked full time in New York & Connecticut. I returned back to Scotland where I worked with Glasgow Rangers (Youth Academy) and the SFA for 3 years.

    USA & Sligo

    In 2003 I was persuaded to go back to the US to work with my old boss in a new club where I was 1st Team Assistant & Academy Director. Then in 2006 I moved to Sligo Rovers to take the U21’s, assist with the 1st team and create the start of a youth entity in the club – camps, weekly clinics, relationship with local clubs etc.

    Bohemians

    I moved to Bohs in 2007 to become Head of Youth Development and U21 Manager where I stayed for 2 years before moving onto Manchester United and then finally Atletico Madrid.

    TCD: What badges have you got now?

    RS: I am UEFA A qualified and have qualifications from Scotland, Ireland, England and the USA.

    TCD: Tell me a little about the Jobs-In-Football.com and who is behind it?

    RS: I am the main figure behind Jobs-In-Football.com and developed the site to provide coaches (new and experienced) a platform where they can ‘showcase’ their talents by uploading their CV’s into our database for employers to search.

    TCD: What does Jobs-In-Football.com do and who is it aimed at?

    RS: Its a One Stop Shop for football vacancies! It allows employers the chance to advertise and recruit staff with the required experience, qualifications and desire to succeed in the game. The site advertises all jobs associated with football and has had openings for – Marketing Managers, Commercial Managers, Facility Managers, Administrators, Security / Stewards, Journalists, Reporters, Commentators, Physiotherapists and of course a host of coaching roles such as Technical Directors, Coaching Directors, Head & Assistant Coaches etc

    TCD: Where are most of the jobs?

    RS: Jobs can come from anywhere in the world and are posted 24/7. We have advertised in the last 6 months for openings in America, Australia, Canada, England, Ghana, Ireland, India, Indonesia, Malaysia, New Zealand, Scotland, Singapore, Spain and Wales.

    The jobs vary from post to post however the majority of positions available are within coaching, medical and journalism.

    TCD: Where are you working now?

    RS: I am still working with Atletico Madrid and the main feeder club to Real Madrid (ACD Canillas) as well as running the website.

    TCD: What are you thoughts on the small sided games, should we 7v7 football for longer?

    RS: My thoughts on underage football are the same as they were 4 years ago when I was in Ireland – there needs to be a move away from competitive football at U7 – U11 and a bigger emphasis on player development. There is nothing wrong with having the better players all training together but no-one benefits from winning 10 or 15-0.

    TCD: In Barcelona they play 7v7 for much later, is this the case in Madrid?

    RS: Don’t be misled by the shouts that all other countries play small sided games for longer – in Madrid they play 11v11 at 10 years old as well – and it’s competitive! They do have the option however of playing Futsal as well! The kids start at 6 years old and play either 5v5 or 7v7 before moving into full size games at 10 years old.

    TCD: What do you suggest we could do here?

    RS: I believe there should be at around U12 or U13 a national league where teams can play against other Pro Youth Teams – the problem outside of Dublin is that there is not enough quality / depth of player and so these clubs struggle to challenge their best players on a week to week basis. Why not play e.g. U12, U13, U14 all away against the same club and then U15, U16 & U17 all at home against the same club! This would cut down on expenses and would create less logistical problems – buses, pitches, referees …. etc etc.

    TCD: Who is doing this at present?

    RS: This is a tried and tested model in Scotland, England, USA, Holland ….
    Obviously Dublin has a lot more stronger teams and so therefore they could indeed have a bigger influx of teams (without diluting the product) – this can only help develop the players and prepare them for the potential life of a footballer! I think there is room for 9v9 between the 7v7 and 11v11. The only downside would be the cost of implementing.

    The Coach Diary would like to thank Richard for contributing to the site and I know where I’ll be going if things get any worse!!

    To find out more click on the link https://www.jobs-in-football.com/

  • “Quotes”

    “Quotes”

    “To me what’s important is making the best use of the time you have with your players, not the time when the coaches are by themselves coming up with schemes and watching other teams play. It’s what you can teach your players to do that counts. That’s the most important part of coaching!”

    “A quick way for any player to make himself better is to think about what he himself doesn’t like to play against”.

    “I don’t expect you to be the best player on the pitch, I just expect you to do YOUR best”.

    T ogether
    E veryone
    A ccomplishes
    M ore

    T.I.P.S. – Technique, Imagination, Person, Speed.

  • The Benefits of keeping active

    The Benefits of keeping active

    Playing sports offers children more than just physical benefits. Sports typically help kids academically and socially as well. The benefits are the same whether or not your child actually excels at the sport. Although if they are really good they will probably want to continue playing when they are older. If your child isn’t good enough to play competitively on a school team, then you can always sign them with a local club team or encourage them to just to get out with their friends and play.

    Ten ways playing sports and can benefit your child.

    1. Playing sports is fun. It gives your child something to do and a group to belong to. They have a group of friends that has the same goals and interests.

    2. Research has found that kids that play sports, especially girls, are more likely to have a positive body image and higher self-esteem. They also are less likely to be overweight.

    3. Kids involved in sports are less likely to take drugs or smoke because they realize the impact that these destructive activities can have upon their performance. Girls who play sports are also less likely to become pregnant.

    4. Physical activities are a good way to relieve stress and reduce depression, sweating the brain is essential.

    5. Sports help kids develop discipline. They learn to set goals and then work to achieve those goals. They learn that by working hard they can accomplish the things that they want to in their lives.

    6. Kids who play sports quickly learn that sometimes you win and sometimes you lose. They learn to be a good sport in both situations. It also helps them learn to deal with disappointment and go on.

    7. Statistics show that kids who are involved in sports while in secondary school are more likely to experience academic success and better results.

    8. Sports help develop teamwork and leadership skills. Kids quickly learn that they have to work together as a team to win the game.

    9. Motor skills, strategic thinking, and even math skills are learned by playing sports. Students develop strategic thinking as they figure out plays and the best way to get around a player or score a goal. Math skills are used as they calculate scores and stats.

    10. Regular exercise increases quality of life. Children who exercise are more likely to continue the practice into adulthood

  • “More than just winning”

    “More than just winning”

    Guardiola carries heavy weight of expectation, but hunger remains

    Barcelona have again been dominant on both domestic and European fronts this season, but sporting director Andoni Zubizarreta knows that the Catalan giants cannot settle for just winning games – they must do so in style.

    In an exclusive interview with Revista

    The former goalkeeper – who made 301 appearances for Barca – praised the manner in which manager Pep Guardiola goes about his job, and believes that despite the pressure his appetite and passion for the game is as strong as ever.

    “The biggest challenge is our own success and meeting the extraordinarily high standards we’ve set ourselves over the past few years,” said the 49-year-old. “It’s not just about winning but the style in which we do it. I remember Johan Cruyff used to say, many years ago that a footballer is like a high jumper who keeps raising the bar. Every time he clears it, the fans demand he raises it another centimetre.

    “At the end of the day, the only thing that can keep Guardiola going is his passion for the job, keeping the hope alive and the passionate feeling that bubbles up inside when you walk through the gates of the training ground every day. And of course, it’s a heavy pack that he’s carrying on his back. How long can he keep that up for?

    “He’s maintained it ever since the day he joined La Masia when he was 12 years old. He’s still got the energy for it so if we can help him maintain that, it would be a great achievement.”

    Concept

    But while Guardiola deserves praise for developing such an attractive brand of football, has he now become as important as Barcelona’s philosophy? Zubizarreta doesn’t think so.

    He explained: “I think the concept has always been important; that ‘idea’ has already been there, people followed it in the 80s, throughout the ‘Dream Team’ years and well before that, the Barcelona of the ‘five cups’ in the 50s, the era when central European players were key, and the Hungarians who focussed on playing the ball.

    “It was once said that the football model that places emphasis on the spectacle couldn’t deliver success, but much of that idea is behind what you see now. But at the end of the day, you’ve got to actually do it; you’ve got to be competitive. You have to go onto the pitch and apply those ideas, continually for 90 minutes, for the whole season, in every competition; that’s always been important.

    “With Guardiola, we have both elements covered. The ‘idea’, he knows well because he joined here when he was very young. But on the other hand, he also knows how much hard work it takes to put this idea into practice. And, above all, he’s aware that our rivals will be working very hard to beat us.

    “You’ve got to put the work in, because you’re coming up against other teams that will. But this also drives us on, this rivalry, not animosity; I don’t like the term enemy. In football, it is those rivalries, against teams who know all about you, that push you to your best level. This is what sustains our appetite for the game and makes us competitive.”

    Research: Sky speaks to Andoni Zubizaretta