How do you know if one of your players has potential?
Apart from his or her playing ability, there are other characteristics to look out for, especially with junior players, these include:
- Height and size.
- Fitness and speed.
- Strength and stamina.
- Determination and a drive to succeed.
What should you do if you think that one of your club players has these traits?
Simply contact your SGB. They should be able to put you in touch with the relevant person. Most SGBs have performance plans with resources and skills to maximise potential, from specialist coaching to ensuring that the player enters the relevant competitions, to advice and support on fitness, nutrition and physical development. Contact details for all SGBs can be found in the “see also” section in the right hand panel.
Once this potential has been recognised, what role should the club play?
Key club responsibilities focus on communication. From getting in touch and maintaining contact with SGBs to informing and working closely with parents, clubs are a key link for all parties.
Coaches and other club members also have a responsibility to ensure that all support is player-centred. For example, there is nothing worse than over-playing a talented athlete, not only is this not good for him/her but may also demoralise other club members.
Club members are often amongst those that know the individual athlete best and hence will often be best placed to provide formal and informal mentoring as the player embarks on new and sometimes daunting player pathways.
