The odds are heavily stacked against young players who dream of pursuing a career in professional football. Getting a professional contract is a significant achievement, but it is only the first step towards a successful career. More than half of academy players will leave a football club before they turn 16, and 97% of those players who come through a Premier League academy will never play in the top flight. The science of academy football is never exact, especially with young men whose physique is changing at such a rate. Coaching staff at academies have to break the news to young players and their families that their journey with a club is over, which is an emotional task for coaches.
B Teams and Overlooked Talents
However, the introduction of B Teams has allowed clubs to cast their net further and pick up younger talents who might have been overlooked elsewhere. It has not come at a cost to homegrown footballers, as some critics suggested. In fact, it has helped young players from less privileged backgrounds find opportunities that they might not have had previously.
Examples of Finding Success Elsewhere
Young footballers who are released from academies need not lose hope. History is littered with examples of talented young players finding success elsewhere. Jamie Vardy was released by Sheffield Wednesday when he was just 16 years old but went on to become one of the most potent strikers in English football history.
The Importance of Support
Young players going through tough times need support from both their families and the club they are playing for. This support can make all the difference in helping them cope with setbacks and disappointments.
Title: Aaron Ramsdale’s Journey to Becoming a Premier League Goalkeeper
Aaron Ramsdale’s journey to becoming a Premier League goalkeeper has been one of mental toughness and hard work. Ramsdale trained in all conditions, including a swamp, which molded his character and mental toughness.
Mental Toughness on the Field
Ramsdale’s goalkeeper coach speaks highly of his mental toughness, which is so important in handling pressure during matches. Ramsdale’s schooling was also tough, but he worked hard to get to his current position in the Premier League.
Facing Setbacks
Ramsdale has faced setbacks in his career, including being released by Bolton academy at the age of 15. But these setbacks have made him hungrier and more determined to succeed. In fact, he donated Premier League match balls to his former soccer school and namechecked one of his first coaches after his Anfield heroics to show he has not forgotten his roots.
Title: Aaron Ramsdale’s Inspiration and Desire to Stay at Arsenal
Arsenal goalkeeper Aaron Ramsdale’s inspiration growing up was Bolton legend Jussi Jaaskelainen. Jaaskelainen had a big influence on Ramsdale’s development during his time in Bolton’s youth system.
Learning from Jaaskelainen
Ramsdale learned from Jaaskelainen’s set position and other traits which can be seen in Ramsdale’s play today. Ramsdale hopes to stay at Arsenal for the rest of his career and become a club legend. He sees himself at Arsenal for the next 10-15 years and never wants to leave.
Mental Toughness Off the Field
Ramsdale’s mental toughness is also evident off the field. He knows that staying at Arsenal and becoming a club legend will require hard work and dedication, but he is up for the challenge. He believes that mental toughness is the key to success in football, both on and off the field.
Image Source: Wikimedia Commons
