SIDELINE VIEW: The U14 grade has become the 'make or break' point in underage development

Watching the recent Féile Final between Magherafelt and Lavey, one thing that struck me was the size of the panels.  Both clubs had 16 subs.

Of the Rossa bench, 13 will still be eligible for U14 in 2019 – Lavey have 12.  They will get their chance next year.

These two clubs are not alone and it won’t be the first time we will see packed dugouts at U14 level.  In hurling this season, Ballinascreen fielded two teams and won both Féile titles.  Like Dungiven, they have two U14 football teams this season.

Clubs are to be commended for their efforts at bringing players through from nursery age.  Participation has never been higher.  Up until U14 everything is fun.  Everyone gets a piece of the action.  There are small-sided games and even at U12 level, clubs with one eye on the Féile will play a 15-a-side game every month, just to get acclimatised.

It’s what happens after this that is the major concern.  Everything gets far too serious.  I heard about a situation last year where an U14 player attended every training session and played every game.  When the championship came another player, who hadn't trained all year, was parachuted into the team.  Worse still, the player who missed out went from starter to an unused substitute.

Managers need to realise that underage players have feelings and their self-esteem is more important than any championship medal.  We don’t know what everyone’s state of mind is.  Everybody develops at different stages and if players are alienated at U14, they will be lost.

Underage managers need to think about their remit.  The long-term goal is to produce players for the club senior team.  Everything else falls behind that.

In order to do that, coaches need to strive to coach players to perfect the skills.  Some will be more advanced than others.  For the top bracket, they should be encouraged to execute their skills under pressure, at a higher pace and use their weaker foot/side.

All this should be done with the target to win some silverware on the way, but more importantly in a fair and fun environment.  One that will ensure they come back year on year.

I recall us having an U14 ‘B’ team one year in Slaughtneil, with Sammy and Ronan Bradley on it.  Both of whom went on to become established senior players.  In fairness they came from a strong footballing family, where they were never going to drift away from GAA.  Not every U14 player will be like that.

U14 is fast becoming the crunch age in development.  Féile needs to become a means to an end…rather than the pinnacle.