When is pushiness too much? When does assistance turn into a barrier?
For example, Kyle Walker, the defender for Manchester City and England, revealed that he used to detest attending games with his father because he would be moved to tears by his father’s criticism of his play in the car afterward.
However, Walker maintains that receiving rough treatment as a child helped shape him into an excellent athlete in an interview with the You’ll Never Beat Kyle Walker podcast.
So how do parents manage the expectations on themselves and their children in a highly competitive industry where success can feel unattainable?
As a coach, James saw his kids’ promise at a young age and kept it in check until they were playing football with the first team. He believes that in order for players to make the breakthrough, they need to be given the chance, have their position open up, and have coaches believe in them.
He says, “I have witnessed many gifted children go through the academy system and come out empty-handed. “You need a little bit of luck, guidance, and people’s trust.
