Football and education

[The Cowboy]

New boy Lookman achieved 3A* and 3A at GCSE and completed a BTEC in sport whilst at Charlton's academy.

Does a players academic ability have a bearing on their game? Does an intelligent person read the game better?

Discuss.

 

[SerenityNigh]

New boy Lookman achieved 3A* and 3A at GCSE and completed a BTEC in sport whilst at Charlton's academy.

Does a players academic ability have a bearing on their game? Does an intelligent person read the game better?

Discuss.

Yes and no. Intelligence comes in different forms. There are plenty of smart players who may not be eloquent or know which way is up on a book because they don't have the formal training. And there are plenty of brilliant people who excel in one academic area but can spell their own name or tie their own shoes.

And then there are some dumb footballers who just know how to play the game.

 

[Bruce Wayne]

I think it helps, both in creating more rounded individuals, but also giving them a bit of discipline and so on. I'd say the biggest barrier to progression for a young player is in the head, so anything that helps create a more mature young man has to help imo.

 

[WycombeToffee]

Frank Lampard got 10 As at GCSE, when A*s didn't exist. He was pretty good. Then again, Duncan Watmore is the only footballer to get a first class degree, and he is pretty average.

 

[KaiserEFC]

Academia breeds mental agility, and mental agility translates well on the pitch


That or they're just passing people to exams them for them

 

[PhilM]

You'd hope that players with a good education will be have the intelligence to be more reasoned, sensible and most importantly grounded.

 

[tsubaki]

A certain swordsman in his declining years said the following: In one's life. there are levels in the pursuit of study. In the lowest level, a person studies but nothing comes of it, and he feels that both he and others are unskillful. At this point he is worthless. In the middle level he is still useless but is aware of his own insufficiencies and can also see the insufficiencies of others. In a higher level he has pride concerning his own ability, rejoices in praise from others, and laments the lack of ability in his fellows. This man has worth. In the highest level a man has the look of knowing nothing.

 

[Kurt.]

New boy Lookman achieved 3A* and 3A at GCSE and completed a BTEC in sport whilst at Charlton's academy.

Does a players academic ability have a bearing on their game? Does an intelligent person read the game better?

Discuss.

No... a footballer is a footballer.... end of... you can coach touch. . Positioning.. phases of play. .. but a player hasigns a natural ability .. you couldn't take an A grade student and teach him to be a footballer. .. it's in you or it isn't.

 

[Bruce Wayne]

No... a footballer is a footballer.... end of... you can coach touch. . Positioning.. phases of play. .. but a player hasigns a natural ability .. you couldn't take an A grade student and teach him to be a footballer. .. it's in you or it isn't.

Lots of talented youngsters fail to make the grade because they're not mentally right for a pro career.

 

[Kurt.]

Lots of talented youngsters fail to make the grade because they're not mentally right for a pro career.

True.. but education is different to being mentally stable isn't it ?

 

[Bruce Wayne]

True.. but education is different to being mentally stable isn't it ?

There are numerous ways you can become a mature, rounded man, and education is one of those.

 

[Muggins]

I think it helps, both in creating more rounded individuals, but also giving them a bit of discipline and so on. I'd say the biggest barrier to progression for a young player is in the head, so anything that helps create a more mature young man has to help imo.

I think an educated young man stands a better chance off the pitch within football, if that makes sense.

Other factors are who the players surround themselves and associate with.

I do agree though Bruce that it is a mental thing, as being in a dedicated professional environment should be enough of a starting point to set themselves up in life post football career.

 

[Kurt.]

There are numerous ways you can become a mature, rounded man, and education is one of those.

Again i don't disagree. .. I just don't think it makes a difference to your ability as a footballer is all . I'm willing to accept I could be wrong though.

 

[Bruce Wayne]

Again i don't disagree. .. I just don't think it makes a difference to your ability as a footballer is all . I'm willing to accept I could be wrong though.

Obviously there are numerous mental aspects to elite sport these days, and in football a lot of work is done to improve things like spatial awareness, and the discipline to train properly, commit yourself to the kind of lifestyle required to be an elite athlete and so on. Education can play a role in that, but it also (imo) helps your humility. How many young players think they're the big I am after their first contract and stop committing themselves properly. Education gives you a more rounded outlook on life, that football isn't the be all and end all, and puts you in regular contact with normal people.

 

[Kurt.]

Obviously there are numerous mental aspects to elite sport these days, and in football a lot of work is done to improve things like spatial awareness, and the discipline to train properly, commit yourself to the kind of lifestyle required to be an elite athlete and so on. Education can play a role in that, but it also (imo) helps your humility. How many young players think they're the big I am after their first contract and stop committing themselves properly. Education gives you a more rounded outlook on life, that football isn't the be all and end all, and puts you in regular contact with normal people.

Yes that's all true.. but it wasn't the question the op asked. I answered the op originally.