Too many managers who run such teams seem to have forgotten that these competitions are run for the children's enjoyment and not for these managers to fulfil their own ambitions whilst feeding their over zealous egos.

These managers are often only concerned with their own children playing the whole match, whilst ignoring the needs of the other children.

Surely it is more of a challenge for a manager to get a less able player up to the standard of the better players, rather than continuing with the more talented players week in week out. How can the players who are not selected, be expected to improve if they are not involved in the team?

I feel that these teams who go to matches with too many players, some of who do not get to play any of the match, should be docked points, and teams that manage to rotate the whole team should be rewarded with extra points.

Following my own experiences I have become the manager of my own team within a club which encourages all players regardless of ability. This club also ensures that any player who is willing to give up their time, pay their subs and train with the team, will get an equal opportunity to play for the team on match day.

Although this approach may not fill the trophy cabinet, it does mean that all the children are happy, confident and feel as much a part of the team as the 'better' players.

Since becoming manager I have been told by several parents that their children are now much happier playing their part in a side which may not win every week, rather than not playing at all in a side which wins all their matches, which I feel justifies our approach.

If you have a child interested in playing football and developing their skills, please don't hesitate to contact me.

PAUL HARDY,
Rainworth Rangers.