Chris takes part in lively youth development debate

18 Nov Chris takes part in lively youth development debate

Chris Green was invited to speak about the experience of writing Every Boy’s Dream and his thoughts on football youth development among 80 or so players, partners, coaches and staff of the Bath and Wiltshire Schools Sports Trust (BWB) in the marvellous surroundings of The Guildhall in Bath on Monday.

BWB is a wonderful charity that promotes all the right things to encourage children to participate and enjoy playing sport and to offer opportunities and experiences for that to happen in the right environment.

Following a short video about BWB’s wonderful work, the discussion was led by BWB operations manager Tim Kirk, who has coached at the top level in football and education, and one of the first readers of Every Boy’s Dream to get in touch – “nodding along in agreement, anger and recognition of the stories quoted in the book” as Tim explained last night.

It was a privilege to hear the views and to field questions from so many willing, supportive and passionate parents and coaches.

Sadly there were one or two familiar tales of experiences at the hands of uncaring academy staff (can they really not think of a better to way to release child academy players than a cold, impersonal letter? How about thanking the parents for years’ worth of ferrying their kids back and forth to sessions and matches, for starters?).

Mention of how we should all acknowledge the efforts of British sport’s biggest army of sporting heroes – the parents – drew a round of applause. A great evening enjoyed by all – especially the author!