I would be interested in finding out what are the main attributes a player should have, to be good enough to fit into a kennedy cup squad and be able to compete well at that level? I hear all the right things coaches say to parents however when it comes to selection most if not all the smaller players are dropped , as far as im seeing. This has a massive influence on these young small technical players and some do not get over this disappointment. I believe coaches are to concerned about personal ego and trying to win the kennedy cup instead of thinking of players for the future. After all kennedy cup is only an u13 tournament, i would understand it better if it was an u16 competition. I am interested in all opinions on this. thks.

yes i hear this point a lot but imagine if barcelona had turned away iniesta, messi, xavi at that age becos of height! they didnt and look at them now. kids with ability need assurance, nurturing and above all a coach who believes in them. i see squads for example at u11 with some brilliant small technical players but come u13 there gone from the panel. its seems like its an FAI directive for long ball football. these smaller technical players with the ball played on the ground as it should be are alot better in my opinion. I have seen 1 cty coach who is currently over the u11 team, most if not all are small technical players and are brilliant to watch, they beat other counties who are full of big physical players 3 or 4 nil on most games so far. He is (i dont no his name and wont mention cty) the only 1 ive seen with this approach is a long time here in ireland so i wonder if he is actually irish. All top coaches from other countries spain england etc will tell you that agility, 2 feet skill and speed as well as attitute are the main attributes. this is why im thinking the kennedy cup is killing these smaller technical kids chances here in ireland

yes seeker it does rest with the coaches who if im not mistaken are all FAI coaches? Surely if we want to move forward we should ensure that all coaches are UEFA accreited and not just jobs for the boys? another point if a manager can not put together enough training sessions to coach the attractive football surely he should not be that cty manager? we seem to be in ireland looking for the next Gary Doherty while the world looks for messi? i might well be offending fai guys hear but this is my opionion. in my ignorance maybe someone could explain this mindset of big players over small technical players?