Kes
I'll Decide ...
(I suppose it's my own fault for being a bit vague with the question I asked) but that's not quite what I was driving at.
I too have slight experience of the same issue in one of the leagues in which I operate where around 5 teams/clubs folded halfway through the season. My understanding of it however, was that it was due more to the lack of admin availability ie volunteers to coach/run preside over the club that led to them falling by the wayside - not lack of actual players. I recall one of the team managers telling me that all the players (adult that is) were happy to turn up to train during the week and play on a Saturday, so long as it was all laid on for them - nobody ever wanted to take on the other stuff - including the financial aspects of it.
Irrespective of whatever that may or may not indicate, the fact remains that in my experience kids who have
a. An ability for football
or
b. An enjoyment of playing football
will always do so, so long as they're supported in it by their parents. I don't believe for one minute that getting hammered in any way directly affects retention so as to make a major difference in grass roots other than natural wastage. The issues some of you may be encountering at adult level aren't connected. (IMO).
I too have slight experience of the same issue in one of the leagues in which I operate where around 5 teams/clubs folded halfway through the season. My understanding of it however, was that it was due more to the lack of admin availability ie volunteers to coach/run preside over the club that led to them falling by the wayside - not lack of actual players. I recall one of the team managers telling me that all the players (adult that is) were happy to turn up to train during the week and play on a Saturday, so long as it was all laid on for them - nobody ever wanted to take on the other stuff - including the financial aspects of it.
Irrespective of whatever that may or may not indicate, the fact remains that in my experience kids who have
a. An ability for football
or
b. An enjoyment of playing football
will always do so, so long as they're supported in it by their parents. I don't believe for one minute that getting hammered in any way directly affects retention so as to make a major difference in grass roots other than natural wastage. The issues some of you may be encountering at adult level aren't connected. (IMO).