Every day I get an email or a call or a letter from a sporting parent somewhere in the world telling me how amazingly talented their child is.
They go on and on about how many goals their son has scored or how fast their daughter runs or how brilliant their child's backhand is.
They then tell me their child is 7 or a similar age.
Sporting parents - please listen to me.
There is no such thing as a champion 7 year old.
There are no world class 8 year olds.
10 year old elite athletes do not exist.
Physical talent is overrated.
Having worked with so many great athletes in many different sports at elite level including with Olympic medalists and professional tennis players, footballers, netball players and many others, I promise you that physical talent is a poor indicator of your son's or daughter's potential to achieve sporting success.
The things that determine success are now - as they always have been....hard work, commitment, dedication, passion, resilience, drive, a love of the sport and similar values, virtues and character traits.
And here's the good news parents...you can build, grow and develop all those wonderful, amazing, enduring qualities in your child.
But you need to think differently.
Stop telling people your 8 year old is talented.
Forget about pushing your 9 year olds into "rep" programs.
Stop looking for Junior Sports Academies for your 10 year olds.
Love your kids - unconditionally.
Value them.
Accept them for who they are - not for what they do.
And "parent" them!
Help them to learn and practice all the life skills and character traits that will underpin their success in life - in their relationships - at school and in sport.
But please please please stop thinking about and talking about physical talent as if it's something to be "worshipped".
Physical talent is overrated.
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Wayne Goldsmith Coaching
wgcoaching.com
Waynes coaching, thinking and teaching have influenced some of the world’s leading athletes, coaches and teams . He is an inspirational speaker and presenter who is able to educate, entertain , challenge and engage audiences of all ages
With over 25 years experience working with some of the best coaches, athletes, teams and sporting organisations in the world, WG Coaching offers an unparalleled opportunity for you to become the coach you dream of becoming.
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