It's time to face up to the reality...the "Pathway" model killed sport.
The logic of the "Pathway" was sound - no argument there.
In principle, providing a clear, sequential, systematic development process to help athletes progress from participation level to high performance standards makes a lot of sense.
However, the problem is the way the "Pathway" model has been "sold" to sporting parents, coaches, athletes and even sporting organizations as THE ONLY way to be involved in sport.
Unfortunately, the most common interpretation of the "pathway" model is that every athlete who walks through the door (or the pool or the court or the field etc.) - regardless of their motivation for walking through that door - is placed on the "pathway" towards elite level performance.
It's so ridiculous!
It's like assuming that every kindergarten child will do medical studies.
Or like believing that every race-horse should be trained to win the Kentucky Derby.
The "pathway" model has got to go.
While sports are continuing to promote and push "pathway" theory - and remember - that's all it is - a theory - we're going to continue to lose focus on the bigger, broader sporting picture.
Right now - the biggest issue is not providing a "pathway" - it's just getting kids and their families to actually turn up!
And getting them to come back next week!
No matter how brilliant the "pathway" might be, if the kids are not coming to training, if they're not sticking around to learn and master skills and if they're not interested in competing, then your "pathway" is worth nothing.
I cannot believe the number of sports - and even governments around the world who are still blindly and obsessively following the "pathway" theory while at the same time trying to figure out why we're seeing such monumental declines in the number of kids actually playing competitive sport.
Put two and two together and it spells....the death of the "pathway".
1. Focus on building an environment based on the principles of engagement, excitement, enjoyment and entertainment;
2. Provide every child with the opportunity to experience the wonderful aspects of your sport and to "fall in love" with your sport and from there - anything is possible.
3. For the kids who are passionate and talented enough to want to compete at the highest level of your sport - sure - have some sort of intelligently designed and excellently delivered athlete development "system" - but for vast majority of kids - it's about SMILES more than it is about SYSTEMS.
Wayne Goldsmith
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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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