Quote Originally Posted by sinkov View Post
Just how much influence does the behaviour of professional footballers have on the kids ? Quite a lot if this is anything to go by.

"I coach an under 11s team. I'm amazed how kids are affected by FIFA and the Premier league. We have one lad, before he takes a corner he raises an arm above his head. Feck knows why as no one else knows what it means. Yesterday a boy lay on the floor behind a defensive wall."

FFS
Sadly, sinkov, this is now becoming a common sight when watching football played by kids from the age of around 12 upwards.
I watch many local games, including Academy games, and I see the antics of PL players replicated week after week.
It is not a good trend, however, it is becoming more and more obvious that they are being coached in these things and that upcoming officials are being advised to clamp down on more and more physical contact, good tackles being penalised and players being cautioned because they have gone in too hard!

Sadly, the falling over has also spread to the Northern League this season with players falling over at the slightest touch and berating the officials if they are not awarded a free kick/penalty.

I do not see the situation improving at all and honestly think that we are getting closer and closer to the game becoming a non-contact sport.