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The coronavirus outbreak has left youth sports hanging in limbo. The pandemic has affected youth sports and its athletes on a financial, psychological and social spectrum.
Parents have lost money to pay for sporting activities, be it for school or local clubs, money has gone down the drain and it will be hard to recover it, considering the fact that during these tough financial times, every cent is needed. Many people have taken pay cuts and some have been retrenched; amongst these people are parents whose children participate in youth sports. It is going to be difficult for many to support their children's sporting aspirations, financially. This domino effect will ultimately lead to youth sport institutions going through a financial crisis. Mainstream and amateur sporting clubs will also feel the financial strain, many are dependent on the sale of youth prospects to keep afloat financially.
The sporting routine of millions of youth players has been disturbed. Some had prepared to have their seasons in full swing this time, but due to the circumstances brought by the coronavirus, they are now probably rocked and devastated. How are children from the ages of 6-18 years handling the suspension of sport on a psychological aspect, are they maintaining?
For many children sport is an escape from the harsh realities of life. Sports gives them purpose, a sense of belonging and now with sport out the window frustration is expected to be at a high. Truth is that many youth athletes are in a state of frustration, many are anxious because of the uncertainty that has been laid by the pandemic.
Some had hopes of improving their trade or making certain teams but those dreams are shuttered. A lot of athletes are devastated now, some do not have the proper support structure to help them deal with the disappointment they are going through. They may have to live with this disappointment for the rest of their lives and will have regret hovering around even though it's not their doing.
School based sports are not returning anytime soon and this will take a huge toll on children's social lives. Putting aside the formal school sport activities, the informal games kids play in the sports ground during break time at school are cancelled. Schools do not have the infrastructure and medical resources to ensure the safety of its athletes.
South African Rugby took the measures of cancelling all youth tournaments; all SA Rugby Youth Weeks, SA Rugby Under/13 and Under/17 Sevens, SA Schools Under/18 competition, SA Rugby Provincial Under/19 week and SA Rugby Provincial Under/20 competition. Club and community rugby where many youth play has been postponed until further notice but the point of return is impossible.
The cancellation of the World Rugby Under/20 Championship which was suppose to be hosted in Italy is probably a hard one to swallow for many players. The tournament plays the role of a stepping stone, it is able to give players exposure and experience on the world stage.
"It is obviously very disappointing for Chean Roux, his players and the team management, but these drastic steps are vital to ensure the safety of the players, team management and match officials. I would like to thank the players, coaches, and management for all their hard work in the last few months, and encourage them to keep on putting the hard yards albeit outside of a team set-up given the current need for social distancing," said SA Rugby CEO Jurie Roux.
In order to grasp and understand the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic has had on youth football in South Africa, I spoke with Transnet School of Excellence coach, Mojalefa Mathebula. Below is the interview.
Athenkosi Tsotsi: Before this pandemic hit, what was the state of youth football in South Africa?
Mojalefa Mathebula: By virtue of sheer numbers of participants and the fragmented nature of youth development, it is very difficult to quantify this objectively. However, my personal (subjective) opinion is that youth development was not in a good state going into Lockdown. Although in Gauteng were had a good youth development league going (GDL), the was few concerning developments such as the withdrawal of sponsors for youth tournaments.
A.T : The pandemic, has it exposed the frailties or strengths of our youth football in some form?
M.M : I think the pandemic exposed more of frailties in youth football than it showed our strengths. Very few youth structures have been able to use technology (Zoom) to stay in contact with their players. DATA and access to better hardware such as superior quality screens was the most prohibiting factor. Socio-economic background also played a role such as inadequate nutrition, lack of better health care access, small yards and finance as these factors made difficult to exercise, but also heighten fear risks. Our strength is definitely our die hard attitude, I see the enthusiasm to go back, and that gives me hope.
A.T : Youth football is unlikely to return this year, how is this affecting the many players, not only as athletes but as humans?
M.M : Psychological because most players will feel like they have been denied an opportunity to take a step closer towards their dream. Physically they are going to loss their fitness which will make it difficult to return to playing. Technically, they are going to struggle with their ability to play for a short while that will be frustrating for some. Tactically they are missing out on age-related training and curriculum.
A.T : On a financial aspect, how has the pandemic affected youth football financially?
M.M : Well, companies are going to cut back on their expenditure and sport will be the first item. As most youth development are reliant on sponsorship for their operation. We are likely to see some of these institution closing down or cutting back on the number of players they recruit. Also, things such as football equipment, kit or attire, food and transport will become a luxury for many Clubs going forward and we might see many Clubs withdrawing their teams from organized football to save cost.
A.T : You as a coach, how are your players taking this and what measures do you have in place to ensure to keep your players mentally stable?
M.M : Well, generally I am cut off from the players but we communicate through the parents. We shared FIFA 11+ to follow and other motivational information.
A.T : Lastly, this pandemic gives the powers that be to do introspection, in your view what needs to change in order to ensure youth football goes to greater places.
M.M : Well, I think this pandemic showed that we can include technology to enhance our teaching and learning experience for both players and coaches. So investing in Technology will be one of my priority going forward.
With professional sports in South Africa at the point of return, there is hope for youth sports but the cracks created by the coronavirus will have a lasting impact.
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