As a father of three, I am a great believer in the character-forming powers of football.
Lessons in self-control, discipline, concentration, team-work, and respect are added bonuses to the physical health side of the game. I think it's no accident that football players generally exhibit better character in public than representatives of more violent sporting codes. What you put in is what you get out, right?
So I'm all for giving young players a chance to shine in the A-League. But there's a limit to what kids can be expected to achieve. If you ask a 15-year-old to man-mark Fernando Torres, the predictable result is going to be your fault, not his.
I remember watching an early season training session where the new Gold Coast United youth team was pitted against our senior squad. It was illuminating to see how easily these skilled youngsters were dispossessed, nutmegged, and generally out-played by seasoned performers like Smeltz and Culina.
Of course, the kids have come a long way since then, as their 5-1 demolition of Brisbane Roar yesterday confirmed (yeah, our youth team ran up the same magnificent scoreline as the seniors this weekend). And many of our youngsters have already performed creditably alongside their older colleagues.
As a club, we are now in an enviable position. The seniors are serious title threats, while the youth team sit just three wins off the top with two games in hand. More importantly, the kids are ready to step up and fill any gaps as we make a gallant run to the finals.
Compare that with Brisbane Roar, whose youth team have won only two games while conceding 35 goals this season. Now, given that Ange Postecoglou is committed to sweeping out the old guard and building a youth-based squad, that is hardly an encouraging foundation.
Call me a trouble-makeer if you like, but Roar look to me like a club still gripped by a serious crisis. It was clear that Frank Farina was running a suspiciously blokey outfit with old mates like Moore, Miller and Malcolm on the pitch. But take those guys away and what's left?
Not much, by the look of things.
On the bright side, Roar still have a chance to make the top six. And as the turnout at Skilled Park confirmed, they can still bank on a solid (if dwindling) base of hardcore fans. I suggest they spend less time taking cheap shots at their southern neighbours and more time putting their own house in order.
And speaking of hardcore fans, a few Roar supporters should also take a good, long look at themselves. I can understand that frustration takes hold after a five goal hiding, but that's hardly an excuse to march out of the stadium screaming abuse at everyone you see.
Maybe some of these kids need to spend a bit less time watching football on TV, and a bit more time actually playing it. They might just learn a bit about character. Who knows? They might even find their way into one of Ange's squads. He certainly needs some new talent.
