has anyone just watched the "trophy kids" programme on C4?

[MikeH]

A real eye opener.
Maybe I was being naive (or it was very clever TV editing) but really didn't think that the "pushy parents" thing was always over-egged. it would appear not!
What do you do if you're a parent of child who is obviously a talented sportsman/woman?

 

[HomerJSimpson]

I thought it was very interesting that you had one kid who had won the kids golf and then finished 4th the next year and "the wolf kid" who had only entered tiny local events and not even played nationally. The dad of the first kid at least was realistic and knew his kid had potential but was worried about the relationship whereas wolfies dad was so clearly only in it to get rich of his kid irrespective of the fact the kid didn't have the talent or at what cost.

 

[SammmeBee]

I did and I have seen that 'type' of parent before, although not to that degree......it's actually the ones that are no good are worse than the ones who are the talent....

 

[Deleted member 1740]

Support them all the way but you can't compromise a proper education like that family from leeds did. Was it just me or was his dad more intrested in how much money he was gonna make?

When he fails to make a living from golf that kid will have nothing to fall back on.

Also, why was the dad coaching the lad (billy) with all the Ping gear on surely you'd let a pro teach him. And the way he spoke to him when he wasn't playing well was shocking.

 

[HomerJSimpson]

You see it every weekend on the football and rugby pitches around the country. The dad who was no good as a kid trying to live his life again through his boy always convinced his son has what it takes. He's the one always moaning to the ref or when the manager drags his boy off after missing the third sitter of the half, convinced the manager knows nothing or has a vendetta.

I've seen fathers at driving ranges make their kids hit hundreds of balls and critiscise after everyone. Nothing constructive about the swing (they usually can't play that well) and would never dream of letting a qualified pro give lessons and admit they aren't up to the job.

 

[jammydodger]

I couldnt believe the way that bloke talked to his son when he hit a bad shot...I was gobsmacked , the poor kid. Truly horrendous as far as i'm concerned and that poor girl tennis player she just wasnt enjoying any of it at all.

Shocking stuff

 

[Deleted member 1740]

Homer that kid who come 4th in usa looked a cracking player on that footage but i think his dad was more bothered about him letting "his family down" than supporting him when he needed it.

Your right about dads wanting there kids to succeed because they failed at sport

 

[MikeH]

I have a young daughter and I'd love her to get into golf - not to play Curtis cup , turn pro or even be a great club golfer - but to hopefully get out of golf what I have.
A hobby, skills you can use in any part of your life, regular exercise and to some brilliant friendships.
I guess the problem comes when they start to get very good and you're torn between encouraging them at something they're good at and pushing them

 

[terry4906]

Seen it myself at junior football, parents see what pro footballers are earning and think their son can be the same. What they forget is that for every high earning pro footballer there are tens of thousands of good footballers that earn nothing. Kids need an education, even if they excell at sport.
My 9 year old son plays golf to a good standard, but he plays when he wants not when I want. Chances of him making a living from golf is very slim to no chance. He also does Ju-Jitsu,Gymnastics,Football and Tennis, not to make money but because unlike me he just loves all sports, and hopefully he will keep at it for as long as possible because it stops him becoming a couch potato.
I would never push him or criticize him if he made a mistake or had a bad day.

 

[RGDave]

I work with (some) youngsters who are "living the dream" of their parents...

I didn't see the prog, but I might chase it up on t'internet. My cousin was a famous tennis player and when we were growing up the two of us talked about working hard on our respective "hobbies" with the view to turning pro. Thing was, we enjoyed it and still do. I feel sad for the kids who do A levels aged 11 or something; it's a form of cruelty.

A kid with a ball or bat, or Piano or Dancing, well, that's OK if there is real enjoyment to be had.

 

[rgs]

Did not see the programme, but feel all kids should be allowed enjoy as many sports/pasttimes as possible.

There will come a time if they are talented when they will need to make a choice as to which sport they are more comfortable with.

 

[Teeshot]

I work with (some) youngsters who are "living the dream" of their parents...

I didn't see the prog, but I might chase it up on t'internet. My cousin was a famous tennis player and when we were growing up the two of us talked about working hard on our respective "hobbies" with the view to turning pro. Thing was, we enjoyed it and still do. I feel sad for the kids who do A levels aged 11 or something; it's a form of cruelty.

A kid with a ball or bat, or Piano or Dancing, well, that's OK if there is real enjoyment to be had.

Gotta ask Dave- who's the Cuz!?!?

 

[Tommo21]

I seen a couple of parents who were totally blinkered, totally oblivious to what they were doing to their own flesh and blood. It was shocking at times and worse still, I don’t think the parents even realise what they are doing. At times it was bullying, nothing but bullying.

 

[viscount17]

See it on the course most weeks.
Young kids playing off the wrong tees, physically not able to hit the distances needed but Dad pushing all the time. Never complimented, also being made to replay shots.

 

[Sandy]

Just hope it was the editing. Horrible. And a recipe for early burn out I would have thought.

 

[HTL]

Yes I watched it, was quite shocking in parts. However, I see it most time I go to the range.

When I was involved with of the premierships under 16 team the parents were even worse, they were nuts!

Pulling their kid out of school? Now that was stupid! If he was that good why not get him on a Sports scholarship to the states / bloody good public school here such as Millfield.

 

[CarpeDiem]

When one of the golfing kids missed and 10 ft putt but still had a tap in 2nd putt, his dad would go ape sh*t. How is that constructive? I did like his backgarden though, how much would that cost?

 

[MikeH]

I did like his backgarden though, how much would that cost?

that was awesome wasn't it - my guess is £10K plus for a Huxley/Southwestern style green like that with all the bits and bobs added on

 

[CarpeDiem]

my guess is £10K plus for a Huxley/Southwestern style green like that with all the bits and bobs added on

I best start saving then . Or GM could give one away in a comp.

 

[Twire]

It certainly was an eye opener for me, I didn't think it happened to that extent.

I think they could be setting them up for a fall, I just hope their there to pick up the pieces.