Why were youth international sporting tournaments created?
This is a question that you would assume would have a very simple answer, but depending who you ask you will receive differing answers.
One answer is that these were a chance to promote global citizenship. The idea being that International youth tournaments would bring together young athletes from different countries, and that this would educate and encourage friendship, and social inclusion.
Another explanation is that such competitions provided an opportunity for talented young athletes to compete against a wider variety of international talent, which in turn would help them develop their skills and prepare them for a possible future in their senior national teams and competitions.
In fact linked to this idea was one that it was a chance for developing nations to compete on a more even level than they do at senior international level. There is some truth in this.
If one looks at the FIFA U20 Youth World Cup, which was created in 1977, while the likes of Argentina and Brazil are still dominant with six and five victories respectively, of the remaining 13 tournaments the only countries to have won who have also won at senior level are Germany, France, Spain, England and Uruguay. While Portugal, Serbia, Ghana, the Soviet Union, Morocco and Ukraine have also been victorious.
In 1991 FIFA Introduced the U17 World Cup. Only England, France Germany and Brazil have won at this age group and senior level. While Nigeria, Ghana, Mexico the Soviet Union, Saudi Arabia and Switzerland have all won at U17 level.
Of course the cynics will tell you that these Youth tournaments are simply another revenue stream; especially those below the U19 or U21 level.
Certainly they offer sponsorship opportunities, as FIFA realised. In 1977, Coca-Cola first came onboard as a sponsor of a tournament for 16 to 19-year-olds, the FIFA World Youth Championship which is now the FIFA U-20 World Cup. They have remained a strong supporter of Youth football.
Before “sportswashing” was even a word there were many who felt that this sponsorship was inappropriate. There were certainly some who argued that by partnering with sports like youth football, Coca-Cola was linking its unhealthy sugary drinks with the values of athleticism. In the 1990’s the voices questioning their involvement became louder as concerns grew, because children are particularly susceptible to this marketing, and it had the potential of increasing their consumption of sugar-sweetened beverages.
The criticism has not been limited to Coca-Cola. The concern has been about the influence of “Big Soda” companies involvement in sports, at both the elite and local levels, especially in the USA. So much so that in some countries they have launched campaigns, such as “Kick Big Soda Out of Sport!,” but it would appear the horse has bolted.
Sports fans would no doubt hope that in the sport that they follow closely the reasons for International Youth competitions is solely to prepare future internationals for the step up. To also learn who has the ability to play at that next level.
Whether we like it or not some players simply find the next step too big in terms of their ability and adapting to things such as the pace of the game and standard of the players around them.
If one looks at Cricket, which has only an U19 International World Cup, this tournament has a great deal of importance to those playing as it is seen as a predictor for the players of the future. The same is true in Rugby Union where it is an U20 World Cup. In both of these sports those selected are nearly always already linked to professional sides, and this is a part of further development.
For many this will be the highest level that they will ever play. Which is still something to be proud of, as you are after all part of a small group and representing your nation. That is why it is vital that the integrity of these tournaments are protected. That is why there is no need for such tournaments in lower age groups. Statistics have shown that fewer players will ever progress to the highest level the lower down the ages you go. Only a select few will go on from U19 or U21 as it is, so is there really a need to have International team events in lower age groups?
If your sport is thinking of doing this ask them the reasons why, as you may find that the cynics have a point. It is either a revenue stream or someone trying to justify their position within the high performance unit.
If we look at Football at the Olympic Games, an event that for many years was said to be one of the main revenue earners for the IOC; it has been a part of every Olympic Games apart from 1896; when Pierre de Coubertin did not want team sports. There also never used to be any age restrictions, however players did have to be amateurs, not paid to play.
Today the men’s football competition Is structured in such a way as to avoid competition with the FIFA World Cup. FIFA have restricted participation of elite players in the men’s tournament. Squads for the men’s tournament are required to be composed of players under 23 years of age, with three permitted exceptions.
Women’s football was introduced to the Olympic Games in 1996. However, this event is a full senior-level international tournament, second in prestige to the FIFA Women’s World Cup.
Why the difference in rules in an age of where the focus is on equality?
Why the three over-age players for the men? This rule was introduced in 1996. Prior to that in 1992 it was simply under 23 teams. Following the Barcelona Olympic Games where Spain claimed the gold medal, it was seen that the crowd numbers were very low, except when the host nation was playing. The theory was that the introduction of these senior players would be names that would pull in spectators.
Many feel that football – the men’s event – no longer has relevance at the Olympic Games. Others question the three overage players rule.
In other sports should there also be a rule in relation to players with senior international experience playing in an under 21 event?
If the system is working these under 21 players should be breaking into the senior side. Although most will have a handful of caps depending on what age they made their full international debut.
Of course there will be senior players in these squads who come down and can have a positive impact on a team with their leadership and their experience. Equally there can be those who become frustrated back playing at such a level having played at a higher standard. This can ultimately be disruptive to the team and the developing players. It can be a fine balance to get this right without disruptiung the team and the development of those in that team.
Should there be a rule that if a player has played 10 or 20 games for the national senior team they can no longer be selected for an under age team? Obviously in some sports international matches are more frequent that others, so the number of games will differ from sport to sport.
Some will argue that if they are eligible age-wise then no one should stop them playing at this level. That they will be a drawcard.
Which raises the question is the team more interested in the bums on seats that they will attract which in turn generates money? Or are these teams really about development? Remembering that those with only a few senior caps are not the issue, but those who hold a regular place in the senior national side. If development really is the goal then the player in question has proven their ability and that is why they are playing regularly for the senior national team at such a young age. So would another player not benefit from that opportunity? That in turn would increase the talent pool of players pushing for senior selection.
Ultimately as fans we can learn a great deal about the sports we follow by the youth tournaments, and whether they are genuinely about developing the next generation, or whether they are simply another way to try and raise revenue. Which is more important for the long term future of those sports? That being the case should the integrity of these competitions be protected and places be limited?
