Why Norway Beats Us Hollow At Sport | Letters

Cath Bishop and Norway are correct (Norway’s all-conquering Winter Olympians person a connection for america each – and it’s not what you think, 26 February) – excessively overmuch title kills nan joyousness of athletics and risks putting children disconnected beingness activity for life. Ten years ago, I attended a bully Football Association safeguarding people for caller coaches of children’s football. I learned how, successful Norway, improvement is prioritised complete winning: erstwhile a squad is up by 2 goals, they suffer a player. This thought was introduced successful a chat connected affectional abuse, and I quickly learned why it is needed here.

After a twelvemonth of watching coaches contradict playing clip to weaker players, parents screaming astatine children to triumph nan game, and children successful tears, I stopped coaching my section under-nines team. Judging by rising levels of obesity and different wellness conditions attendant connected declining beingness activity, I uncertainty overmuch has changed successful our attack to encouraging children to get active.
Michael Frearson
Cambridge

Norway’s indoor sports nine building encourages juniors to beryllium members and play games specified arsenic basketball, volleyball and handball. Here successful nan UK, a nine is simply regarded arsenic a root of income to nan leisure trusts that power nan facilities, and often nan halls’ creation and instrumentality are not suited to connection a batch of mini courts for children to play.

Sprung woody floors aliases Taraflex are not ever installed, pinch lino connected actual aliases tiles being a cheaper option. Such floors are not suited to young joints and increasing bones.

The costs of hallway entree astatine weekends tin double, truthful it is difficult to book optimum times for consecutive property groups and find suitable unpaid coaches.
Nick Moody
Tingewick, Buckinghamshire