My Footy: Hi JJ, thank you for taking the time to speak with me today. Can you tell us a bit about your experience with pro academies?

Jhon: Sure, I have followed football closely for many years and while I don't have personal experience with pro academies as a player or as a coach, I have worked with Pro academy coaches and have performed football analytics on some young Pro academy players, I have seen the difference between the grassroots setup and the pro academies and the difference is huge.

My Footy: What have you observed to be the main differences between working with players from Pro Academies and those from grassroots programs?

Jhon: One of the most noticeable differences is the higher level of pressure experienced by players in academies when they reach certain age, however, Pro academy players tend to have access to better facilities, including physiotherapists and analytics platforms, as well as receiving excellent coaching. In matches, players are encouraged to express themselves without the fear of making mistakes, and coaches focus on how they respond to mistakes, rather than dwelling on them. Unfortunately, this is not always the case in grassroots football, where a "win at all cost" mentality can be emphasized by coaches and parents on the sidelines, adding unnecessary pressure on young players. In academy games, coaches tend to communicate with players through talking and giving instructions, rather than shouting from the sidelines.

My Footy: Why do you think young kids and parents should not be worried about pro academies?

Jhon: Pro academies are often seen as the only way for young players to make it in professional football, but this is not entirely true. Many successful professional players have come from grassroots football setups. Additionally, the pressure and expectations placed on young players in pro academies can sometimes be overwhelming and lead to burnout. It's important for young players to enjoy playing football and not feel too much pressure too soon.