Are 11-year-olds ready for training?

Are 11-year-olds ready for training?
Some feel they are too young for MOE's specialised training, but others disagree
By Terrence Voon


WHEN the Education Ministry's Junior Sports Academies (JSAs) open their doors next month, some of the best Primary 5 student athletes here will be groomed to become future champions.
But not everyone is convinced that 11-year-olds are ready for specialised sports training.

Sports science experts and coaches are unsure whether these children are old enough to take the plunge.

Under a pilot project announced by the Ministry of Education (MOE) last week, about 280 Primary 4 students will be selected from the 2007 cohort to attend the four academies located island-wide.

Six sports will be offered - badminton, netball, swimming, table tennis, track and field, and wushu. Short-listed students will undergo selection trials.

The trials for badminton and wushu have been completed. Trials for the other four sports will be held on Jan 19 at the Singapore Sports School.

At the academies, students will undergo skills and fitness training. The basics for their chosen sport will also be emphasised.

Lessons will be held after school or during weekends.

So why target 11-year-olds?

According to the Ministry, this is the optimum age for children to start specialised sports training.

Citing studies by renowned Canadian coach-educator Dr Istvan Balyi, it said that specialisation before the age of 10 is not recommended because of the likelihood of burn-out and early drop-outs.

Research has also shown that athletes reach elite levels after at least 10 years or 10,000 hours of training, said MOE.

But several former athletes have their doubts. Among them is former national swimmer and now swimming coach Ang Peng Siong, 45.

He said: 'They may still burn out because they start too early.

'In swimming, for example, a lot of coaches would rather swimmers mature, physically and mentally, before putting them through intensive training.'

Volunteer community coach James Lim, 42, also argued that primary school pupils are simply too young.

He said: 'My experience in coaching children from six to 12 years old tells me that our kids are very lacking in motor skills.

'Their movements like running, jumping, kicking throwing and catching are poorly coordinated.'

Allaying such fears, MOE told The Straits Times that the academies would cater to the growth and developmental needs of their young trainees.

An element of fun would also be included in the training regimen.

But, no matter how enjoyable training is, some say it could add to a child's already hectic schedule.

Said Dr Jason Chia, Changi Sports Medicine Centre's associate consultant sports physician: 'Training at such an early age is an additional load on the child.

'It is a form of stress. But as long as there is a balance, then it is do-able.'

Former national sprinter C. Kunalan, who spent most of his childhood running for leisure, recalled that he only started proper training when he was 20.

'The academy must not worry about performance-related results and should focus on developmental results,' said the 65-year-old, who is now an assistant professor at the National Institute of Education's PE and Sports Science department.

'Training and competition should not be emphasised too much.'

Currently, budding athletes are roped in between the ages of 12 and 15, when they are eligible to attend the Singapore Sports School.

However, most people do not reach their physical peak until their 20s, noted Dr Teh Kong Chuan, director of sports medicine at the Singapore Sports Council.

'But every person is different' he added. 'Some start very young, like Tiger Woods.'

The world's top golfer had a golf club in his hands by the time he was two.

China has also produced world champions by getting children as young as six to specialise in a sport.

But even sports prodigies can falter, unless they receive first-class coaching, added Kunalan.

'The academies must be run by well-qualified people who understand long-term athletic development,' said the former Asian Games silver-medallist.

To that end, the Education Ministry is working with national sports associations (NSAs) to scout for suitable candidates with experience in nurturing young athletes.

If the pilot project goes well, MOE plans to set up as many as 16 academies, hosting up to 1,000 top student athletes.

In the meantime, the jury is still out on the latest drive to nurture sports talents here.

Said Singapore Swimming Association vice-president Oon Jin Gee: 'Personally, I think kids may not know what they want at that age.

'We've heard so many views on the issue. At the end of the day, it is just nice to see more focus on youth and sports.'

tvoon@sph.com.sg