Recognising the signs of burnout and overload
Recognising signs of overtraining in young footballers is a key skill for parents. Early identification of these signs can prevent more serious issues such as burnout or injury. Maintaining a balance between training and rest is essential for the healthy athletic development of children.
Physical signs of overtraining
The main physical signs of overtraining include unusual fatigue that persists even after rest, more frequent minor injuries or pain, and a noticeable decline in athletic performance. Parents should watch for changes in their child's sleep patterns, such as difficulty falling asleep or frequent waking during the night.
Other warning signs include more frequent illnesses caused by a weakened immune system, prolonged muscle and joint pain, or sudden changes in appetite. Parents should also observe changes in posture or movement technique, which may signal fatigue or overuse of certain muscle groups.
Mental symptoms of overload
Psychological overload often presents as mood swings, irritability, or increased anxiety before training sessions or matches. The child may lose their usual enthusiasm for football or show signs of stress related to sporting activities. It is important to notice changes in self-confidence and motivation levels.
Parents should be alert to signs of frustration or anger that are out of proportion to the situation, as well as any indications of sadness or apathy. Withdrawal from team activities or a loss of interest in engaging with the coach and teammates are also common signs of mental overload.
Warning signs in behaviour
Changes in everyday behaviour can also indicate overload. This may include avoiding training or making excuses not to participate in sporting activities. A sudden change in attitude towards football, a loss of enjoyment in the game, or reluctance to compete are serious warning signs.
It is also important to observe changes in daily routines, such as a decline in school performance, problems with concentration, or shifts in social relationships. These behavioural changes may suggest that the overall workload exceeds the child’s ability to cope.
Monitoring workload balance
Regularly monitoring the balance between workload and rest is key to preventing overload. Parents can keep a simple activity diary that includes not only football commitments but also schoolwork and other extracurricular activities. This helps identify periods of higher demand and plan rest accordingly.
Seasonal fluctuations in training intensity, school exam periods, and other stressors should also be considered. Regular communication with the coach about training loads and monitoring the child's responses to changes in intensity help maintain a healthy balance.
Solutions to overtraining
When signs of overload are identified, it is important to act promptly and adjust the child's schedule. This may involve temporarily reducing the intensity or frequency of training, adding extra rest days, or adjusting the overall activity plan. Consulting the situation with the coach and, if needed, a sports doctor is advisable.
Addressing overtraining also involves introducing effective recovery strategies such as quality sleep, balanced nutrition, and active rest. Open communication with the child about their feelings is essential, and together you can find ways to adjust their routine to make it sustainable and enjoyable for the long term.