Channel 4's TROPHY KIDS

Did anyone see this programme last night? 26

We see many talented youngsters fall by the wayside when they suddenly get other interests, in all sports.

I didn't put plan to watch it on playback

I agree with the father who constantly was telling his boy how much he'd have money wise when he got older!

He had a picture of a sports car on his wall, a model of a yacht, etc.

The problem was that this boy hadn't played in any competitions of note yet!

Then the other boy who was a golfer had his entire back garden set up as a practice area, fantastic, but a little bit over the top I think!   At least this boy had been a winner in the under 9's world championship (I think it was the under 9s)

His dad acted as his caddie and if the boy missed a ten foot putt (which is easy enough to do) his dad went mental!  It can't be good for the child to be put under this much pressure.

Russ

John P is right if they don't want to do it for themselves then when they get old enough they'll jack it in.

We have a good bunch of juniors at our club who play up to 72 holes in the holidays & we often see them practicing in the dark. It's no surpsirse that the highest handicap out the lot of them is 10!! These are kids who enjoy the game & hassle their parent to take them down to the course.

what was the name of this programme ?

Dave,

the clues in the title

John, you were the last I thought would fall for that dive.............

The lads dad looked like it meant more to him than it did to his son. Hes obviously spent thousands jetting him around the world and converting his garden into a practise area. I hope my daughter develops an interest in golf but i would never react to a bad shot like that guy did. golfs a fun game but not when your dad has a go when you miss the fairway. I thought the older lad from up north had it easier with his dad taking more of a back seat, however in my opinion i do think it is all about the money with him.

I watched the programme and thought the behaviour of the Father of the lad who went to the states was dreadful, effing at blinding at his son for missing 10 foot putts missing fairways etc. At the end though he did admit he hated his own attitude towards his son when they were out on the course and that he needed to be a more of a father to him.

The Father from Leeds is stealing his son's childood from him. He's being educated from home by parents who clearly aren't educated themselves and not letting him play outside or having any friends is, in a way, abuse. I loved his comment about owning the 5 or so Ferraris, 'they'd hammer you on your insurance though son'!

When I was growing up I wanted to be a pro footballer, my father came to see me play once, just once and thats when I played for a German club, I had apprenticeships offered to me by Leicester City and Bimingham City, I was turned down by other bigger clubs.  My father never shared the same enthusiasm and never believed I could make it. I'd never blame him for my failure though. I honestly think now that I was just not good enough, I had a great childhood with no regrets and have a great relationship with my Dad

 I reckon it was tantamount to child abuse. I cannot beleive that those fathers, especially the non Leeds golfing dad, did not think that what they were putting their kids through was wrong. The mothers were just as bad for letting it happenin tho' one mother left as a result... another problem for the lad.

Not condoning the parents motives but without their input we would not be enjoying the likes of Tiger,Mickleson ,Lewis Hamilton ,Calzage and numerous other golf ,tennis and football stars.   I was glad to see the father of the one lad come to his senses and realised he needs to take a step back and be a Dad.

Dave,

Jumped right in with my size 10's!!!

When I was growing up I wanted to be a pro footballer, my father came to see me play once, just once and thats when I played for a German club, I had apprenticeships offered to me by Leicester City and Bimingham City, I was turned down by other bigger clubs.  My father never shared the same enthusiasm and never believed I could make it. I'd never blame him for my failure though. I honestly think now that I was just not good enough, I had a great childhood with no regrets and have a great relationship with my Dad

Hi Paul,

That reminds me when I was at school. I was lucky to be part of a school team that was the best in Leeds for a few years. I was watched by Hull City but injured my knee before I could sign. One of our team (John Peacock) was admired by everyone and we all believed that he would sign for Leeds or another big team. He eventually signed for Scunthorpe United in 1973 and stayed there for a number of years. I asked him why Scunthorpe when I saw him many years later. He said his Dad had told him that it was easier to make it in the lower leagues and go upwards rather than fail in the top league because as a youngster, no one would be interested in one going down. He admitted it was the only time his dad had offered advice but he was perfectly right.

 David Ley, I can't agree that forcing anyone, let alone your own flesh and blood, to do something is correct or moral at any level, and to persist beyond the childs level of ability is further damaging and the damage to those kids was clear to see. The tragic thing about it is that those parents will/ may only realise this years down the line when it's too late and they'll end up carrying the guilt. If a kid wants to do something he'll do it. A father should be there to support and that's the end of story.

Over the years I have had to say to kids that they should be realistic in their Goals. Too often do you see a kid who thinks he is a lot better than he is because their parents tell them they are so good. And of course the opposite with some parents.

Trouble is we are talking about  a programme of four extremely talented kids who buy their own admission really want to be the best in the world and have achieved so much already.The other thing is I'm not naive enough to fall for the cynical editing of these type of programmes I watched it again last night and I couldn't detect any forcing they all seemed willing and loving it . They had camera's with them for months and that's what they decided to show as much negativity as they could .I think one of the biggest failings of the parents was to allow the camera's to be there . I'm afraid only time will tell if they have done right or wrong .

I think you will find most kids don't play in the street's anymore, mine don't.

As for Tiger he was very lucky with his parents but as documented it was his mum he feared most,but even he was paraded on national TV at the age of three. 

Most kids that are attached to golf clubs grow up to be well rounded individuals  remember "It's a boys game that breeds men."

I would rather  my children grow up in that enviouroment  than some others.

There are reasons why Moe was like he was and with out them reasons he would not have been the legend he was.

I can relate to golf 24/7 that's me and I'm still Pony..........no skill at all!