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General discussion

14 y/o professional soccer player

Nov 19, 2003 7:56AM PST

Discussion is locked

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Re:14 y/o professional soccer player
Nov 19, 2003 8:23AM PST

I saw the boy interviewed and he expressed the fact that this would make a better life for his family. He seemed very mature. But I wonder if we hurt these young athletes by over stressing their unyet developed bone and muscle structures. Maybe you coul elaborate on that Dr. Bill?

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Health effects are guesses at best ...
Nov 19, 2003 8:42AM PST

There are still portions of a 14 y/o skeleton that are actively growing, so his risk of fracture of some bones is higher than an adult's risk.

I'd be more worried about psychological issues. I'm not at all sure that it is healthy for a 14 y/o to have that kind of income, especially when he is from a poor background. Too many people will look at him as an 'easy mark' and if he doesn't get good advice from some honest adults he'll end up being used in a variety of ways.

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bah it's only soccer, besides
Nov 19, 2003 10:02PM PST

He'll play here for 6 years and then get the really big $$$,$$$,$$$ playing in Europe when he turns 20.

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About the money ...
Nov 20, 2003 12:36AM PST

... he wouldn't be the first young person to make a lot.

I saw him on Fox and Friends this morning. Seems very mature, and if I were to meet this kid on the street I would probably guess his age a bit older -- 17-18 perhaps. He also mentioned he is a senior in high school and will be graduating in March. That and his articulate speech lead me to believe he at least has a fighting chance of surrounding himself with honest adults where matters financial are concerned.

Evie Happy

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Re: 14 y/o professional soccer player
Nov 20, 2003 11:50AM PST

Hi, Mary Kay.

I believe I've seen reports that "heading" the ball is particularly dangerous below college age, though it can be injurious over time to adults -- a slower method than boxing of becomeing "ounch-drunk" through sports.
-- Dave K.
Speakeasy Moderator
click here to email semods4@yahoo.com

The opinions expressed above are my own,
and do not necessarily reflect those of CNET!

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Re:14 y/o professional soccer player
Nov 20, 2003 5:35AM PST

"Doesn't DC have child labor laws?"

I see no difference with this and 12, 13 or 14 year old actors. Children have been doing weekly TV series almost since it's invention.

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And 14 is nothing new for professional sports either
Nov 20, 2003 5:48AM PST

I think tennis, gymnastics and skating are examples.

Evie Happy

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It's a bit unusual in contact sports ...
Nov 20, 2003 8:11AM PST

Adolescents involved in contact sports with adults are at some increased risk of injury since skeletal development is not yet complete. Also, for the same reason, adolescents should not be involved in some forms of weight training.

I thought about the comparison to child actors after I posted, but I have to admit that I'm not enthusiastic about child actors either.

I guess parents should have the right to make the final call on this sort of stuff, but embarking on any kind of professional career at too young an age can create all kinds of educational and personal issues.

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It's not unusual in soccer, Bill
Nov 20, 2003 8:25AM PST

British superstar David Beckham signed his first pro contract on his 13th birthday. Former Brazilian great Pele signed at age 13, and present Brazilian star Rolando at 14. FIFA, the international body that governs soccer, has decreed that a player younger than 17 may only sign to play in a country in which he or she has citizenship, so young Mr. Abu could only sign in the U.S. or in his birthplace of Ghana.