DUAL DREAM
WHY ONLY ONE DREAM?
Many academy footballers appear to be on track for a professional football, however very few of these players actually go on to have a sustained professional career, and even those who do will spend over two-thirds of their working life in a non-playing career. Just how well prepared are young players in South Africa for these realities?
Having information, statistics and real life case studies can empower players, as well as parents, coaches and academies to consider a shift away from a belief that having a sole focus on professional football is the only way.
A ‘dual-dream’ approach encourages young players to pursue football to the highest level they can, whilst also crucially developing and pursuing other dreams in life too. Academic focus, character development, scholarship opportunities and alternative career planning can ensure that academies and coaches are helping nurture and develop young people with a clear purpose in life regardless of their progress on the field.
PRODUCTS & SERVICES
DUAL DREAM
Book
Less than 1% of academy players who graduate at U18 will be playing in the PSL or Europes top leagues within four years. Even players who have a sustained pro football career will spend over two-thirds of their working lives in non-professional careers. 'Dual Dream' looks into various statistics and case studies related to academy development, giving 18 reality checks for players, parents, coaches and academies.
Throughout the book, a message of hope is interwoven into these tough realities, inspiring players to strive to reach their potential on the field, whilst planning and preparing for a life that incorporates other dreams too, regardless of the level attained in football.
"Insert a quote"
DUAL DREAM
Guest Speaker
Founder and author of Dual Dream, Dave Waters provides a passionate and relevant message to various football audiences.
Clubs, Academies, Local Football Associations, as well as other sporting codes can receive a bi-spoke message to challenge, encourage and inspire audiences to consider an alternative approach to sport and life.
"Insert a quote from stellenbosch FC" Stellenbosch FC
DUAL DREAM
Curriculum
The Dual Dream Curriculum has been designed to provoke critical thinking, whilst seeking to igniting a creative exploration of each individuals wider potential. The material is contextualised and delivered in a way that connects with the intended audience. From U10 through to PSL, the material is able to connect with players who share the same dream.
"The Dual Dream concept has had a significant impact on our organisation. The weekly 'Dual Dream' curriculum has given the players a regular opportunity to think deeply and critically about their future academic and career paths" Sarah Prince, Ubuntu Football Head of Character Formation
DUAL DREAM
Podcast
The Dual Dream Podcast series interviews a variety of local and international guests who give their insights on what they believe a 'Dual Dream' life looks like.
DUAL DREAM
Articles
Read key articles that shed light on the issues often unspoken about in the world of academy football. Whilst providing some tough reading in places, the message of hope underpins each article.
VIDEO
Special Report: The lost boys of football
In Premier League academies there are around 3,500 boys - but of those entering academies at the age of nine, fewer than 0.5% will ever make a living from the game. So what happens to those who don’t make it? And does football adequately prepare them for life and alternative careers?
A UK Case Study...a global problem
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Dave Waters
Dave is founder and author of Dual Dream. He has a passion for seeing young footballers go on to fulfil their full potential on and off the field.
He has 20 years football coaching experience around the world, holding a UEFA B coaching licence. He has focused on elite development in Cape Town since 2011 with ASD Cape Town and Ubuntu Football since 2015, specialising in the earlier formation years.
Dave is also a passionate public speaker, coach educator and workshop instructor. He thrives on engaging and interacting with a variety of audiences and contexts,
