{"id":1914,"date":"2024-04-09T05:28:48","date_gmt":"2024-04-09T05:28:48","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/internationalpulse.net\/?p=1914"},"modified":"2024-04-09T05:28:48","modified_gmt":"2024-04-09T05:28:48","slug":"your-kid-doesnt-need-to-be-the-next-messi-or-chloe-kelly","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/internationalpulse.net\/?p=1914","title":{"rendered":"\u2018Your kid doesn\u2019t need to be the next Messi or Chloe Kelly\u2019"},"content":{"rendered":"

<\/p>\n

\n
\n
\n

\"TEDDINGTON,\n<\/div>

Demi Stokes never felt pressured to become a footballer (Picture: Alex Pantling\/Getty Images)<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

The image of a helicopter parent, standing at the sidelines shouting at the pitch, has long since been an unwelcome stereotype associated with children who play sport.<\/p>\n

In some leagues, mums and dads have been issued with a code of conduct to adhere to, in order to avoid unpleasant arguments or physical fights.<\/p>\n

However, Manchester City star Demi Stokes is more than ready for that narrative to change.<\/p>\n

Growing up, she witnessed dads at the sidelines who yelled \u2018Kick her! Break her legs!\u2019 to her opponents. Demi\u2019s first team \u2013 called Sunderland 24-7 \u2013 was an all-girls team who boldly played in a boys\u2019 league.<\/p>\n

\u2018Some parents get so caught up in thinking \u201cthey\u2019re not this, they\u2019re not doing that.\u201d I just think \u201cwhy does it matter?\u201d,\u2019 Demi, 32, tells Metro.<\/p>\n

\u2018As long as your son or daughter is happy playing sport and becoming more confident in who they are, that\u2019s what\u2019s important.\u00a0<\/p>\n

\n
\n

\"MANCHESTER,\n<\/div>

Demi played in an all-girls team in an all-boys league groling up (Picture: Joe Prior\/Visionhaus via Getty Images)<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

\u2018It\u2019s the bigger picture and can be a tough world for kids. Sport is about creating a safe space where they can be free and express themselves. That\u2019s much more important than worrying if they\u2019re going to be the next Messi or the next Chloe Kelly. <\/p>\n

\u2018Taking the pressure away can allow kids to feel more free.\u2019<\/p>\n

Born in Birmingham before moving to South Shields, Demi always dreamed of playing football and had a giant poster of David Beckham above her bed.<\/p>\n

It was her former PE teacher Ian Williamson, who taught the former Sunderland full-back from the age of 10 at Marine Park Primary School, and urged her to trial for Sunderland\u2019s youth team.<\/p>\n

Demi credits him, as well as her mum and nan, with giving her the confidence to brush off laughter from any boys who scoffed at the fact she played football.<\/p>\n

\n

\n\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/i>
\n\t\t\t\tMetro’s signing with Women’s Football Awards\t\t\t<\/h2>\n
\n

Demi\u2019s Manchester City side are among the clubs in the running at this year\u2019s 2024 Women\u2019s Football Awards.<\/p>\n

They celebrate the players, people, brands and organisations who are helping to grow the sport \u2013 from\u00a0World Cup\u00a0heroes to broadcasters to those working at grassroots level.<\/p>\n

Launched in 2023, in association with Daily Mail Sport and Metro, the Women\u2019s Football Awards are the biggest awards event in women\u2019s football.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

\u2018Ian was brilliant,\u2019 she remembers. \u2018It was the encouragement of the people I had around me that kept me going. They supported me, but equally didn\u2019t put too much pressure on me. <\/p>\n

\u2018It was like \u201cwe\u2019ll let her figure it out, let her blossom and become whoever she wants to be.\u2019<\/p>\n