The children of our sports heroes often also excel in the same sport. Liam van Nistelrooij, son of former top striker and former PSV trainer Ruud, put his signature this week under a contract with the Eindhoven club. Just like his father, he also has ‘a nose for the goal’. Is that in the genes or upbringing; And if so, is that bad?
Mathieu van der Poel does not have his bicycle talent from a stranger. His father Adrie van der Poel excelled on the road. Kees Akerboom and his son Kees Junior caused a furore in Den Bosch and basketballs in Oranje. Joris Mathijsen and his son Jens knew how to handle the ball and also Pierre van Hooijdonk and his son Sydney were both in the outfit of various professional clubs. Incidentally, the vental
Artist in a football family
It is logical that many children have their parents copied, says professor of Sports Psychology Nico van Yperen. “Parents give whatever they do to their children. Vogelaars often take children to the forest and athletes often go to the field,” says Van Yperen. “Then often more interest arises, children also put in time and get better.”
Simply saying that talent should be in the DNA is therefore too short. “The chance is about fifty percent that certain genes will be passed on, that is also the case with sporting or administrative construction.”
That is also apparent from practice. Jan Mulder, former footballer and commentator, has two sons: Joeri, who followed in his footsteps, and Geret who chose the artist’s life. “Some children are opposed what their parents do, they want to develop their own identity. In a football family you might as well become an artist.”
Football parties
Children of top athletes often have an advantage. This way they get a certain mindset along from their parents. Van Yperen: “You mindsetperseverance and mental power are partly hereditary, partly learned. For example, at a young age, children of top athletes see how discipline works and grow up in an environment where sport is obvious. “If you believe you can improve yourself by working hard, then you have more grip on your own success. Parents who are top athletes themselves often give that way of thinking to their children, according to the professor.
Moreover, a child of, for example, a professional football player comes into contact with the right people earlier. “Dad is often friends with other pros, trainers of scouts and a child builds a bond with it early,” says Van Yperen. “Or they kick a ball with the child at a garden party and give some useful tips. That’s where it starts.” Ultimately, through his network, the parent can bring the child into contact with good trainers or professional football organizations more easily.
Extra tensions
Even then, success is not a guarantee. “These children can also lose weight every year at selection teams,” Van Yperen emphasizes. “Your family may bring you to the right place faster, but in the end every athlete has to reach the top himself.” A well -known last name can therefore put the door ajar, but it is still the child who has to perform.
That last name can also cause extra pressure and stress, which makes the road to the top more difficult. “The name ‘Van Nistelrooij’ on the back also gives mental tension,” says Van Yperen. “Sometimes people say:” Nice and easy, Dad has put him in that position. “And that’s right. He probably also had an advantage,” says the professor firmly. “But he still has to realize it himself. That he now has a contract with PSV is also because he is a good football player. You have to continue to prove yourself.”