Using Competition as a Tool for Development:
with Kris Van Der Haegen
In a compelling episode of the ICK Podcast, Dr. Gary Hodgson sits down with Kris Van Der Haegen of the Royal Belgian Football Association to explore how competition can be used as a powerful developmental tool in youth sport. Far from being a win-at-all-costs affair, Van Der Haegen advocates for a reimagined approach to competition—one that nurtures growth, learning, and long-term engagement.
Rethinking Competition in Youth Sport
Van Der Haegen begins by challenging traditional views of competition, which often focus solely on winning and rankings. He argues that this narrow perspective can lead to early dropout, anxiety, and a lack of enjoyment among young athletes. Instead, he proposes a developmental model where competition is framed as an opportunity to learn, improve, and collaborate.
This philosophy aligns with the concept of True Competition, where opponents are seen not as enemies but as partners in growth. The goal is not to defeat others, but to strive together to bring out the best in each other.
Age-Appropriate Formats Matter
One of the standout points in the conversation is the importance of designing competition formats that are appropriate for the age and stage of development of the participants. Van Der Haegen shares examples from Belgium, where young children engage in small-sided games (e.g., 2v2 or 3v3) that emphasize fun, inclusion, and skill development over results.
These formats allow every child to be actively involved, make decisions, and experience success—key ingredients for building confidence and motivation.
Coaching with Purpose
Van Der Haegen also emphasizes the role of the coach in shaping the competitive environment. Coaches must be intentional about how they present competition to children and parents. This includes:
Prioritizing development over winning
Ensuring equal playing time
Encouraging effort and teamwork
Modeling respectful behaviour toward referees and opponents
By doing so, coaches help create a climate where competition becomes a positive, enriching experience rather than a source of pressure.
Final Thoughts
Kris Van Der Haegen’s insights offer a refreshing and practical roadmap for using competition to support—not hinder—youth development. When framed correctly, competition can teach resilience, cooperation, and a love for the game that lasts a lifetime.
Want to discover more of his work? You can follow Kris on Twitter
Contributor:
Kris Van Der Haegen
Kris is a former high school language teacher (22 years) who made a career switch 13 years ago by joining the football association. In his new job, he combined his 2 big passions: education and football. As Director of Coach Education he has an impact in Belgian football: his mission is to create the best possible training and learning environment for coaches and players. As a UEFA Jira panel member, he is responsible for quality control all over Europe to protect the quality of coaching in the future. As a founding member of ICOACHKIDS, he contributes to help all the coaches all over the world to become the best possible Children's coaches.
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