2023-10-04 02:36:39
Da’vian Kimbrough
Stolen childhood or support? Supertalent (13) stirs up the USA
13-year-old Da’vian Kimbrough became the youngest soccer player in the USA to make his professional debut. There are also critical tones regarding this on social media. An expert classifies.
Published4. October 2023, 04:36
Da’vian Kimbrough (13) makes his debut here.
Instagram,Sacrepublicfc
Da’vian Kimbrough became the youngest US athlete to sign a professional contract in August.
The footballer made his debut with Sacramento Republic on Sunday.
There has recently been a lot of hype surrounding Kimbrough, but it is also viewed critically online.
A sports psychologist explains to 20 Minutes where the dangers might lie.
Goalie Sascha Studer made his debut in the Super League at the age of 15 for FC Aarau, in the USA an even younger teenager, Da’vian Kimbrough, made headlines that triggered a worldwide response. The football hopeful from the second division team Sacramento Republic was substituted on last Sunday in the league game once morest Las Vegas in the 87th minute to thunderous applause.
Kimbrough had no direct role in the two goals in Sacramento’s 2-0 win, but he still made history when he came on as a substitute. At 13 years, seven months and 13 days, he is the youngest player to make his professional football debut in North America.
Youngest sports professional in the USA
The signing of his contract in August caused quite a stir. At that time, he signed his first professional contract at the age of 13 years, five months and 13 days, which meant he was able to play across all sports the youngest professional athlete in the USA is.
Da’vian Kimbrough in his debut.
Da’vian Kimbrough in his debut.
Da’vian Kimbrough in his debut.
13 years young and already a professional.
IMAGO/USA TODAY Network
Da’vian Kimbrough is the new prodigy of US soccer.
Sacramento Republic
His family accompanied him at the official presentation in Sacramento.
IMAGO/USA TODAY Network
At 13, Kimbrough is the youngest U.S. athlete with a professional contract.
Sacramento Republic
Two months ago, the striker played as a Alex Reed player for the New York Red Bulls at a youth tournament in Belgium.
daviank14
The hype in early years also harbors dangers, explains psychologist Cristina Baldasarrre in 20 minutes.
daviank14
At Sacramento, however, they claim to take good care of the development of the talent.
IMAGO/USA TODAY Network
“He is a remarkable talent who is committed to his dream of becoming a top player,” said Sacramento boss Todd Dunivant, full of praise for Kimbrough. After signing the contract, the talent himself thanked his family for “always supporting me.” His father spoke of a dream coming true. And yet not everyone sees the whole thing so euphorically.
Criticism of parents on social media
In the comment columns on social media, many criticize the fact that such a young player is already exposed to the pressure of professional business. “This is exploitation by his parents,” writes one user on X (formerly Twitter), while another says: “Again a stolen childhood.” Someone also writes “this will be the next Freddy Adu” in reference to the former US prodigy who was celebrated early on but then quickly disappeared into obscurity.
The Zurich sports psychologist Cristina Baldasarre confronted the Kimbrough case for 20 minutes in August and asked her to assess the allegations from the Internet. The developmental stages of 13-year-olds range from around three years, says Baldasarre. “Some of them already act like 16-year-olds, others only act like someone who is ten years old.”
“The step is too early”
The case cannot be assessed conclusively from a distance, but in principle it would be difficult for young people to deal with such hype and it would pose many challenges. “He enters the performance area where only performance counts and where his own needs don’t have that much space,” explains the expert. But this is the case in every sport in which children and young people have to perform at the top level from an early age. For example in artistic gymnastics, figure skating or synchronized jumping.
“The child’s development says that this step is too early,” says Baldasarre. However, she adds that the individual case needs to be considered. “It is important that he is closely looked following by specialists so that he has a chance for good development.” In addition, balance is very important in order to cope with the developmental steps of a teenager. “He actually needs people his own age next to him and a normal life away from football. But this might be difficult with such hype,” says the psychologist.
Meanwhile, Kimbrough’s coach assures that the youngster will be given full support at Sacramento. “Our goal is to help him grow as a player and person,” said Republic coach Mark Briggs. The Englishman also emphasizes that no two young players’ paths to the top are the same. Kimbrough’s training plan will be monitored by sports doctors at Republic and the shooting star will also have to continue to go to school.
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