What is most heartbreaking about these sort of situations is when the parents watch their child scoring goals for fun at a local junior level, and then don't want to listen, and feel insulted, when a youth coach points out their limitations or say that they do not think they are likely to be good enough to make a living from football.
As Mark says, only a tiny fraction of kids make it, and that often depends on attitude, perseverance and/or how big they grow, rather than just the natural talent that they show as small children.
There is even a section of that tiny fraction that then proceed to throw it all away.
It always reminds me of the parents that think their progeny are going to end up being entertainers, celebrities or even stars.
Much better to keep feet on the ground and go with confidence but no high expectations. Hopefully, the lad and Phil's daughter and partner feel that way.
