From the turn of the year, the Convention on the Rights of the Child became Swedish law.

This means that decisions about, for example, topping or selection in children's sports must be made based on the best interests of the child - and not the club or the team.

The Swedish Football Association does not recommend selection before the age of 15, based on the Convention on the Rights of the Child, but it is up to each team how they apply the recommendations. 

David Thulin and his club Helsingborg City FC have been criticized because of their methods and because they believe in selection even when it comes to young children.  

- The Football Association tries to protect them from losing.

I feel that it is important from a young age.

The whole life is really a competition, says David Thulin in SVT's "The Meeting". 

Dennis Hörtin, head of children and youth, research and development at AIK, does not agree.  

- Topping can also mean that some players get less playing time and then it becomes a self-fulfilling prophecy that those who do not play do not develop. 

Has received harsh criticism 

When the city of Helsingborg last year became aware that Helsingborg City FC had chosen children as young as 8 years old, they chose to withdraw the club's activity support.

The club has teams for children aged 4 to 13 years.

Now they have received the support again, but it is unclear whether they will receive the next payment.

To receive the grant, the club must, among other things, show that everyone is welcome. 

- We have them under review, there is still a lot of hesitation in the club, says Lennart Lindkuist, coordinator for leisure activities in the city of Helsingborg. 

Takes support from the research 

AIK decided a couple of years ago to postpone selection until the age of 13.

They have also invested in their own research department, to use the research results as a guide in the youth activities.  

- I see that there is a risk of investing in the elite at an early age because there is a risk of psychological "burn outs" later, ie that you drop out earlier, says Dennis Hörtin in "Mötet". 

Do you want to see how the meeting between David Thulin and Dennis Hörtin went?

See the entire Meeting in SVT Play.