Danie Gerber's ability to swerve, dummy, kick and read the gaps of the field without doubt developed at a very early age. His ball skills and anticipation of catching developed as a cricket player as well.
Butch James also played soccer at Junior school. Butch's dad Michael was a goal keeper for Maritzburg United...a completive side in the NFL Soccer League in the sixties/seventies. Michael James went to a rugby school, Maritzburg College, where rugby was a religion. Michael was ostracised severely at College for that. Ironically but it's true...little did he know the future that his son would play rugby and indeed hit the highest level and perform in a team that would win a world cup.
Juan Martin Hernandez often referred to by Argentine fans as "El Mago" played football indeed , his uncle represented Argentina in the 1982 Fifa WC.
James Small was another one. The list could be endless if one went deeper into the matter.
I'm sure Hugo Porta played football and Sanchez and many others.
Most of the French and Italian rugby player s no doubt did...I'm willing to bet you Christophe did.
Conclusion : It might well explain why exceptional skills are developed at early age by sports of these natures.
Food for Thought, Ne !
