English football is thriving. You wouldn’t believe it with the national team’s performances at Euro 2016, but youth football is increasingly popular. There hasn’t been a better time to get your kids involved in the game and who knows, you may have the next English hero sitting in their bedroom, playing FIFA.
Grassroots football has changed a lot since the mid-1970s. Coaching back then was rudimentary at best; now, with more clubs requiring coaches of all age groups to hold FA badges, standards are rising, as is the copious amount of money being invested into it. It’s a multi-billion pound market, as can be seen by the huge financial outlays made by some of the world’s biggest companies down the years, advertising the latest boot, shirt, drink, or indeed the latest odds for the thriving international football betting market.
Parents are no longer dropping off their children for an hour-long practice match at training. England has a vast number of well-organised clubs where coaches are laying out cones for a series of drills to teach the basics and continually seek to improve players. A generation is learning to love the football rather than just kicking it as hard as they can.
Crucially, the sport is inclusive. At any age, for every ability, there are an increasing number of youth leagues and clubs needing players. The good organisations encourage competition through enjoyment. Kids are taught the basics but crucially, not to be afraid of making mistakes.
Coaches now focus on positive messages and good behaviour. If a pass goes astray, there is a noticeable absence of chastisement; instead you hear instruction on how to get it right next time or praise for trying. It’s a massive change for very young players from the methods employed all those years ago.
The Football Association has worked over a number of years to develop a progressive path through the various age groups to adult football. Small-sided games; pitches which get gradually bigger through the years; no offside until 13 or older. There are a host of innovations introduced every year to make the game better for children, retaining the fun and encouraging development.
The most positive influence on children remains the family. Attitudes toward the matches can vary but are significantly better. The FA ‘Respect’ lines provide a physical barrier to the pitch, beyond which parents should not pass.
Rules also exist for parents to provide vocal support to the kids; positive or nothing. Every child understands winning and losing but to do so without pressure from the touchlines is a liberating experience for the young player.
With age, comes experience and improvement. Relaxation of Premier League rules on professional clubs signing young players means increasing numbers of scouts are watching more football at all levels. It isn’t just the district school matches, league matches on Saturdays and Sundays are also attracting more attention.
And academies aren’t just about signing the best, it’s about the future professionals and those with potential are often invited to ‘development’ squads. With these, players get the best of both worlds: access to professional coaching and clubs but, at this level, they can still play for their local teams with their friends.
Aspirations remain undimmed. We all want our children to be the next England star and there’s never been a better, more encouraging and positive climate for those dreams to be realised.
It’s always a nice thing to encourage the kids in their passion.. That’s why some places now in Africa has now started training their kids in football games and other stuffs like that.. Its really a good path. Thanks for posting.
Totally! Encourage the kids first and then through games and enjoyment you can train them as well. Thanks for the comment.