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Harris Thompson (1999-2019) It is with deep sadness that former Thackley Juniors player Harris has passed away after a short illness. He was 20 years old. Harris joined our club in September 2011 as an aspiring 11 year old and became an integral part of the Thackley Thunder team coached by Stuart Greaves and later […]
The FA Respect 21 Days of Positivity is back for 2019/20 season Last year we launched 21 Days of Positivity with the aim of sharing positive hints, tips and challenges with youth coaches across the country. Almost 4,000 coaches took part & this year we have even more positive practices to share that will put […]
Read More… from SIGN UP TO BE PART OF 2020’S 21 DAYS OF POSITIVITY
A new report out today has revealed the shocking reality the UK’s grassroots football clubs are facing due to the Covid pandemic – with 10% fearing closure in a matter of months. Former England star David James has teamed up with Smart Pay As You Go (PAYG) energy firm, Utilita, to commission the ‘State of Play’ report, […]
Read More… from New report reveals 10% of Grassroots clubs face fear of closure
At grassroots level thanks to all the help given by wonderful parent volunteers there is the scenario that the parent may end up being responsible and coaching their own child as part of a team. It is a wonderful opportunity for parent and child to bond further, an opportunity for the parent to be actively […]
Read More… from HOW TO MAKE THE MOST OF COACHING YOUR OWN CHILD
Try the FAs’ seven behaviour management tips at your next training session and observe the impact on your players. 1) Get started quickly Get the players on task quickly. By doing so, a coach can identify which players want to focus and which may need additional support as the session develops. 2) Don’t give your […]
Read More… from 7 THINGS YOU CAN DO AT TRAINING TO IMPROVE PLAYER BEHAVIOUR
Les Howie, FA head of grassroots coaching, looks at five key issues for coaches to consider when delivering practices. 1. How do I ensure the players leave my coaching session with a smile on their face? Creating a positive learning environment with specific goals for the players to achieve is crucial. If your team are […]
Mike Skubala, FA futsal elite performance manager and head coach of the England team, outlines five reasons why grassroots coaches should take their players indoors to play futsal this winter. 1) Do you want better players? There is lots of anecdotal evidence about the role futsal has played in the development of many of the world’s […]
Read More… from 5 REASONS WHY YOUNG PLAYERS SHOULD TRY FUTSAL DURING THE WINTER MONTHS
The most interesting aspect to talent spotting are those players that are continually left behind. The forgotten ones are almost always the youngest and smallest in a year group. In England, where age-groups begin in September few players born in the second half of the year from March onwards make it into teams. Those unfortunate […]
Read More… from An alternative approach to talent identification
Over the years I have had the privilege of meeting some fantastic people through coaching here in the UK. I’m not talking solely about coaches, I’m talking about good honest people in and around the game who are players, parents, referees, club officials, supporters and the list goes on. Having been involved with coaching players […]
Read More… from The Expectations Vs The Reality of Grassroots Football
It might seem strange reading about over training in children. Especially in an age where kids are supposedly less active! But it’s a very real possibility. I run a sports injury clinic and have seen a massive rise in the number of children who come in to see me with over use related injuries. Many […]
Read More… from Over training in children – How to Spot the Signs
