archive
First aider, counsellor, lace tier but most of all their friend, Someone they look up to, forever remembered when one day this will end. High fives, clapping and encouragement, Now that’s what we want to see, Not shouting from the sidelines undermining me. […]
Read More… from YOU SEE I’M MUCH MORE THAN A FOOTBALL COACH……
It’s difficult now in 2016 to remember a time when there was no Premier league, kids of today will assume it has always been this way, I can assure you that I for one am unfortunately old enough to remember when the whole league system was united and money was shared. So we look back […]
Read More… from FOOTBALL WAS NEITHER STARTED IN 1992 NOR INVENTED BY THE PREMIER LEAGUE.
There’s no doubt that football academies are harsh environments. The FA’s official website even describes the process of getting released by one as ‘heart-breaking’, which, considering they’re trying to increase participation levels, is hardly encouraging… It’s entirely truthful though and not particularly surprising; when the stakes are so high, the consequences of being rejected become […]
It felt like watching Neville and Carragher discussing a Premier league game……. Yes that’s right. On my travels yesterday I was invited to a training session in Leeds to observe the kids, what I observed were a great bunch of coaches with excellent rapport and a healthy team-coach relationship. […]
Read More… from What I saw was inspirational, I saw happy kids.
“Why can’t you do an indoor sport” I asked. I would hear horrendous stories of smelly shin pads, muddy boots in the car, over the top parents and coaches and freezing cold spectators. “I will go and watch you son” I said but I can’t say I’m looking forward to it. And then it all changed, […]
On Monday, 6 March, Stirlingshire-based grassroots football club Stirling City All Stars was given a star studded surprise as Scottish footballing great Kenny Dalglish MBE volunteered at the club for the day. The former Liverpool FC and Celtic striker and Scotland international took on the various roles of grassroots volunteers to celebrate the launch […]
Read More… from Grassroots club surprised by Scotland legend
Professional footballers retired and current were challenged to see if they could last a day as a grassroots volunteer – with mixed results. Ryan Giggs, Martin Keown, Sir Geoff Hurst and Kyle Walker all took part in the fun, as part of McDonald’s Community Awards for 2017. Disability Captain Jack Rutter and Liverpool Ladies player Casey Stoney were also […]
Read More… from PROS CHALLENGED TO VOLUNTEER AT GRASSROOTS CLUB – SPEND ALL DAY CLEANING THE TOILET!
Is the FA preparing to take the first step towards equipping grassroots referees with body cameras in an attempt to combat abuse towards game officials. With Referees leaving the game in substantial numbers and those remaining complaining of regular verbal and physical abuse. Refcam or Body worn cameras have been discussed for many years as a […]
Read More… from COULD REF-CAM BECOME A REALITY IN GRASSROOTS FOOTBALL??
The FA and its official community partner McDonald’s, are looking for teams and venues to host community football days later this year. Taking place each summer, community football days are a showcase of grassroots youth football in areas around the country and are hosted either by a County FA or an accredited Charter Standard club. […]
Read More… from FA & MCDONALD’S LOOKING FOR COMMUNITY FOOTBALL DAY VENUES
When I started at The FA only five months ago, I said how delighted I was to become Chairman and that I was relishing the challenge. I also said that it was an honour to join The FA at such a pivotal point in the organisation’s recent history. In my first few months in charge […]
