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10 Top Tips for Winter training from the FA

Over the coming months, many coaches will brave winter conditions to deliver coaching sessions to young players. Here, FA regional coach development manager, Martin Dighton, provides ten top tips to help fully engage with players when working outdoors. 1) Young children are not mini-versions of adults As much as they will be adults one day, […]

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Goalkeeping – Shot stopping/Reactions

Goalkeepers have to shoot at the other goalkeeper’s goals to score. Goalkeepers can’t score in the goals either side of them. Players can either roll, throw or kick the ball (coach can limit to one to make it easier or harder). Progressions: – Elimination (if scored on, that player goes down on one knee, then […]

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FA UPDATED HEADING GUIDANCE ANNOUNCED FOR YOUTH TRAINING SESSIONS

We have today announced updated heading guidance for all age groups between under-six and under-18, in association with the Irish and Scottish FAs. The updated heading guidance, which will be introduced immediately, will provide grassroots clubs, coaches and players with the recommended heading guidance for training sessions only. The guidance does not make any changes to the way […]

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The FA Guide to Improving Matchday for Children

We can all help children enjoy football more by creating the right environment. That is why The FA has produced an easy-to-follow guide to help improve the matchday experience for younger players. From introducing codes of conduct to simply providing refreshments, the guide offers plenty of tips to help every volunteer, coach or manager of […]

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All hell breaks out at kids party, Are you taking the kids football to seriously?

Wow, where do I start with this one. I’ve had a bunch of kids together since they were 4 years old. I’m just a dad of one of the kids who stepped forward when no one else would. The Diary of a Grassroots Coach….. I said from the start that all kids would get the […]

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The problem with academies…..

Many thanks to Dan Yeo for this piece on football academies in England. 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 […]

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I’m old enough to know I’m not good enough to play, maybe it’s time for me to walk away.

I sit on the sidelines waiting my turn. I can’t wait to get on and have energy to burn. I tried my best in training. I tried my best at school. I’ve behaved well for Mam and dad and always for coach. I ask coach if I can play and he says the game is […]

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