The Future of Children’s Football

The last
fifteen months have seen many events of discussion and dialogue at coaching
meetings, League and County FA meetings and most importantly, with children, to
culminate in the following proposals. The complete Youth Development Review and
the 25 recommendations that have been put forward focus on three areas (whole
game player development, coaching and international team development) but this
consultation process will focus on the key matters around whole game young
player development and three vital areas of improvement.

The
recommendations have been made on one determining factor; if this is better for
the child that plays the game then it has to be considered. Many adult values
are very different from children’s views and values and it is the latter that
should drive our young player development system, not the former. It is wholly
recognised that the financial situation of the country means The Football
Association have to be realistic about what we are proposing, yet it also needs
to be aspirational. If there are hurdles and challenges to be overcome then the
football family needs to work together to achieve these, ensuring that we
create the best possible opportunity and environment for young people to play,
enjoy and learn the game of football.

These
‘Your Kids, Your Say’ events, with 16 taking place around the country, will be
the opportunity for grassroots volunteers to come and hear the proposals being
put forward and then discuss in-depth the implications of these. There will be
the opportunity to ask questions of key Football Association staff on the night
and seek help and advice on overcoming some local challenges you may have.

Children’s
football in England needs to be based on common sense, be exciting and innovative
and be world-leading. We have a fantastic opportunity to be at the forefront of
change and whilst not forgetting the excellent work that the army of volunteers
and parents do for children across the country, ensure that we all pull
together in the same direction.

This is
the time to have your positive input to try and develop the game, taking it
into a new era and moving it forward for young people, as their lives move
forward at an unprecedented pace not experienced before. This is the time to evolve
and embrace development and discuss some of the matters being raised.

Some
questions to consider before the night:

What
should youth football look like in five years time?
What game will the child born this week want to play in ten years time?

Key
discussion matters on the night:

Formats
of the game
Child-centred approaches to competition
Addressing relative age effect
Developments to Mini Soccer

To book
onto an event, please email yourkidsyoursay@thefa.com
 with the name and date of the event you would like to attend, plus your
name, position and club, league or organisation. The events open from 6pm with
a buffet and a 7pm start to the evening’s formal proceedings.

If you
cannot make one of the Roadshow events please feel free to send in your
thoughts to the same email address, these emails will be read by FA staff. We
cannot guarantee replying to all of these but please be assured they will be
discussed.

Best
wishes,

Nick Levett
National Development Manager (Youth and Mini-Soccer)
The Football Association

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