We asked why the craze towards poaching the best players from the area to create an elite team, who does this benefit? Is it best for the kids? Is it to feed a coaches ego to win everything?

I recall a conversation 2 years ago between 2 under 7 coaches at the end of season presentation. Whilst discussing plans for their respective under 8 season one coach said he was to advertise in local papers and social media for trials as he had a few “weak links” he wanted to bring in players who were better.

The second coach challenged this and said he thought it was wrong to have a team at this age for so long and then have trials to ultimately have them replaced.

He said a coaches job is to coach, develop and nurture his players, and not to cast aside kids he has and poach other teams kids for a better team. This he argued was not coaching.

Both coaches continued the debate for a while but could not agree.

Ultimately the trials happened and about 60% of the team changed, again he did this from U8s to U9s and was in his eyes extremely successful winning leagues/tournaments and cups.

At U10s things began to change, knowing that their own children’s positions on the team were constantly at threat, parents began turning their back on the trophies and uncertainty and instead turned towards consistency and certainty, the penny had dropped.

This wasn’t a sustainable or happy team, it was filled with stressed children worried about there place.

No child should have to have this worry, what had started off as something for the kids had turned into an ego trip for the coach.

The good news is that poachers are uncommon. Over time, clubs and parents figure things out as the poacher’s methods wear thin.

The short-term benefit of a league or Cup is overcome by the poacher’s reputation and remember, if your playing for a poacher’s team your very place on the team is under threat at all times.

If your child has a coach, and not a poach, take a moment to thank him or her for doing things the right way because ultimately something much more than football is at stake and a coach knows this, your child’s happiness and wellbeing.

And in the end, the U-7s premier or U-10s holiday park tournament won’t be nearly as important as the good character your coach displayed each day for your son or daughter.

At this level, football should be about development, enjoyment and learning, not about running up the score. In fact, extremely one-sided matches rarely help anyone—winners or losers.

So, let’s dig deeper into the impact of these scorelines, look at the issue from different perspectives, and explore ways coaches can help keep the game competitive and positive.

Why Heavy Defeats Hurt Everyone

In grassroots football, the purpose of the game isn’t to prove who’s stronger—it’s to help young players fall in love with football, improve their skills, and learn teamwork. A 13-0 win may feel good in the moment, but it often teaches the wrong lessons:

• For the winning team: players may learn that success comes too easily. They aren’t being stretched, and they may develop bad habits such as showboating instead of focusing on teamwork.

• For the losing team: players can feel embarrassed, demotivated, and even question whether they want to come back next week. Some children walk away from football altogether after heavy defeats.

• For coaches and parents: the scoreline can become the focus, overshadowing what really matters—long-term player development.

In short, nobody truly wins. That’s why competitive balance is essential in youth football.

Different Perspectives on One-Sided Games

The Player’s View

Young players, especially in junior football, crave two things: fun and improvement. For the winning team, fun might come from scoring freely at first—but it quickly becomes hollow when there’s no real challenge. For the losing team, the fun disappears entirely, leaving only frustration or embarrassment.

The Coach’s View

Coaches face a balancing act. On one hand, they want their team to perform well. On the other, they have a responsibility to develop players and make football enjoyable for everyone. The best coaches understand that a blowout win doesn’t reflect progress—it reflects a mismatch. Coaches who think long-term know that adjusting the game is better for everyone’s growth.

Example: Many Premier League academies deliberately arrange fixtures against teams of similar ability levels to avoid extreme mismatches. The goal is to stretch players just enough so they are challenged without being overwhelmed.

The Parent’s View

Parents often see their children’s emotions most clearly. A heavy defeat can lead to tears, excuses, or even a reluctance to put on the boots again. On the flip side, parents of the winning team might cheer at first but soon wonder if their child is really learning anything from such an easy game.

The League’s View

At the organisational level, constant mismatches can damage the reputation of a youth league. If teams are regularly winning or losing by double figures, it suggests divisions are unbalanced.

Example: Some grassroots leagues in the UK have introduced “flexi leagues” or tiered divisions mid-season, moving teams up or down based on results to ensure a better balance. This has reduced the number of 10+ goal margins and kept more players engaged.

4 Ways Coaches Can Prevent One-Sided Scorelines

1. Prevent Before Cure

The signs of a mismatch are often obvious before kick-off. Looking at league tables, previous results, or simply comparing squads can give you a clue. A quick conversation between coaches beforehand can help agree strategies to make the game more enjoyable for both sides.

2. Adjust Team Numbers

If one side is clearly stronger, balancing numbers is an easy fix. Let the weaker team play with more players. This keeps the contest fair while still challenging both sides.

Example: The FA’s Power PLay rule permits extra players to be added as a scoreline increases.

3. Play in Quarters, Not Halves

Splitting a match into quarters gives coaches more chances to adapt. If the game is becoming one-sided, changes can be made quickly to keep the contest balanced. It also allows for more feedback and encouragement, which is particularly valuable for younger age groups.

Example: The FA’s “Foundation Phase” (U7–U11) guidelines already encourage short, flexible formats, where quarters and breaks are used to coach, encourage, and rebalance.

4. Keep It Player-Centred

The golden rule in youth football development: it’s about the children, not the adults. Heavy scorelines often happen when egos get in the way. By always asking “what’s best for the players?” coaches can create a more positive environment where every child feels included and valued.

Final Whistle: Who Really Wins?

A 13-0 win might look impressive, but it raises bigger questions. Did every player enjoy it? Did they learn something? Did it make them excited to come back next week?

From the players to the coaches, from parents to league organisers, the answer is usually the same: nobody truly benefits from a game that’s over before half-time.

The best grassroots and youth football environments prioritise balanced matches, player development, and above all, fun. With a little creativity and cooperation, coaches can make sure that every child benefits—because balanced games don’t just build stronger players, they build a stronger love for the sport.

And in the long run, that’s the real victory. Thats what we think, let us know what you think.

Yet, across English football, professional clubs are scouting children as young as five, persuading 11-year-olds to sign contracts tied to private school education, and even offering houses to parents of teenagers who show potential.

But the big question is: are clubs doing this to genuinely develop players, or simply to stop rivals from signing them?

The Harsh Reality of Academy Football

English football academies have come under heavy criticism in recent years. Despite millions being invested, very few academy players are breaking into first teams. Instead, many clubs are relying on big-money transfers in their pursuit of instant success.

The figures are stark:

• There are currently around 12,500 players in the English academy system.

• Only 0.5% of under-nines at top clubs are likely to make it through to the first team.

• Dropout rates between ages 13 and 16 are alarmingly high, with some research suggesting it could be as high as 76%—similar to rugby union.

For most young players, the dream ends before it even begins.

From Farming to Fast Food Football

Historically, football clubs were rooted in their communities. They invested in young, local players, nurturing them through youth systems with a visible ladder to the first team. These clubs were the heart and soul of their towns and cities.

But modern football has shifted. Many clubs are now owned by individuals or groups with little connection to the local area. Instead of sowing seeds and patiently developing homegrown talent, the focus has become short-term success—a “fast food” approach to football.

Academies are packed with talented youngsters, but opportunities are scarce. Many capable players are overlooked as clubs chase instant results, often signing ready-made stars from abroad. This shift has not only stifled academy pathways but also damaged grassroots football, leaving many questioning whether the system is broken.

Are We Missing Late Developers?

The current model leaves little room for late bloomers. Players like Jamie Vardy, who rose through non-league and became an international star in his late 20s, highlight how talent can slip through the cracks.

Thousands of children are being released from academies each year, many of whom might thrive if given more time and the right environment. Instead, they are discarded by a system obsessed with identifying the next superstar as early as possible.

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Time for Change in English Football?

With foreign players already dominating the Premier League, opportunities for academy graduates are becoming even harder to come by. So, is it time for a rethink?

• Should academies focus more on developing players for the long term rather than stockpiling talent?

• Should grassroots football play a bigger role in bridging the gap to professional clubs?

• And should the scouting process be redesigned to stop overlooking potential late developers?

Final Whistle

The current academy model feels unsustainable and unfair. While a lucky few make it to the first team, thousands more are left behind, often without the right support.

At grassroots level, we believe more needs to be done to ensure every young player has a fair chance to develop and enjoy the game, not just those who peak early.

What do you think? Are professional clubs getting it wrong with kids, and what changes would you like to see in youth development? Share your thoughts with us in the comments below.

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A reminder of the FA guidance for U6s is below. Children under the age of 6 should not be permitted or encouraged to play in a football match of any kind.

To clarify, FA Rule 8(C) states the following,  A child who has not attained the age of six shall not play, and shall not be permitted or encouraged to play, in a match of any kind. The rule is clear, a child who is under the age of 6 cannot play in football matches, including those arranged for competitive or ‘friendly’ purposes with other clubs.

Football clubs, coaches, parents, and organisers often wonder when children can start playing formal matches. The Football Association (FA) has clear rules about Under-6s (children who have not yet turned six). This article explains the current regulations, the rationale behind them, and how to ensure compliance.

What the Rules Say

1. Rule: FA Rule C / SCORY / Youth Code of Rules
   Under FA Rule C (Relating to Players), and the Standard Code of Rules for Youth Competitions (SCORY), the FA states:

   “A child who has not attained the age of six shall not play, and shall not be permitted or encouraged to play, in a match of any kind.”

   This applies to any match, whether competitive or friendly. “Match” refers to organised contests/scrimmages vs other teams, whether formally affiliated or not.

2. Affiliated Tournaments & Festivals
   Any match between affiliated clubs (or events that involve multiple clubs) for U6s is not allowed. These rules also apply to tournaments or friendlies advertised for U6-level players.

3. Potential Consequences of Breach
   Clubs found to be arranging or participating in matches involving children under six can face disciplinary actions.
   For example, they may be charged under FA Rule E1: Failed to comply with the rules and regulations of the Football Association. 
   County FAs have also warned that advertisement of such matches (on social media, etc.) is against the rules.

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As the governing body of the national sport, our role is to make football accessible to as many people as possible, operating within the law and international football policy defined by UEFA and FIFA.

The FA current policy, which allows transgender women to participate in the women’s game, was based on this principle and supported by expert legal advice.

This is a complex subject, and our position has always been that if there was a material change in law, science, or the operation of the policy in grassroots football then we would review it and change it if necessary.

The Supreme Court’s ruling on the 16 April means that we will be changing our policy. Transgender women will no longer be able to play in women’s football in England, and this policy will be implemented from 1 June 2025.

We understand that this will be difficult for people who simply want to play the game they love in the gender by which they identify, and we are contacting the registered transgender women currently playing to explain the changes and how they can continue to stay involved in the game.

Football Club Development Phases

1. Foundation Phase (Ages 6-12) – Focus on technical fundamentals and game enjoyment.
2. Youth Development Phase (Ages 13-16) – Tactical understanding and positional awareness.
3. Professional Development Phase (Ages 17-21) – Preparation for first-team football, mental resilience, and physical Development.

The Scouting Process

Most clubs observe and assess a player multiple times before making a final decision. Scouts compile detailed reportst o ensure they have a well-rounded understanding of the player’s potential. In addition to evaluating technical and tactical skills, scouts also gather background information on the player, such as family support, attitude, and overall character. This helps both the scouting team and the club provide the necessary guidance and support if the player is invited for a trial.

1. **Technical Skills**

Scouts assess a player’s technical ability. This includes proficiency with the ball, Receiving skills , Releasing skills, Scouts will look at the actions before the player is on the ball , whilst on the ball and after the ball is released.

2. **Physical Attributes**

Football is a demanding sport, and physical attributes often play a large role in a scout’s assessment. However, it’s not just about size and strength. Scouts look for players who can move quickly with and without the ball. Agility, the ability to change direction swiftly, is just as important as straight-line speed. Balance is also an important factor nd how well a player can hold off physicals Dules challenges while maintaining possession.

3. **Tactical Understanding**

Understanding the game is just as important as executing technical skills. Scouts look for players who demonstrate good positioning, pitch georgraph and awareness of the game’s flow, and the ability to read the play.

4. **Mental and Emotional Traits**

Scouts evaluate a player’s mental approach to the game, recognizing that attributes such as work ethic, determination, and attitude can be just as important as technical skill. A key factor in player assessment is their ability to handle performance problems during a match—whether it’s a mistake, a poor referee decision, or tactical challenges. Players who demonstrate resilience, adaptability, and a strong mindset stand out to scouts. The ability to stay composed under pressure, quickly recrecognising setbacks, and maintain high levels of focus and effort is what separates good players from elite prospects.

Trial & process in the UK

In the UK, some clubs offer selected players the opportunity to attend:

* Selection Matches – Test performances against other trialists.
* Development Programmes – Extended training and assessment with the club.
* Straight Trials – A 6-8 week period training and playing alongside academy players.

During this period, the club conducts a full assessment of the player’s ability, adaptability, and mentality in a professional environment. Exposure to high-level training and competitive matches allows the club to determine whether the player is ready to be signed.

All football trials and club invitations are conducted in accordance with Premier League and EFL regulations.

These rules ensure a fair and structured approach to player recruitment, providing equal opportunities for young talent while maintaining professional standards across all clubs

“One club’s loss is another club’s gain.”

A Player who is released or overlooked by one club may go on to thrive elsewhere. Can you name any players who have achieved this?

“You never know who’s watching.”

Always give their best—because the right performance at the right time could be the difference that provide an opportunity.

Thank you!

James Mullane

Worked in Category #1 & #2 clubs in England! Currently head of national football scouting in Saudi Arabia! Go follow his journey @soccersocialuk

What exactly is Osgood Schlatters?

Essentially it is painful inflammation or irritation of the bone growth plate in the shin bone (tibia bone) which is just below the knee cap.

It generally happens in children between the ages of 9-14, when they have a growth spurt and is more common in boys and those who are particularly active in sport and exercise..

This condition normally goes away when your child stops growing and should not cause long lasting issues provided you manage it correctly.

What are the causes and symptoms?

If your child is very active with exercise and sport then this can lead to it. Pain below the knee cap is one of the most common symptoms, and it is often painful to touch and can be accompanied by a lump in the area of pain (the tibial tuberosity)

Your child may also find walking up and down the stairs hard to do as well and bending down onto their knees.

How can we help our kids?

Listen to your child and do NOT let your child play through the pain. This can only increase the amount of time it takes to recover, and lead to them to not being able to play the sport they love for a longer period of time!

Get an assessment from a therapist who can assess and treat where appropriate. Sports massage from a professional on the surrounding soft tissue can help reduce tension. REST is important for children with this condition. The tibial tuberosity should be pain free to touch before recommencing exercise.

Before a return to sport a period of supervised progression of exercise should take place to prepare the body. Make sure your child warms up correctly before exercise. When returning to sport a protective knee pad/support can help. Particular for sports played on hard ground. Correct footwear is important and shock absorbing insoles can help in some cases

A little foam rolling and stretching could help relieve symptoms and aid preventing the issue. Below is the links to a few exercises that could be used to help. There are plenty more out there so this is to give you a few ideas. If your child plays a lot of sport it is worth educating them on how to start to look after themselves. Its not hard and it can be done while they watch the TV too!

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Quad foam rolling
https://youtu.be/bCHk714PKW8

Hip flexor stretch – this is better with a cushion under the knee and would not be suitable if the knee is painful when rested on the floor
https://youtu.be/l8dlsdLqkxI

Calf foam rolling
https://youtu.be/NKD-vO0FGcs

Calf stretch
https://youtu.be/PJvrqVCtk7E

Hip strengthening exercises (one example here)
https://youtu.be/t_ZttZH7O-E

If you have any questions your welcome to email me at info@richknightperformance.com or even check out my facebook page www.facebook.com/richknightperformance which is full of useful self help videos which can be used by you and your family alike.

1) Young children are not mini-versions of adults

As much as they will be adults one day, the young players in your care are certainly not there yet. We must understand and recognise that we can’t treat them in the same way as we would our peers.  We must always have the well-being of each of the children in our care as the priority. The session must fully engage the young players no matter what the weather.

2) Get the players moving as soon as they arrive

In poor weather keeping the players busy is vital. Young children will go cold quickly – almost without noticing –  and once they are cold they will really struggle to warm up again. Telling them to run around a bit more won’t help either unfortunately – it’s too late by then.

An arrival activity is vital. The children should arrive warm and getting them active early is crucial.  Little games of tag, mini 1v1s or 2v2s, and small fundamental movement games will all do this. Make sure you have this section in your session plan ready to go whatever the weather.

3) No queues and keep all the players involved

Having queues of children waiting for their turn is a big no-no in any session let alone on a cold, wet day.  Can you find ways to make sure all the players are all involved all of the time?  If you are struggling for equipment could you set up two or three smaller areas rather than one in order to cut down any form of waiting?

4) Use games during training

Consider what the players expect football to look like. What’s the first question they ask:  ‘When are we playing a match?’  Wet and cold sessions are perfect for match time as it keeps them all involved and active. Play mini 3v3s on a couple of pitches to keep all involved and then carefully manage how you intervene to coach.

5) Work with individuals rather than stopping the whole group

Children don’t like coaches talking for ages at the best of times but on a wet day it’s even more important to keep communication concise. Can you coach individuals whilst the game plays on around them?  Could you give quick challenges to players ‘on the fly’ as they pass you?  Could you set yourself a challenge to intervene for no longer than 30 seconds?  The kids would really appreciate this.

6) Consider practice design and progression

Spend time on planning the session. Will you use a technique-skill-game format or whole-part-whole or a myriad of other templates?  Which will increase playing time the most and which may lead to times of relative inactivity?  How can you create excitement and therefore engagement?  Can you always have a scoring system in place? Can you ensure that if any defender wins the ball they have a way to attack and score too to keep games flowing?

How you progress the session needs to be thought about too.  Can you progress some players without stopping all of them at the same time?  Think about working the session with players in groups; perhaps advance the better players first before gradually progressing the weaker players later on, meaning that they’ll get the extra practice time they need.  This also means that as you talk to each group two-thirds of your team are still active and warm.

7) If in doubt: play matches

If you’re ever in doubt or get caught by the rain or bad weather half-way through a session revert back to several small matches.  Smaller sized matches promote ball contacts, in and out of possession play, transition and game craft. They also ensure that players are never more than one pass away from the ball, so engagement and activity levels stay high.

8) Have some rules about correct kit

It’s important to have some rules or conditions regarding kit. I’ve had children arriving in t-shirt and shorts to sessions in December and I’ve had to take the hard decision to turn them away. Parents sometimes feel that it’s okay because they’ll be running around at football – yes, but they will only be warm if they start warm in the first place. Perhaps having a club wet-weather policy would be a good idea?

We can take note from cricketers playing in early April or late September. They wear lots of thin layers rather than a couple of large ones to keep heat in.  Encourage your players to do the same. It’s nothing different to what my mum used to shout as I ran off to training:  “You can always take some off, if you get too hot”.

9) Safety and welfare are top priority, but each individual is different

We have a responsibility to the children and their parents to look after them and always to make decisions in their best interests.  Safety and welfare are the top priority but we also mustn’t shy away from playing just because the weather isn’t great.

In a grassroots setting I worked in previously we had a rule – if the kids turned up then we would play. It was the choice of the group and their parents if we played.  This meant that sometimes we played for just 30 minutes instead of the full hour, sometimes the session plan went out of the window and we just played little games and sometimes we led sessions with only three or four kids.

What we must always understand is that every child is different, some will love and thrive in the terrible weather whereas others will hate it. Either way, they are both likely to remember it for a life time.

We must make certain that our coaching fosters a love of the game and a love of playing it. Make sure that when you are next faced with bad weather you make decisions and plans based on the best interests of the little people that turn up each week to play the great game of football with you.

10) Find a way to use the weather to create memories

Some of my fondest experiences as a kid were playing outside in terrible weather.  I still remember my first game in snow and the excitement playing with an orange ball for the first time gave us, the sliding tackles that seemed to last a full 30 yards through the midfield mud-pit and the diving headers that gave such a splash landing that if you timed it well could soak the watching parents.

We must appreciate that we could be building memories for our players; let’s make sure they are positive ones where the kids can’t wait to play the next time it rains. Starting to implement all of the above is a good foundation to start from.

Courtesy of The FA.

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