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.

Now every manager loves a good team talk. They are what motivates and inspires our players. They set instructions and guidance for what our players need to do in a game. What I bet most managers and coaches don’t think about is what their last ever team talk will be.

Unfortunately, I have to.

I have cancer.

Not the okay kind, not even the slightly harsh kind but the deadly kind. I am dying. This cancer will kill me and it can’t be stopped. Let’s be clear, I’m not happy about this. It sucks on so many levels, but what can I do? What it did was it got me thinking. I won’t be taking the Ravens all the way and I won’t see them fully develop into young adults. So I plan to take them as far as I can for how long I’ve got left.

Russ far left

Now this was a decision that it took me a few weeks to come to and to decide to enjoy the ride whilst I can. It offered a clarity that I’ve never had before. The clarity that football for children is all about enjoyment. That is what I’ll be teaching from now on. Football is called a sport, but it’s also a game. Games are there to be enjoyed.

For me this is a message that has gotten lost.

I’ve seen first hand children lose their love of the game because parents and coaches alike have sucked the enjoyment out of the game. Why as managers do we allow this to happen? We have a duty to make sure our players look forward to games with the same excitement week in week out. We as managers need to look forward to these games as much as the players.

We need to make sure that enjoyment is the main priority for everybody. The enlightening thing about being told you’re dying is you get to choose how to live your remaining days. For me I plan to spend as much time having fun as I can and making sure that the players around me have as much fun as they can. I simply refuse to make a player feel bad because they’ve missed as penalty, misplaced a pass or lacks natural ability in their game.

Now you may read this and dismiss it that’s your choice. The one thing to think about is, you never know when your last team talk will be or the last time you see your child play football. I know that time for me is soon and I want to make it an incredible experience.

Russ

KAFC Ravens

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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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

A trusted junior football coach has left families devastated after squandering thousands of pounds meant to send a children’s football team to an overseas tournament.

Michael Grisedale, 39, had agreed to arrange entry in the Spanish competition on the condition mums and dads clubbed together so he could pay fees, hotel costs and airports transfers. But instead, the father-of-two stole £6,401.39 raised by the parents – and gambled it away in online casinos until all the money had gone, a judge was told.

Grisedale, who coached an under-10s side in Greater Manchester, had been placed in charge of collecting the contributions from parents.

However, instead of securing the dream trip, the coach used the money to fuel a gambling addiction—leaving the funds gone.

“It’s Just Heartbreaking”

One parent, speaking anonymously, said: “This trip was supposed to be a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. The kids trained hard all year and were buzzing to go. Now they’re devastated.”

The court heard the alarm was only raised three days before the competition was due to start when a hotel in the city where the team were due to stay contacted one of the parents to inform him the reservation had been cancelled due to non-payment.

When quizzed by police Grisedale, who ran the under-10s Vauxhall Astra team in Ellesmere Port, Cheshire, and whose own son played in the squad, claimed there had not been enough cash available to pay for the trip and he gambled it away in a doomed bid to raise the extra money.

• At Chester Crown Court, Grisedale pleaded guilty to 11 charges of theft and was sentenced to 24 months in jail, suspended for two years, with requirements he completes 150 hours of unpaid work and 15 days of rehabilitation activity. He must also pay back the money he stole to his victims.•

A Call for Greater Oversight

The incident has raised serious concerns about financial accountability in grassroots sport. Many parents are now calling for stricter checks and transparency when it comes to handling team finances.

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.

In one of the strangest match abandonments the beautiful game has ever seen, a North Yorkshire football fixture was flushed down the drain at half-time after the referee found a steaming surprise in his shoe.

The York Football League Premier Division clash between Old Malton St Mary’s and Malt Shovel was already a spicy affair, with controversial penalties and a 2-1 lead for Malt Shovel at the break. But things really hit the fan—or rather, the foot—when the referee slipped his foot into what he thought was his trusty black Nike trainer… and got more than just athlete’s foot.

Yes, someone had literally pooed in his shoe. Not metaphorically. Not figuratively. Just… literally. A foul of the most foul variety.

Understandably shaken and probably holding back both tears and retching, the ref decided to blow the final whistle early, citing safety concerns. Honestly, who could focus on offside calls after toeing a turd?

The North Riding Football Association has launched a full investigation into what’s being dubbed “Poogate,” and they’re determined to get to the bottom of it. If the culprit is found to be linked to either club, there could be fines, points deductions, or a firm suggestion that someone needs a very long timeout.

Footage of the incident (yes, there’s footage) has since gone viral on TikTok, racking up over three million views—and possibly just as many gag reflexes. One still image even showed the offending deposit nestled snugly inside the shoe. We’re not saying it’s art, but it’s certainly… something.

Old Malton groundsman Adam Newell expressed his dismay on X (formerly Twitter):
“Well in all my days being involved with football I am mind blown as to the actions of some individuals. Our match was abandoned at halftime as when the ref went into his changing rooms someone had [poo emoji] in his trainers. I seriously wonder the mentality of people.”

The North Riding FA responded:
“North Riding FA were made aware of an incident that took place on Saturday and the referee was immediately offered support… The matter is currently being investigated by the discipline teams at North Riding FA and West Riding FA and no further comment can be made.”

Until then, players, fans, and the internet alike are left asking one pressing question:
Who dropped the log in the locker room?

Footage of the incident which has been widely shared on social media can be found HERE