Referee will have 60 seconds to review decisions on the phone after contentious incidents…….

Haha, GOTCHA. It’s April Fools day, make sure to TAG someone else in the post.

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

As I write this, I know  there are millions of great parents out there, and I apologise to them but unfortunately their voices are being drowned out by a toxic negativity I’ve seen sweeping the game.

This weekend I think is most likely my last involvement in coaching, hopefully my feelings will change but right after 4 years I’ve finally been worn down. The team don’t know this yet, I will tell them after the weekends game.

3 Pairs Nike Socks £9.99

I’m a Coach who has just had enough of too many parents doing everything but being happy.  All their kids love football and love coming, love being on our team and love our training. So the kids couldn’t be happier, but the parents on the other hand  seem to complain, whinge and moan about everything, even criticise other people’s kids,  Why do this?

Most coaches work full time, have families, other responsibilities, yet myself like others give up at least 1 night a week to coach your kids, plus more time away from that planning sessions, sorting fund raisers, chasing kits, sorting tournaments, answering emails, arranging weekend game, replying to text messages 11pm at night, Plus much more and we do this for FREE because we enjoy it and love seeing kids develop and grow.

YOUR kid develop and grow!!!!!

So why do parents find the need to send you messages a mile long slamming the performance of a young team in mini soccer despite the fact you win most weeks, and the messages I receive if we draw or heaven forbid lose, it’s like I have to do a press conference in front of them to apologise and explain why we lost. They’re 9 years old!!

 

Why when they are not happy about the littlest thing do they find it necessary to spread that with other parents and convince them they’re right and encourage them to hound the coach too?

 

Laceeze £9.99

 

1. The point I am making is how many coaches have to walk away mainly due to how parents behave and conduct themselves and how they go on sometimes.

 

It’s simple….. no coaches means no grassroots, stop before it’s too late!!!!!!!!

 

Sometimes grassroots clubs, leagues and volunteers need help. They don’t look for handouts, but now and then they – and their volunteers – need a leg-up.

That’s why we’ve teamed up with the Utilita Football Rebooted movement to launch the Grassroots Fund.

What is the Grassroots Fund?

The fund offers help. It’s no nonsense, no strings attached support for grassroots football. It’s easy to apply and we make decisions quickly. All we ask in return is you let us talk about the support we’ve provided. Support is powered by support from the Utilita Football Rebooted scheme.

Who’s it for?

The fund is for grassroots clubs and leagues and the people who volunteer. We’re open to anyone who’s looking for a little help to make a big difference. If our help can make football better, we’re interested.

What’s our aim?

We want to put more smiles into grassroots football. So, if you have a project, an emergency or a brilliant reason to say thank you to someone, we want to hear from you.

How to apply?

To apply just fill in this form. Tell us who you are, which club you represent, why you need help and the difference you think it will make. If we agree, we’ll be in touch to show how we can help. All awards and funding is discretionary and our decision is final. There is no appeal. Clubs and leagues can apply for multiple grants or gifts. By applying you are agreeing to our privacy notice and privacy policy

Who can apply?

Applications must come from an FA-accredited club or league and be connected to individuals or projects involved in grassroots football. Cash funding must be paid into a bank account registered to a club or league.

What is expected of successful applicants

The main purpose of the fund is to help and improve the grassroots game we all love. If successful you may be required to take part in social media and press promotional activity through teamgrassroots.co.uk, Utilita High 5 and our communications partners.

Type of support

Support is tailored to the needs and aims of each application. It can be for anything to improve football and the lives of people who make grassroots football happen. It can be anything, but examples might include:

–          Vouchers for materials to fix up the clubhouse

–          Money to help pay for tradespeople to make improvements to your clubhouse

–          Gifts to show appreciation to volunteers

–          Support to recover from crime or vandalism

–          Funding to help make your facility safe

–          Help to improve your game and playing environment

How long will it take?

The fund is designed to offer help quickly for clubs and individuals who need it. We’ll aim to respond to all applications within 28 days with a  decision. Application is no guarantee of funding being awarded. The fund is limited, sadly we can’t guarantee support for all applicants. The decision to award funding or support rests solely at the discretion of Teamgrassroots.co.uk. There is no right of appeal.

For help or support contact  info@teamgrassroots.co.uk

Progressions:

– Teams can only move into a free area.

– One team is split between the areas and act as defenders. They have to win the ball and get five touches on it to score. The other teams play as before.

Key Points:

– Third man runs

– One-twos

– Overlapping runs

– Quick passes/movements

– Communication

Last week I held training on Monday, winter league meeting on Tuesday, club meeting on Wednesday and recieved a text on Thursday from a parent who wanted to speak to me privately after work about a bullying issue on the team.

I worked out that I spent 15 hours of my week working on/for my team which I don’t mind, but then after our game on Sunday I recieved several texts from parents saying this

“We should have an extra training session to work on passing”

“We need to be more physical”

And the real low baller

“I’ll give it a few weeks, not having my son get beat every week”

15 hours a week, why couldn’t the texts just say “Thank You”

So, if I am not paying for football what am I paying for?

– I pay for those moments when my kids become so tired they want to quit but don’t.

– I pay for those days when my kids come home from school and are “too tired” to go to their training but they go anyway.

– I pay for my kids to learn to be disciplined, focused and dedicated.

– I pay for my kids to learn to take care of their body and equipment.

– I pay for my kids to learn to work with others and to be good team mates, gracious in defeat and humble in success.

– I pay for my kids to learn to deal with disappointment, when they don’t get that placing or title they’d hoped for, but still they go back week after week giving it their best shot.

– I pay for my kids to learn to make and accomplish goals.

– I pay for my kids to respect, not only themselves, but other players, officials and coaches.

– I pay for my kids to learn that it takes hours and hours, years and years of hard work and practice to create a champion and that success does not happen overnight.

– I pay for my kids to be proud of small achievements, and to work towards long term goals.

– I pay for the opportunity my kids have and will have to make life-long friendships, create lifelong memories, to be as proud of their achievements as I am.

– I pay so that my kids can be out on the pitch instead of in front of an Xbox screen…

…I could go on but, to be short, I don’t pay for sports; I pay for the opportunities that sports provide my kids with to develop attributes that will serve them well throughout their lives and give them the opportunity to bless the lives of others. From what I have seen so far I think it is a great investment!

I know that my child looks up to you,

Not only are you helping him develop his sport,

I am aware of how much consideration and thought..

Goes into your sessions and goes into the team,

How your efforts are rewarded,

When you’re seeing them beam.

Some nights I can see that when you arrive,

You look tired and hungry but hold it inside,

Your commitment to my son is second to non,

You listen, your understanding your keeping it fun.

You are supportive and calm in everything you do,

You have respect for your players,

In return they respect you.

I appreciate your efforts, I appreciate your time,

I appreciate your politeness whenever we whine !! (sorry)

I appreciate your dedication that you give to my child,

Your fun and sense of humour when it’s crazy and wild.

So I just want you to know coach that although I may not say,

your kindness is always noticed,

In many different ways,

It’s noticed from the sidelines, it’s noticed from my son,

It’s noticed from the parents, it’s noticed all day long…

Thank you coach for all that you do,

A Role model i’m proud that my child looks up too.

Thank you

E.T.W.

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