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

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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We were unhappy as parents with how the previous manager, coach and club was run so we set up ours for our children to stay together and enjoy football! Our age group by the way is under 10’s.

We had an end of season meeting on Thursday to discuss plans for the future and our presentation night. We decided on the usual managers, parents and players player awards.

Discussions led to most improved and clubman. One thrown in to the mix was Top Goalscorer. There was a mixed reaction as it was seen as a trophy that not every single player was capable of winning.

There are only 4 or 5 maximum in a team of 11 who’d stand a chance of winning and it would go against the club’s philosophy of being a team.

There are no individuals. The team scores not the individual.

After getting a show of votes today to confirm 6 we’re against for the reasons mentioned and 5 for. This has led to abusive texts and threats from a parent whom believes his son has earned the trophy and if the club don’t give it him he’ll not turn up to the presentation and also leave the club.

My assistant has also backed this behaviour and comments from the parent.

I’ve since quit because of this. I’m appalled that I’ve personally been lambasted and blackmailed by a parent.

I’d like you to put this out to people. Let’s see how they see it. Week after week we train and encourage passing, to work together and that most importantly that they are a team not a bunch of individuals. It’s not about winning it’s about enjoying football.

They are just 9 and 10 year olds. Do certain trophies encourage individualism and isolate certain team players from being able to win them?

What do you think?

What Is Coaching?

Coaching is the cornerstone of football development. At the grassroots level, coaches work tirelessly to develop players, helping them improve their technical skills, tactical awareness, and mental resilience. The coaching process involves not just teaching football skills but also mentoring players, instilling values such as discipline, teamwork, and sportsmanship. Coaches spend years fostering relationships with players, creating a sense of community and loyalty, and building long-term player development pathways.

Why It Happens:
Coaching is an essential aspect of football culture and community building. It ensures that players are given the tools and support they need to reach their full potential. A good coach sees the bigger picture—helping players not only become better footballers but also contributing to their overall growth. The loyalty and trust that players build with their coaches and teammates play a crucial role in maintaining stable, thriving teams.

1. Long-Term Player Development: Coaches invest time in shaping players, allowing them to grow both as athletes and individuals. This leads to better, more mature footballers who are ready to make an impact in higher levels of the game.
2. Team Unity: A coach works to create a strong bond between players, fostering a sense of community and teamwork. This unity can make teams more successful on the field and more supportive off it.
3. Sustained Success: Coaching focuses on steady progress, where players improve at their own pace. It leads to a more sustainable and enjoyable footballing experience, and helps teams develop a strong foundation.

What Is Poaching?

Poaching refers to the practice of enticing players from one team to another, usually by offering better playing opportunities, promises of higher-level competition, or even incentives such as preferential treatment. In grassroots football, poaching often occurs when more established or wealthier clubs target young players who have shown promise, sometimes without the consent of their current coaches or teams.

Why It Happens:
Poaching occurs for a variety of reasons. For some, it’s driven by the desire for immediate success or competitive advantage. Clubs with better facilities might lure players away from smaller, community-based teams in hopes of strengthening their squad. For players, the allure of better resources, opportunities, or simply the promise of more playing time can make poaching an attractive offer.

Why the Tension Exists

The tension between coaching and poaching often arises from the pressure to succeed. Coaches and teams invested in long-term player development can feel frustrated when poaching threatens the hard work they’ve put into nurturing young talent

In grassroots football, coaching and poaching represent two distinct approaches to player development. Coaching is the ethical, long-term strategy focused on nurturing talent and building unity within teams. It’s about fostering loyalty, growth, and a sense of community. Poaching, however, can offer short-term benefits but often undermines these values, disrupting team dynamics and potentially harming the development of young players in the long run.

While both practices are part of the football landscape, it’s crucial for coaches, parents, and players to recognise the importance of loyalty, respect, and ethical behaviour in maintaining the integrity of grassroots football. Ultimately, the focus should be on providing young players with the right environment to grow, not simply moving them around like pawns in a game of competition.

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The Case for Equal Game Time

One of the fundamental principles of grassroots football is inclusivity. The goal is to ensure that every child has the opportunity to participate and enjoy the game, regardless of their skill level. In this context, some argue that all players should receive equal amounts of game time to promote fairness and equal development opportunities.

For less-developed players, limited game time—such as 5 minutes per game—can feel discouraging. These children often struggle to make an impact on the field during such brief intervals, which can affect their confidence and self-esteem. Football, like many sports, requires time and experience to develop skills like ball control, passing accuracy, and spatial awareness. When players are given only a few minutes of play, they may feel sidelined, leading to frustration and a diminished love for the sport. For a child who is still learning the basics of football, having more consistent playing time can be crucial for building their confidence and fostering a greater connection to the game.

Furthermore, equal game time ensures that every player is treated fairly. In team sports, where a coach’s decisions often influence the development of the players, it’s important that each child has the same opportunity to improve. If more-developed players consistently receive the majority of game time, the less-developed players may not have enough opportunities to improve their skills. Fair and equal playing time, regardless of skill level, ensures that no player is left behind.

In the long run, equal game time can also help create a team atmosphere based on fairness and camaraderie. When all players feel they have an equal stake in the match, they are more likely to support one another and encourage team cohesion. In contrast, when certain players are favored for longer periods of play, it may foster resentment and division within the group, which can negatively impact both individual and team morale.

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Football, at any level, is a competitive sport. While grassroots football focuses on enjoyment and learning, it still introduces children to the idea of competition, teamwork, and self-improvement. From this perspective, as players grow older there are valid arguments for allowing players to earn their game time based on their skill level and development.

For less-developed players, shorter intermittent spells in a game can be used as a way to manage players who are still learning basic skills or struggling to keep up with the flow of the game. Coaches can then concentrate on giving these players specific developmental guidance3 or 4 times during the same game rather than just at half time, helping them improve over time. The shorter intervals may also provide an opportunity for the coach to provide focused, constructive feedback during the game time, which can be vital in helping players improve.

But is 5 minutes enough?

Despite the arguments for skill-based allocation of playing time, the core issue remains whether 5 minutes per game is truly enough to develop as a player, particularly for those who are less developed. Football is a complex game that requires technical, tactical, and physical skills. While short game periods may offer moments of individual learning, they are unlikely to provide enough time for players to truly immerse themselves in the demands of the game.

Development in football requires repeated exposure to match situations, which enables players to build their decision-making skills, understand team dynamics, and improve their fitness. A brief 5-minute period may not allow players enough time to grasp these concepts. Instead, it might only reinforce basic skills, such as running, dribbling, or passing in isolation. In this way, a player who only gets 5 minutes of play in every match may struggle to develop a deeper understanding of football.

For children who are still learning the fundamentals of the game, longer periods of play are essential. These extended sessions allow players to experience both the physical and mental demands of football, providing the context needed to grow as an athlete. Without enough game time, players may not have the chance to see their mistakes in action or adapt to the flow of the game, making it harder to develop their skills fully.

Striking a Balance

The key to fostering development in grassroots football lies in finding the right balance. While shorter game times might be appropriate for younger children or players who are still learning the basics, it is crucial to ensure that all players receive enough time on the field to grow. Development-based allocation of game time, where players who have earned more experience are given more minutes, should not come at the cost of less-developed players. Coaches should aim to create a system that allows players to gradually build up their match experience, while also providing opportunities for less-experienced players to grow and learn.

Coaches could also consider incorporating additional training sessions as “home work” and match based drills at training to complement the match experience, allowing all players, regardless of their skill level, to develop at a pace suited to their abilities.

In reality, my final thoughts are 5 minutes per game is unlikley to be enough game time for a player to fully develop, especially for those who are less experienced. While shorter intermittent periods of roll on roll off style game time can benefit less-developed players by offering frequent/multi opportunities for participation with added coach support, they may lack the depth required for true development. Ensuring fairness in game time allocation is crucial, but it’s equally important to allow players the opportunity to grow and learn in a way that matches their level of ability. By finding a balance between equal participation and development-based game time, coaches can create an environment that fosters growth for every player, helping them build their skills, confidence, and love for the game.

Paul Kirton

Teamgrassroots

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.

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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?

 

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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!!!!!!!!

 

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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