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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Goalkeepers can’t score in the goals either side of them. Players can either roll, throw or kick the ball (coach can limit to one to make it easier or harder).

Progressions:

– Elimination (if scored on, that player goes down on one knee, then 2 knees, then sat down and finally out)

– Add striker in the middle

Key points:

– Positioning (between the middle of the goal and the ball while cutting off as much of the goal as possible)

– Diving technique

– Ready position

“This guidance is not new. As a result of significant consultation and research undertaken across the game with children [players],  parents, coaches, clubs and league volunteers, The FA decided in 2012 to extend its implementation from U7s through to U11s.

“The feedback we got was simple – children are competitive by nature, they want to win and don’t need a league table or results section on a website to confirm this.

The decision formed part of the implementation of The FA Youth Development Review, a document spanning 25 recommendations based on research and feedback from across the country over two years and published in 2012.

The recommendations included reduction of pitch sizes, number of players and coach development.

Working together with a proactive attitude, adults can help develop a better learning environment for young people that puts their needs at the centre of the process.

Since its implementation there has been a 17.5 per cent rise in the number of teams involved in mini soccer.

“During seasons teams are allowed to play festivals where there are, of course, winners and losers,” added Ackerley.

“Teams can play for trophies in a true competitive style. What differs is that at this age, competition takes place in trophy events rather than across a season-long period.

“These positive changes have been put in place to improve enjoyment, fun and development of young players allowing more touches, on a better proportioned pitch with an increase of involvement in the game as a whole.”

What this means for young players

U7/U8:

Even the youngest children will benefit from having the opportunity to play for a cup, two or three times a season. This competition can take place over a two-week period and, for example, can include a knock-out cup event. This means that over a typical 26-week season, six weeks of this will be focused competition.

U9/U10:

As children grow developmentally and cognitively, the periods of competition can increase further as their views of the world start to widen. Therefore competition can now take place over a four-week period and, for example, can include group stages and a cup final. This means that over a typical 26-week season, 12 weeks of this will be focused competition.

U11:

Children can now start to understand whether a team beats them because they tried harder or they were better players, something they cannot often do before this age. This competition can take place over a six-week period and, for example, can include a Champions League style event. This means that over a typical 26-week season, 18 weeks of this will be focused competition.

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The coach was very fair in the first season giving most kids a good run out, recently this has begun to get less and less for 2 players, my son included.

This weekend we attended a large tournament in our area and all the kids were really excited to spend the day together and play new teams.

It was clear from the first game that my son was going to have a minimal part in the tournament as he played for the last 90 seconds of the first game. I didn’t say anything and thought he will balance it out over the remaining games. Subs went on and off and each time my son looked at the coach hoping it would be him.

My heart wrenched every time my son looked at the coach, in total my son played just over 6 minutes at a full day tournament. To put this into perspective, we pay our subs like everyone else, we cancelled other plans to attend because my son wanted to play, Im sure I’m not the only one who thinks this is wrong.

My son put a brave face on until we got in the car, he instantly began crying which broke my heart, I said I would find a new team for him which made him more upset. For the first time as a mother I really didn’t know what to say or do to make things better.

The irony in all this is the coach and my son have a really close relationship and my son looks up to him like he’s a super hero. He always said that he wanted to develop his team and would be devastated if he upset any of the players. I won’t bad mouth the coach because 99% of the time he is a genuine bloke who loves the kids, anyone who met him would agree, but I think he may be so engrossed in winning the game that he’s forgetting his roots and his players.

I need help with……..

Be it a fundraiser, How many tickets needed for an event, availability for a friendly etc

I get no or limited replies.

However, when the text starts with,

I’ve managed to get a sponsor for some new jackets just need the kids sizes please

I get replies faster than I can send the text????

Very frustrated ANON coach

I’m totally gutted because I have given so much and never asked for anything in return. Results don’t bother me and I was trying to keep a bunch of kids together as a team through there child hood years. I asked what the child wanted and they said he wanted to “win”

As they left the child in question was crying his eyes out. What have I done wrong?

Anon Coach

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”

A Grassroots Substitutes Parent

It’s Sunday, the day my son has been waiting for all week. It’s football day. For me it can be the worst day of the week, from waking up to an excited child to going watching all the excitement ebb away as his game time dribs away like the raining running down his face knowing that when he gets in the car he isn’t going to even want to talk about it.

You see he loves football, he isn’t the greatest player but he is enthusiastic, loyal and always wants to impress his coach, never missing training and games if selected no matter what the weather. Unfortunately these are attributes that are over looked because someone else can pass the ball further or can run a little faster or shoot a little straighter.

Every Monday after training it then wait to see if he has been selected this week. His coach found some better players to sign and now there too many of them as they’ve gone straight in the first team. Yes they have a first team and a second team. Unfortunately his coach just wants to win everything.

Players have to be dropped each week and its those same ones wearing the same expression which says it me again isn’t it. Why is it always me? He’s in the squad! That’s great I say with as much muster as I can knowing that its still highly unlikely he will play, Should I really be thinking this?

The rest of the week is spent with him walking around like he has won the world cup. Oh great, it’s raining I know I’m going to spend the morning shivering and looking at my child stood next to his coach desperately wanting to go and play the opposition are scoring goals so I already know by half time that it’s never going to happen as then there might be a slight chance the team might lose if a first team player is taken off.

There is two minutes to go and he is going on! I can feel his excitement from the sideline, unfortunately at that time I also hear another first team parent comment on why has there child been taken off and mine put on, you see the team won’t be able to win with a second team player on.

The whistle blows 30 seconds later and he hasn’t even kicked the ball. He trudges off and I know he will be thinking about it all day. His friends play in the team so he doesn’t want to move team, thank goodness he is only TEN and I have another five years of this.

Right, It’s Monday morning and he comes bounding in to the bedroom, training tonight Mum!

Oh Great, Its Monday, here we go again

Laceeze – Stops laces coming undone!

Always keep a spare bottle of water in the car. You will forget one day; you think you won’t but it happens to the best of us.

Your child will almost certainly be “starving” after training or matches, keep a supply of healthy snacks.

Mud, there will be mud, lots of it. You can protect the car seats quite easily with a cover, but the floor and back of seats is a nightmare. The best we’ve come up with is putting their feet into a carrier bag. I have been tempted to go full on bin liner but the risk to the kids or to me being reported for abuse is too high for the sake of a clean car.

Children cleaning their boots is very much like “I will clean the hamster cage every week”, they start off strong but very soon it will end up on your “to do” list.

Once they start playing matches, you will usually be on the opposite side of the pitch to the team. Having a kit bag is really useful. I pack in mine; extra drink, small half time snack, a tracksuit top for when on the bench, a towel, and sun block (the towel will be used more than the sun block).

Warm base layer is a must for kids. It may be best to get similar colour to their kit so they can wear them in matches too without complaint.

You will get cold. While it’s true that your passion and excitement at matches may stave off the cold, it will not be enough!! I recommend a heated jacket, thermals and foot warmers.

Get your own chairs, flask etc as not all venues have seating and a refreshment van. Thankfully all the venues have had toilets so far……

Always Google Earth away venues. There is nothing more stressful than the panic felt when you cannot find the well-hidden unmarked road you’re looking for while kick off time gets closer and closer.

Shush!! … you would be amazed at what iPhones and cameras pick up. Whilst we may have our views on the ref/coach/pitch etc, best mumble them and save venting for later.

Lastly and maybe a little controversial; whilst it might seem a good idea to reward a goal scored, in my experience rewarding for “man of the match” better promotes the team spirit that makes kids football so wonderful.

Good luck to you all the new footy parents next season, enjoy the ride, it’s a beautiful game, proud footy mum Trudy Sinclair!!

The updated heading guidance, which will be introduced immediately, will provide grassroots clubs, coaches and players with the recommended heading guidance for training sessions only. The guidance does not make any changes to the way matches are played.

Following the publication of The FA and PFA joint-funded FIELD study, , The FA established the independently-chaired Research Taskforce to guide on possible changes to heading coaching, review concussion management protocols, and advise on future research projects.

Following the publication of the FIELD study – which was carried out by the University of Glasgow and published in October 2019, we established the independently-chaired research taskforce to guide on possible changes to heading coaching, review concussion management protocols and advise on future research projects.

Although there was no evidence in the FIELD study to suggest that heading the ball was the cause to the link with incidence of degenerative neurocognitive disease, to mitigate against any potential risks the updated heading guidance has been produced in parallel with UEFA’s medical committee, which is seeking to publish Europe-wide guidelines later this year. The Irish FA and the Scottish FA will also adopt the same heading guidance.

The updated heading guidance includes:

• Heading guidance in training for all age groups between under-six and under-18
• No heading in training in the foundation phase (primary school children)
• Graduated approach to heading training for children in the development phase between under-12 to under-16
• Required ball sizes for training and matches for each age group
• No changes to heading in matches, taking into consideration the limited number of headers in youth games

FA chief executive officer Mark Bullingham said: “This updated heading guidance is an evolution of our current guidelines and will help coaches and teachers to reduce and remove repetitive and unnecessary heading from youth football.

“Our research has shown that heading is rare in youth football matches, so this guidance is a responsible development to our grassroots coaching without impacting the enjoyment that children of all ages take from playing the game.”

Patrick Nelson, chief executive of the Irish FA, added: “Our football committee has reviewed and approved the new guidelines. As an association we believe this is the right direction of travel and are confident it will be good for the game, and those who play it.”

The Scottish FA’s chief executive, Ian Maxwell, commented: “While it is important to reemphasise there is no research to suggest that heading in younger age groups was a contributory factor in the findings of the FIELD study into professional footballers, nevertheless Scottish football has a duty of care to young people, their parents and those responsible for their wellbeing throughout youth football.

“The updated guidelines are designed to help coaches remove repetitive and unnecessary heading from youth football in the earliest years, with a phased introduction at an age group considered most appropriate by our medical experts. It is important to reassure that heading is rare in youth football matches, but we are clear that the guidelines should mitigate any potential risks.

“I would like to thank our colleagues at the English FA for their collaboration in this process and UEFA’s medical committee for their guidance.”