Football Development

Long gone are the days when small kids played 11 a-side matches on full sized pitches. At junior level the game is almost unrecognizable these days and with good reason. Take a sneak peak at this video highlighting this need for change, in the way we school are children in the art of football.

When it comes to developing home grown talent, if we get the early years wrong, we're doomed. That's the reason why we believe in nurturing our kids abilities at a young age, focusing primarily on the enjoyment aspect of football. While at the same time incorporating specifically selected training regimes. Following the FA Youth Development Review, 'The FA' formalised their first amendments to the youth game in 2012.

The resources available for these changes can be found on our Downloads page.

The amendments are the result of over two years of research, consultations and listening to those players, staff, supporters involved in youth football.

The positive changes put in place, are to improve enjoyment, fun and development of young players. Whilst at the same time, allowing more touches, on a more proportionally sized football pitch and ultimately, increasing each players involvement in the game as a whole.

The amendments include changes to age groups, pitch size and laws of the game.

Law changes to Mini-Soccer introduced for the 2012-13 season, include a retreat line, the option of quarters for development matches and roll-ins for Under 7's & Under 8's.

This is about a modern, child-friendly approach to youth football, challenging the win-at-all-costs mentality that is stifling development and enjoyment for young people.