Some of the answers, say The FA’s Nick Levett are:
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Support for Smaller-Sided Games at U7s to U12s
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Less Focus on Competition and League Tables
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Strategies to Combat Age-Relative Effect (or Birth Bias)
The Roadshows up and down the country have been a phenomenal success and come on the back of over a year of consultation that forms part of The FA’s Youth Development review. The ‘Your Kids, Your Say’ event provided the opportunity for grassroots volunteers to hear the proposals being put forward and then discuss their implications. There was also the chance to ask questions of key FA staff and seek help and advice on overcoming some local challenges you might have. Many adult values are very different from children’s views and values and it is this that should drive our young player development system. If there are hurdles and challenges to be overcome then the football family needs to work together to achieve these, ensuring that we create the best possible opportunity and environment for young people to play, enjoy and learn the game of football.
Children’s football in England needs to be based on common sense, be exciting and innovative and be world-leading. We have a fantastic opportunity to be at the forefront of change and, whilst not forgetting the excellent work that the army of volunteers and parents do for children across the country, ensure that we all pull together in the same direction. Manchester FA are already working towards these new proposals with our affiliated leagues and clubs, and will be working closely with all of these over the next 6 months to ensure that the potential new formats of football will be implemented by all successfully.
Continual updates will appear on our website over the next few months into our work to implement these changes across Manchester.
Any questions in regards to the ‘YOUR KIDS YOUR SAY’ events and the review, please contact Lee Folkard via email lee.folkard@manchesterfa.com or ring our Football Development Team on 0161 203 2990 Option 2.
