Kids Footy

[gonzo]

49 minutes ago, DazBob said:

Hope he left a turd somewhere.

Told him to scrawl Munich 58 on any surface he deemed fit.

[batton carrier]

On 16/02/2025 at 12:40, gonzo said:

Message off my lads (Harley) under 11s manager (current) on the parents what's app group. 

You thought we have dramatic breakdowns in this place

Have a pint lad ffs.

 

 

 

*15th Feb Away to Thornton Cobras 2-1 Loss*

 

We win as a team and we lose as a team.

So many areas where we a failing as a team, the most repetitive words those kids will tell you I say is PRESS yet they give the opposition time and yards and we get punished for it.

 

We are passing to our players who are stood next to an opposition player and losing the ball every time, this is the fault of both individual players at that time, don't pass to a player who's not in space and if you're not in space then get in space.

 

These are very simple aspects of football that at this age should be second nature.

 

Nearly every one of our throw-ins were foul but not picked up by the ref, shortly these will be given straight to the opposition to take the throw.

 

I took off individuals today to demonstrate what they hadn't done so hopefully next time won't make the same mistakes, however after been at this year's now I'm not holding my breath.

 

In training we are giving a simple instruction and 5 seconds later what's been said has gone right out of the window, too many "friends" are spending too long during the session playing with other so from now on first instance and they have to go home for the night, it's not fair on everyone else including myself and Andy.

 

I think, pray and hope I've identified our leak at the back and see a massive improvement next week.

 

I want zero instruction from parents because it's counter productive, if a parent wants to Coach there's mountains of opportunities to do so, I squirmed and coached so much from the sidelines I had to jump in BUT it's our style of Football I want the kids playing and not everybody else's.

 

Next few weeks of Training will be direct gameplay situations and will stay that way until it's second nature.

 

We have 14 players and regardless of who was here first etc etc everyone is fighting now for time on the pitch and starting position and this all starts with training on Wednesday.

 

I'm not going to apologise for this massive rant because we put a lot of time and effort into this and to week in week out have to scratch our heads and be forced into shouting instruction on the sidelines isn't cutting in anymore.

 

Football really is a simple game if you listen, learn and play like you want to be there. We aren't seeing this in certain players and it needs to stop.

 

Football isn't a game for the weak, feeble or fearful it's a full on contact sport where you have to leave everything on the sidelines, get on the pitch and get stuck in.

 

I've been here before with a rant like this and ended up hauled in front of Welfare. If anyone wants to talk individually about their child, feel free to message me and I will give you my honest appraisal and where I want to see improvement.

 

 *GOALS*

Joey ⚽️

 

 *Opposition Managers:* Kimaya, Well deserved, she gives her all on the pitch so well done.

 *Parents Player:* Harley, had a great game again today, and noticed by me keeping him on the pitch, play hard you don't come off, it's simple.

 *Managers Player:* Lots of positional errors by Niamh today which I am working BUT her strength when surrounded by 4 players and ability, grit and determination to hold players off and keep trying to play forward is what I want from everyone 

 

Enjoy the rest of your weekend, we held them back from our last encounter at 4-1 BUT they should never be beating us.

 

 

 

Move your lad on. I did it with my daughter a few times in the early days. Don't make a big drama out of moving as grass roots footy seems to be a small world. 

My daughter is 24 now and loves the game. At 15 she nearly quit. I persuaded her to push herself and she trialed at a team 2 leagues up. She cried on the way there . 2 hours later she was offered pre season trials  ,in the summer of the following year she was playing in a tournament in dallas. Don't be afraid to move him pal there are so many mini  mouriniho's and pocket peps at grass roots . They ruin the game,I think they are worse than the parents. 

[Dr Faustus]

Lads had a tournament today; U15s Potteries Cup. Beat Stoke 2-0 in final, also beat QPR and Wigan (GTFI!!), 3 clean sheets, 2 goals conceded- 2 pens saved… they decided against handing out individual awards for player and keeper of the tournament

Hoping for a more official pic… preferably without the gang signs 😂

 

Edited February 19, 2025 by Dr Faustus

[boltonboris]

So the consultation period is now over (not sure who was consulted) and they're pressing on with the new format from next season. Leagues do not have the autonomy to make their own decisions on whether or not they implement it, as it's mandated.

u5 - u7 is 3v3

u8 - u9 is 5v5

u10 - u11 is 7v7 

u12 - u13 is 9v9

u14 and above is 11v11

I don't fundamentally disagree with all of it, but I do think the phasing should be longer. There will be u11 teams cutting to 9v9 and under 9 teams who have recruited for 11v11 having to scale that back

Some kids will be left behind and will most likely quit

Clubs costs are going to increase, as they'll need more coaches and probably more equipment

FA are also putting the rates up for the Coaching courses (funny that)

The rest of Europe is going the other way, with younger players being encouraged to play on bigger pitches with more players, taking throws etc. We don't really have the infrastructure, or the willingness to invest in this to make it as successful as it could be.

I think mainly, young kids love being in a team more than they love playing football and this takes a lot of that social element away, which is crucial for building character. I think they're more focused on building footballers than functioning, sociable young people now..

3v3 (especially) and 5v5 is shite too in my opinion. Very limiting and shit coaches who at those ages are just about winning and fuck all else will limit opportunities for kids 

[Whitesince63]

Absolutely ridiculous to me. My granddaughter is in the under nine’s which at the moment is 7v7 but being cut to 5v5. Why, the girls love it and 7 a side seems so suitable for them. There are currently 11 in her squad which was going to be reduced to 9 but heaven knows what it will be now as they can’t have two teams because who will coach them? I’m sure there’s a reason for this but I must admit that I can’t see it? 

[Dr Faustus]

32 minutes ago, Whitesince63 said:

Absolutely ridiculous to me. My granddaughter is in the under nine’s which at the moment is 7v7 but being cut to 5v5. Why, the girls love it and 7 a side seems so suitable for them. There are currently 11 in her squad which was going to be reduced to 9 but heaven knows what it will be now as they can’t have two teams because who will coach them? I’m sure there’s a reason for this but I must admit that I can’t see it? 

you're not entirely accurate; there will be no cut for your granddaughters team. the changes dont take place until 26/27 season, at which point they'll be U11s, so playing 7v7 for year before 9v9.

i don't think any team will be cut- the biggest change will be at u7s which will introduce 3v3s which I play anyway at that age- my current U6s will still play 5v5 when they enter the league. 3v3s will probably have mini goals and across half a 5v5 pitch, one manager from each side over seeing the games, so more will be playing.

its no bombshell- its been coming for years, kids will still be in clubs, and should get more game time at a younger age and develop fundamental skills rather than being given a position years before they have any physical traits. the challenge as ever will be the lack of volunteers and suitable facilities.

[Dr Faustus]

full details are here for those interested

 

https://thefa.shorthandstories.com/futurefit/index.html?sc_src=email_6029239&sc_lid=623076167&sc_uid=c071y0rwg3&sc_llid=161422

[gonzo]

Every club will end up with 8 or 9 teams at those younger ages.

That's a lot of coaches and pitches required.

[desperado]

27 minutes ago, gonzo said:

Every club will end up with 8 or 9 teams at those younger ages.

That's a lot of coaches and pitches required.

That’s the reality unfortunately.

Great on paper for the DNA of kids developing.

But those volunteers and pitches are not going to come easy

[Dr Faustus]

34 minutes ago, desperado said:

That’s the reality unfortunately.

Great on paper for the DNA of kids developing.

But those volunteers and pitches are not going to come easy

In theory a 5v5 team becomes two 3v3, so a squad of say 8 has one sub which rotates. It’s non competitive, so ideally one manager from each side would oversee the game; we usually have a coach and an assistant so it’s not an issue. Push comes to shove, a parent undergoes a DBS to help… at that age overall result really doesn’t matter- if you care about a victory that much play 8 5 min games.

The 5v5 pitch gets flipped on its side; no goalkeepers, bazooka goals. As long as no nob head parents it will be fine.

That said… I’m coaching U5/6s in the morning in a 5v5 format ready for next season; won’t be relevant for the younger ones, but still a good experience to pull on a kit and maybe score that first goal. I’m then refereeing U10s as a favour- @royal white better be on his best behaviour 😂

[desperado]

15 minutes ago, Dr Faustus said:

In theory a 5v5 team becomes two 3v3, so a squad of say 8 has one sub which rotates. It’s non competitive, so ideally one manager from each side would oversee the game; we usually have a coach and an assistant so it’s not an issue. Push comes to shove, a parent undergoes a DBS to help… at that age overall result really doesn’t matter- if you care about a victory that much play 8 5 min games.

The 5v5 pitch gets flipped on its side; no goalkeepers, bazooka goals. As long as no nob head parents it will be fine.

That said… I’m coaching U5/6s in the morning in a 5v5 format ready for next season; won’t be relevant for the younger ones, but still a good experience to pull on a kit and maybe score that first goal. I’m then refereeing U10s as a favour- @royal white better be on his best behaviour 😂

Love your dedication mate.

I was there for 10 years. Day job followed by volunteer, it’s a tough gig.

It’s going to need plenty of people like you to make it work.

Fingers crossed they are out there.

[Stig]

3 hours ago, Dr Faustus said:

you're not entirely accurate; there will be no cut for your granddaughters team. the changes dont take place until 26/27 season, at which point they'll be U11s, so playing 7v7 for year before 9v9.

i don't think any team will be cut- the biggest change will be at u7s which will introduce 3v3s which I play anyway at that age- my current U6s will still play 5v5 when they enter the league. 3v3s will probably have mini goals and across half a 5v5 pitch, one manager from each side over seeing the games, so more will be playing.

its no bombshell- its been coming for years, kids will still be in clubs, and should get more game time at a younger age and develop fundamental skills rather than being given a position years before they have any physical traits. the challenge as ever will be the lack of volunteers and suitable facilities.

Correct. These changes aren't coming in till season after next. And tbh I'm not against smaller sides games for longer.

However, 3v3 at u7 isn't a good move imo. All it will lead to is:

-bigger/more skillful kids dominating the ball at the first age group

-fewer kids playing football in the long run as teams trim their squads a touch to suit 3v3 games because they can't get coaches and pitches to run double teams for one year

This is a change designed to help the best kids at u7 get even more time on the ball and develop faster, but it's not one to increase participation in the game. Let alone build teamwork or friendship skills in kids.

I'm against it.

[gonzo]

What happened to kids just wanting a game of footy.

Both my lads love playing. Will never be professional or close to it. All about just being in a team for them, getting the kit on and enjoying being of the beautiful game.

Not sure being coached to death on 3v3 drills is the answer. 

OK for academies like.

[batton carrier]

31 minutes ago, gonzo said:

What happened to kids just wanting a game of footy.

Both my lads love playing. Will never be professional or close to it. All about just being in a team for them, getting the kit on and enjoying being of the beautiful game.

Not sure being coached to death on 3v3 drills is the answer. 

OK for academies like.

It has been wrong for years.  Coaches playing their own kids or being overly obsessed with winning.  Parent  politics and cliques wrecking it.  The better kids will always end up playing in better teams as they mature but while they are little thay just enjoy playing with their mates and that is how it should be. 

To many dads ( coaches) get their level 1 and think that makes em the next pep when In reality they are no better than a water carrier with a badge. 

Grass roots is not a nice place

[Casino]

5 hours ago, boltonboris said:

So the consultation period is now over (not sure who was consulted) and they're pressing on with the new format from next season. Leagues do not have the autonomy to make their own decisions on whether or not they implement it, as it's mandated.

u5 - u7 is 3v3

u8 - u9 is 5v5

u10 - u11 is 7v7 

u12 - u13 is 9v9

u14 and above is 11v11

I don't fundamentally disagree with all of it, but I do think the phasing should be longer. There will be u11 teams cutting to 9v9 and under 9 teams who have recruited for 11v11 having to scale that back

Some kids will be left behind and will most likely quit

Clubs costs are going to increase, as they'll need more coaches and probably more equipment

FA are also putting the rates up for the Coaching courses (funny that)

The rest of Europe is going the other way, with younger players being encouraged to play on bigger pitches with more players, taking throws etc. We don't really have the infrastructure, or the willingness to invest in this to make it as successful as it could be.

I think mainly, young kids love being in a team more than they love playing football and this takes a lot of that social element away, which is crucial for building character. I think they're more focused on building footballers than functioning, sociable young people now..

3v3 (especially) and 5v5 is shite too in my opinion. Very limiting and shit coaches who at those ages are just about winning and fuck all else will limit opportunities for kids 

I ran a team just so some kids had a team

My issue, poss cos my lad wanted to be jussi, was the size of the goals

Always, way too big

[Dr Faustus]

1 hour ago, gonzo said:

What happened to kids just wanting a game of footy.

Both my lads love playing. Will never be professional or close to it. All about just being in a team for them, getting the kit on and enjoying being of the beautiful game.

Not sure being coached to death on 3v3 drills is the answer. 

OK for academies like.

This is something I’ve been thinking about. I could hire a couple of 5g 7v7 pitches for £80 an hour. Invite kids to come down and play either 5v5, 6v6, 7v7 up to a maximum of 35 kids. They all play equal game time, teams are decided on the day, they all wear the shirt. Every week you have a tournament winner, we record goals so we can say ‘Billy scored 48 goals last seasonz’ they wear a shirt, have the end of season presentation… still have a kickabout, but feel part of a club if they want to- mixed ages as we did as kids. Mixture of structured, casual and sprinkle of coaching… either a gateway, additional, or just a bit of fun… all football 
 

Fiver a kid, for at least 50 mins football

I use my coaching students to oversee the games, they get a £15 for an hours work. 

Could turn £50 an hour to go back into club, or my back pocket if I did it private.

No massive commitment, no running away with things, no getting battered every week

Just pay and play 

 

[Dr Faustus]

22 minutes ago, Casino said:

I ran a team just so some kids had a team

My issue, poss cos my lad wanted to be jussi, was the size of the goals

Always, way too big

Dunno how far back you’re going, but now 5v5 and 7v7 have 6ft goals, change at 9v9 before full sized at U12- now be U14s to avoid this.

Watching Salford City U12s in a full size pitch/goals is ridiculous

 

[Whitesince63]

5 hours ago, Dr Faustus said:

you're not entirely accurate; there will be no cut for your granddaughters team. the changes dont take place until 26/27 season, at which point they'll be U11s, so playing 7v7 for year before 9v9.

i don't think any team will be cut- the biggest change will be at u7s which will introduce 3v3s which I play anyway at that age- my current U6s will still play 5v5 when they enter the league. 3v3s will probably have mini goals and across half a 5v5 pitch, one manager from each side over seeing the games, so more will be playing.

its no bombshell- its been coming for years, kids will still be in clubs, and should get more game time at a younger age and develop fundamental skills rather than being given a position years before they have any physical traits. the challenge as ever will be the lack of volunteers and suitable facilities.

Ah, thanks for clarifying, that’s good to know. 👍

[Casino]

12 hours ago, Dr Faustus said:

Dunno how far back you’re going, but now 5v5 and 7v7 have 6ft goals, change at 9v9 before full sized at U12- now be U14s to avoid this.

Watching Salford City U12s in a full size pitch/goals is ridiculous

 

Hes 25

[Dr Faustus]

This week I’ve covered near 125000 steps, coached 40+ different kids aged 4-13, refereed one game and given 9 U4/U5s their first taste of  ‘organised’ football, a few scoring their first ever goal. I’ve tied about 12 shoelaces, and argued with parents who fail to understand we don’t have goal line technology at U10s, and that the whole ball needs to cross the line… something I doubt they can tell from 30 yards and an acute angle.

Good few days

 

[gonzo]

Arrived at Thornton Reds for the biggest game of season only for it to be called off. Waterlogged pitch.

I'm thinking someone should invent some kind of weather predicting/forecast system where someone could maybe have read that it was 100% rainfall from midnight last night till 10pm today, all going on to an already sodden pitch.

Just a thought like.

[Dr Faustus]

You’re the ref - what do you give?

[gonzo]

4 minutes ago, Dr Faustus said:

You’re the ref - what do you give?

IMG_3691.MOV

In today's game that's a free kick and a yellow.

[royal white]

5 hours ago, Dr Faustus said:

This week I’ve covered near 125000 steps, coached 40+ different kids aged 4-13, refereed one game and given 9 U4/U5s their first taste of  ‘organised’ football, a few scoring their first ever goal. I’ve tied about 12 shoelaces, and argued with parents who fail to understand we don’t have goal line technology at U10s, and that the whole ball needs to cross the line… something I doubt they can tell from 30 yards and an acute angle.

Good few days

 

Good to be part of some of your week mate 😂I did like your little flash! “If someone else wants the whistle I’ll go to the shammy” classic (though I doubt their fans would of had a clue what the shammy is 😂)

[Dr Faustus]

7 minutes ago, royal white said:

Good to be part of some of your week mate 😂I did like your little flash! “If someone else wants the whistle I’ll go to the shammy” classic (though I doubt their fans would of had a clue what the shammy is 😂)

Defo didn’t have a clue 😂