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The National Grassroots Football Show 2025: Celebrating the Heart of Football



Grassroots football is the beating heart of the sport, shaping young players, fostering community spirit, and providing opportunities for all. This summer, The National Grassroots Football Show 2025 will bring together football enthusiasts from across the UK for a two-day event at the NEC in Birmingham, designed to educate, inspire, and celebrate everything that makes grassroots football special.


Taking place on Saturday 19th and Sunday 20th July 2025, this first-of-its-kind event will feature workshops, seminars, skills sessions, and networking opportunities, making it the ultimate gathering for players, coaches, club officials, parents, and football fans of all ages.



Whether you’re a coach looking for fresh ideas, a parent supporting a young player, or a club official keen to connect with industry experts, this event will offer something for everyone.



What to Expect at The National Grassroots Football Show 2025


The show promises a packed itinerary, ensuring attendees can immerse themselves in the grassroots football community while learning from some of the best minds in the game.


Workshops & Seminars


A key highlight of the event will be the range of workshops and seminars, covering everything from coaching techniques to player development and football pathways. Some of the standout sessions include:


  • Mike Phelan Coaching Workshop – Former Manchester United coach Mike Phelan will lead action-packed workshops, offering tips and skills advice for budding footballers and coaches alike.

  • Cameron Jerome Striker Workshop – Learn from former professional footballer Cameron Jerome in a specialist finishing session, designed to help young players sharpen their goal-scoring instincts.

  • Jamie Atkins – What Scouts Look For – Professional football scout Jamie Atkins will provide insights into what scouts look for in grassroots and academy players, helping young talents understand how to stand out.

  • Sam Brown – Dedicated Girls Workshop – A session focused on developing female players, ensuring they receive the same opportunities and support as their male counterparts.

  • Dr Chris Platts – Navigating Professional Football – Helping parents, guardians, and players understand the complexities of professional football, from contracts to career progression.

  • Bobby Copping – Resilience in Football – Former professional footballer Bobby Copping will share his story of resilience, following his early retirement due to injury.

  • Judith McMinn – Protective Headwear in Football – Founder of Rezon Halos, Judith McMinn will discuss how protective headwear can significantly reduce brain injuries in sport.

  • Stuart McClarty – Academy Coaching Insights – Premier League Category 1 Academy Coach Stuart McClarty will pass on his experience and expertise, helping young players refine their skills.

  • Nicola Pickford – ACL Injuries in Women’s Football – Elite Athlete Physiotherapist Nicola Pickford will discuss ACL injuries in the women’s game, offering advice on prevention and recovery.




Interactive Zones & Live Demonstrations


Beyond the seminars, attendees can test their skills in interactive demo areas, take part in live grassroots tournaments, and meet legends of the game. The event will also feature a Euro fan zone, where fans can cheer on the Lionesses in their latest fixtures.



Exhibition & Networking Opportunities


The show will host a large-scale exhibition, covering six key zones:


  • Girls & Women’s Football

  • Health & Wellness

  • Community Initiatives

  • Trade Innovation

  • Coaching & Training

  • Football Technology


With over 14,000 grassroots football players, parents, club officials, coaches, and fans expected to attend, this event is a prime opportunity to network, learn, and celebrate the sport.


Be Part of Grassroots Football’s Biggest Event


Tickets for The National Grassroots Football Show 2025 are available now for £20 per person, per day, including VAT and booking fees.



This is your chance to immerse yourself in the grassroots football community, learn from industry leaders, and connect with fellow enthusiasts who share your passion for the game.


Together, we can ensure that grassroots football continues to thrive—providing opportunities, inspiring the next generation, and strengthening the footballing community from the ground up.

Come and be part of it!











💬 From the Touchline – "More Than Just the Manager"



By Steve Halls | NexxtGen Football Founder & Spurs Supporter


As someone who’s lived and breathed Tottenham Hotspur for as long as I can remember, it’s not easy to admit — but right now, we feel lost. Completely lost.


I’ve supported this club through the highs and the painful lows, but what we’re watching unfold right now isn’t just a dip in form — it’s a complete lack of identity, hunger, and cohesion. And while the manager, Ange Postecoglou, rightly shoulders some of the blame, it goes much deeper than that.


💢 Where’s the Fight?


Let’s be real: our Premier League season is done. Top four? Gone. Pride? In question. And yet, you’d expect a team like Tottenham to still turn up and show some fight — even when there’s not much left to play for. But instead, we’re watching players stroll through games. Where’s the grit? Where’s the response?


On the pitch, we look rudderless. Off the pitch, there’s an eerie silence. It's as if the lights are still on at Hotspur Way, but no one’s home. And for a club of our size, that’s not just frustrating — it’s unacceptable.


⚠️ Have the Players Stopped Playing for Ange?


It’s a valid question now. Just months ago, Ange was being hailed as the answer — bold, charismatic, and committed to attacking football. And to be fair, his start was excellent. We all bought in. The fans sang his name. The atmosphere was electric.


But football is a results business, and it feels like the honeymoon is well and truly over. The players don’t seem to be responding. The intensity, the structure, even the belief — it’s all faded. Has the message gone stale already? Or has the squad simply downed tools?


If we fail to get past Eintracht Frankfurt on Thursday night in Europe, you’d have to think Ange’s future will be under serious scrutiny. Whether that’s fair or not is up for debate, but the reality is that this fanbase is growing tired. Fast.


🧱 This Squad Is Not Good Enough


Let’s not sugarcoat it — the quality of our squad is nowhere near the level we aspire to be. We’re relying too heavily on individuals rather than a cohesive unit. Too many signings haven’t worked. Too many players have gone missing when it matters most.


We’ve failed to replace key leaders. Our midfield lacks bite. Our defence is brittle. And as much as I want to back every single player who pulls on the lilywhite shirt, the truth is many of them aren’t up to the standard this club demands.


💭 What’s Next?


The Europa Conference League tie against Frankfurt has become more than just a European night — it’s now symbolic. Progress, and Ange might just cling onto something to build upon. Crash out, and the questions get louder. The pressure mounts. And the trust starts to unravel.

But again — this isn’t just about the manager. This is about recruitment. It’s about leadership. It’s about having a vision. A philosophy. A club identity that goes deeper than just a press conference or a passing quote.


The fans deserve more. The badge deserves more. And above all, Tottenham Hotspur deserves more.


Come on you Spurs. Prove us wrong.


—Steve Halls is an FA qualified football coach, player representative, and founder of NexxtGen Football. A lifelong Spurs fan, Steve also works closely with local clubs in Hertfordshire to develop young footballers and grassroots coaches alike.


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Juventus Eyes Coppa Italia Triumph: Allegri Optimistic Ahead of Final Showdown




As the excitement builds for the Coppa Italia final between Atalanta and Juventus, anticipation is high as the Bianconeri aim to secure silverware in what has been a challenging season.


Tonight at the Stadio Olimpico in Rome, Juventus will face Atalanta in a highly anticipated clash. For coach Max Allegri, this final presents an opportunity to end his trophy drought since his return to Turin, and possibly his last chance to do so before departing at the end of the season.


Reflecting on the significance of the final, Steve Halls, founder of NexxtGen Group, expressed optimism about Juventus' chances. "This final is a crucial moment for Juventus. It's not just about winning the Coppa Italia, but also about setting a positive tone for the future. As investors in Juventus, we're excited about the potential for success and the positive impact it could have on the club."


Despite recent disappointing results, Allegri remains optimistic, citing the team's high morale following Champions League qualification in his press conference yesterday.


"As we approach tomorrow evening's match, we're in a good state, having secured Champions League qualification with two matchdays left in the season," remarked Allegri. "We'll leave everything on the pitch with lucidity and calmness."


Acknowledging the challenge posed by Atalanta, Allegri praised their technical prowess. "Atalanta are a team with great technical qualities. We'll need to manage the match with patience and calmness," he added.


Reflecting on the significance of reaching the final, Allegri emphasised the importance of seizing the opportunity. "Participating in the final is an achievement in itself. Now that we're here, we'll do everything to win it," he affirmed.


Allegri also hinted at potential lineup changes, with Hans Nicolussi Caviglia being considered as a replacement for the suspended Manuel Locatelli.


"As we make final assessments, I'll consider all options, including Nicolussi Caviglia. We must be prepared for any scenario," he explained.


As the excitement builds for the Coppa Italia final, Juventus fans eagerly anticipate a memorable showdown at the Stadio Olimpico.


As you may recall, NexxtGen made a small investment in Juventus in mid-April, which has seen a nice +5% return so far.





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