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NEXXTGEN FOOTBALL CELEBRATES GRASSROOTS HEROES




Follow: @englandfootball


Who will you nominate for the Grassroots Football Awards? Acknowledge those devoted to the game.



The Grassroots Football Awards offer a chance to express gratitude to those dedicating their time to football. Volunteers who tirelessly contribute, rain or shine, deserve recognition for the significant and small moments they bring to the grassroots game.


By nominating them, you convey your appreciation for their time, energy, and innovative ideas that make the grassroots game exceptional. Let them know they are valued by everyone around them. Even a simple 'thank you' nomination makes them feel like a winner.


This year, the process is simpler. Share their story by informing us:


  • What they do and how it impresses you

  • How they make a difference in others' lives

  • Where they've had an impact in their community


Submit your nominations via the England Football website by April 3.


How the Awards Operate The awards encompass 12 categories, celebrating outstanding contributions from individuals, clubs, leagues, and projects in grassroots football.


  • Club of the Year

  • League of the Year

  • Match Official of the Year

  • Young Volunteer of the Year

  • New Volunteer of the Year

  • Coach of the Year - Female Pathway

  • Coach of the Year - Male Pathway

  • Coach of the Year - Disability Pathway

  • Grounds Team of the Year

  • The Lioness Award

  • Keeping Football Positive Award

  • Bobby Moore Award


Each County FA selects a local winner for each category from area nominations, forming a shortlist for national winners chosen by an FA judging panel.


Beyond heartfelt thanks, national 2024 Award winners will enjoy a unique experience.


Making Your Nomination Matter We aim to honour those embodying the best of football, applying these qualities to enrich local communities. Consider who impressed you, how they made a positive impact, and what they did to achieve it.


Let NexxtGen Football join you in celebrating these grassroots heroes.



Best wishes,



Protecting Young Hearts: NexxtGen Football Stands with CRY in the Fight Against Sudden Cardiac Deaths




The specter of sudden cardiac deaths casts a chilling shadow. This is not merely a statistical concern; it's a pressing issue that demands our unwavering attention. The gravity of this matter hit home during a poignant conversation with my good friend Antonis Tipper, a Cardiac Physiologist at North Middlesex Hospital, prompting a deep dive into the crucial work of CRY (Cardiac Risk in the Young).


Awareness: Shaping a Future


The first pillar in CRY's mission is awareness, a beacon guiding us towards early identification of those at risk. Heightening awareness isn't just about recognising the problem; it's about fostering a clinical environment that responds adeptly to the intricacies of inherited cardiac conditions in young individuals.


Screening: A Path to Securing Futures


Screening emerges as a cost-effective linchpin in this battle. Identifying young people at risk through comprehensive screening isn't merely an option; it's an imperative. The conditions, when detected early, can be treated, paving the way for a secure future for those identified. Every young person deserves the choice to undergo testing, a choice that could be life-changing.


Research: Illuminating the Path Forward


CRY's research program provides a unique vantage point, delving into general population-based data that allows insightful comparisons across athletes, ethnicities, and genders. This research not only contributes to a better understanding of what is normal for young people but also serves as a cornerstone for identifying and treating those at risk.


Support: Nurturing Hearts Beyond Diagnosis


The emotional aftermath of a sudden cardiac death is profound, affecting families in ways that are hard to quantify. CRY steps in, offering both emotional and clinical support to families navigating this challenging journey. Beyond the clinical realm, CRY becomes a beacon of solace for those affected.


NexxtGen Football's Full Support


NexxtGen Football wholeheartedly aligns with and supports the vital initiative undertaken by CRY. As we delve into the intricacies of cardiac screening, we acknowledge its pivotal role in unveiling potential risks and creating a roadmap for intervention. The collaboration with CRY is not merely a sponsorship; it's a shared commitment to the well-being of our young athletes.


Cardiac Screening: A Beacon of Hope


CRY's subsidised ECG and Echocardiogram screenings stand as beacons of hope for young people aged 14 to 35. A simple ECG test, when analysed by a cardiologist, can diagnose most cardiac abnormalities. For extra clarity, an Echocardiogram, a painless ultrasound scan, can provide further insights. Notably, if there has been a sudden death in the family of an individual under 35, the family is entitled to be screened on the NHS.


NexxtGen Football's Call to Action


NexxtGen Football urges every young person, every family, to consider the importance of cardiac screening. We stand united with CRY in emphasising the need for awareness, screening, research, and support. Together, we can transform this awareness into action, securing the futures of our young athletes and preventing the devastating impact of sudden cardiac deaths. Let's champion the cause, not merely as football enthusiasts, but as guardians of young hearts.


Best wishes,




The Evolution of Football Rules: Ifab's Sin-Bin Trial and Blue Cards Explained




Football's governing body, Ifab, is set to embark on a trial introducing sin-binning players and the issuance of blue cards, a move poised to reshape the dynamics of the game. The announcement, expected later today, marks a significant step in exploring the potential expansion of sin-bins, traditionally used for dissent at grassroots levels, to now include cynical fouls.


The essence of the trial revolves around a player receiving a blue card from the referee and subsequently spending 10 minutes in the technical area. However, crucial details, such as the commencement date and the specific competitions involved, remain undisclosed.


The Premier League has opted out of the initial trial rollout, stating its reluctance to participate. Similarly, Fifa, football's world governing body, refuted claims of implementing the so-called 'blue card' at elite levels, deeming them premature. Fifa emphasised the need for any trials to be conducted responsibly at lower levels, intending to reinforce this stance during the Ifab AGM scheduled for March 1.


Ifab, the International Football Association Board, will convene its annual meeting at Loch Lomond in Scotland in March. The agenda includes discussions about sin-bin trials at higher levels of the game, signifying a potential paradigm shift in football regulations.


The concept of sin-bins was initially piloted in the 2018-19 season, demonstrating a commendable 38% reduction in dissent across 31 leagues, according to the Football Association. Subsequently, these measures were introduced across all levels of grassroots football starting from the 2019-20 season, with the aim of fostering respect and fair play.


The rule change extended to step five of the National League system and tier three and below in women's football. "I believe there is frustration for fans watching games when they see a promising counter-attack that's ruined by that [a tactical foul]," expressed Mark Bullingham, the FA chief executive. He added, "The question of whether a yellow card is sufficient for that has led to us looking at whether that should be involved in the protocol as well."


As football evolves, so do its rules, and the Ifab sin-bin trial signifies a proactive approach to addressing nuances in player behavior, dissent, and tactical fouls. The outcome of this trial could potentially reshape the future landscape of football regulations and the way the beautiful game is played and officiated.


Best wishes.




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