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Report hate and protect our game




ENOUGH IS ENOUGH

Together we can end hate in football

In grassroots football, hate has many faces

Hate reveals itself in players, in coaches, in spectators. It ruins the experience for everyone who’s there just to enjoy the game.

Report hate and protect our game

Too often, people who don’t want to make a scene feel they have no option but to stand by and let it happen. Until now. 

We’ll take action when you tell us

As our eyes and ears on the ground, we’re asking you tell us every time you see hate happening. You can report it anonymously if you wish, your report will always be confidential. When we know about it, we can take the tough action needed to remove the haters, with tougher sanctions than ever before.

Only when you do your part can we do ours 

Together, we can protect our game. It means not standing by or relying on others. It means stepping up by reporting abusive behaviour every time it happens, whenever and wherever you experience it.

When you report hate, we can take the steps needed to remove it, and together can protect the game we love.



What counts as hate?

In grassroots football, hate is verbal abuse, insulting gestures or prejudicial behaviour. Racism, sexism and homophobia are the most common hate incidents we hear about, but we want to hear about any form of discriminatory behaviour any time it happens. If it feels wrong to you, it will to others too.

What are the punishments?

Let us be clear, we will take the strongest action against those who ruin the game for others. Tough punishments for players, coaches and spectators – and anyone else – who behave in discriminatory ways include:

• Players will be removed from play • Players will be suspended for games • Clubs can have points deducted • Clubs can have their ground closed • Spectators will be asked to leave

Remember, reporting hate is the first step to removing it and protecting the game we love.

How do I report hate?

We need you to report abusive behaviour every time you experience it. Only then will we know it’s happened. Only then can we act to remove it.


You can report hate anonymously if you wish, or you can give us your name along with your evidence. This gives us a better chance of successfully punishing offenders. When you do your part, you can rely on us to do ours.


You can report anything you don’t like at any time, even after the match has finished. To make this easy, here are four ways of telling us:


• To report it to The FA click here • To report it to Kick It Out click here • Report it to your County FA • Report it to a Match Official




What support is available?

If you are a victim of hate or discriminatory abuse, we make specialist support available to you. Funded by The FA, this a range of mental health and emotional well-being services delivered by the charity Sporting Chance.

You will have access to between one and six counselling sessions, with extra sessions considered on an exceptional basis. These are face-to-face within 45 minutes of where you live, or by online platforms. The sessions:

• start with an assessment of how the incident has affected you, followed by a confidential and safe talking space with a skilled therapist

• then focus on assisting you in contextualising the incident in the context of your broader life

• will be followed by teaching on self-care


Together we can stop HATE!



Maintaining Your Well-Being as a Football Coach




At NexxtGen Football, we believe that when you’re at your best, you’re able to give your best. Balancing the pressures of coaching and everyday life can be tough, but maintaining your well-being is essential for both your mental health and the success of your team.


Why is Maintaining Your Well-Being Important?


Your well-being is how you feel in yourself, physically, mentally, and emotionally. When your well-being is balanced, you approach coaching with a positive mindset, which helps you navigate the ups and downs of the sport.


Good well-being doesn’t mean you’re always on top of the world. It means recognising when you’re not at your best and taking action to make positive changes. It allows you to face challenges head-on without letting them affect your mental health.


Looking after your own well-being also sets a strong example for your players. It shows them the importance of self-care and resilience, both on and off the field.


What Can Impact a Coach’s Well-Being?


At every level of football, coaches face pressure and high expectations. This is especially true in grassroots football, where coaches often wear many hats. Balancing your own job, family responsibilities, match day logistics, and player management can be overwhelming.


For grassroots coaches, trying to meet everyone's needs—parents, players, and the club—while staying organised can take a toll on your well-being. It’s important to find ways to manage these pressures to avoid burnout.


Tips for Improving Your Well-Being


Here are some strategies to help you maintain your well-being as a coach:

  • Prioritise your well-being: Take care of yourself first before handling coaching tasks.

  • Get enough rest: Prioritise sleep to ensure you have the energy to coach effectively.

  • Eat well: Fuel your body with a healthy, balanced diet.

  • Live in the moment: Avoid dwelling on past mistakes or future worries.

  • Communicate openly: Talk to others rather than bottling up stress.

  • Make time for yourself: Whether it’s pursuing a hobby or going for a walk, allow yourself downtime.

  • Delegate responsibilities: Share the load with assistants, parents, or even your players.

  • Set realistic goals: Understand what you can achieve in the time you have.

  • Let go of perfectionism: Accept that not everything has to be flawless.


Understanding Your Well-Being


Being mindful of your well-being means regularly checking in with yourself. How are you feeling today? What’s going well, and what isn’t? When you feel drained, take steps to recharge—whether that’s taking a break or asking for help.


It’s important not to be too hard on yourself. There are always going to be things outside your control. Focus on what you can influence, and let go of the rest.


By prioritising your well-being, you set a powerful example for your players. Don’t be afraid to show vulnerability—doing so fosters a supportive environment where players feel safe to express their own emotions.


Support for Coaches


As a coach, whether you have formal support networks or not, talking to others is key. Build connections with your peers, fellow coaches, and trusted friends. Starting open, non-judgmental conversations can help relieve stress and help you feel less isolated.





Staying Calm in Challenging Situations


Coaching football comes with many high-pressure moments—whether it’s handling upset parents, managing a tough loss, or facing criticism. Whatever the situation, staying calm is crucial. Here are some ways to stay grounded during stressful situations:


  • Prepare ahead of time: Whether it's your line-up or game plan, being well-prepared helps prevent last-minute stress.

  • Redefine success: Winning isn’t everything. Make sure players, parents, and others understand the team’s wider goals.

  • Have a strategy: Think through how you'll handle tricky scenarios before they happen.

  • Use calming techniques: If you feel tension rising, take a few deep breaths to center yourself.

  • Embrace the ups and downs: Tough moments are part of the journey, but they make the victories even sweeter.


At NexxtGen Football, we believe in the power of positive coaching and the importance of well-being for both coaches and players. By taking care of yourself, you’re creating a healthier, more positive environment for your entire team.

NexxtGen Football Announces Exciting New Partnership with Adidas




Learn more: https://bit.ly/nexxtgenadidas & follow @adidasfootball


NexxtGen Football is thrilled to announce a groundbreaking new partnership with Adidas, one of the world's leading sports brands. This collaboration comes at an opportune time as we gear up for the new season, ensuring our players have access to the very latest football boots and training wear.


About Adidas


Adidas has a rich history dating back to its founding in 1949 by Adi Dassler. The brand has become synonymous with innovation, quality, and excellence in sports apparel and equipment. Over the decades, Adidas has built a formidable reputation, particularly in the world of football. The iconic three stripes have been worn by some of the greatest athletes in history, making Adidas a household name across the globe.


Adidas Football


Adidas Football is at the forefront of the brand's success, consistently pushing the boundaries of football technology and design. Their range of football boots, including the iconic Predator, has set new standards in the sport. The Predator, first released in 1994, revolutionised football footwear with its unique rubberised zones designed to enhance control and swerve. This boot quickly became a favourite among top players and has seen numerous iterations over the years, each improving on the last.


Iconic Players and Sponsorships


Adidas has sponsored some of the most famous football players in history. Legends such as Zinedine Zidane, David Beckham, and Lionel Messi have all worn Adidas boots during their illustrious careers. The brand continues to support a new generation of stars, including Paul Pogba, Mohamed Salah, and Paulo Dybala, ensuring that the Adidas legacy remains strong on the world stage.





A Word from Steve Halls


Steve Halls, founder of NexxtGen Football, expressed his excitement about the new partnership:

"This collaboration with Adidas is a monumental step for NexxtGen Football. Adidas is a brand that resonates with excellence and innovation, qualities we strive to instil in our players. As we prepare for the new season, this partnership ensures our players will have access to the best football boots and training wear available. The timing couldn't be better, as our boys are eagerly looking forward to gearing up in the latest Adidas gear."


Halls continued, "We've always believed in providing our players with top-notch resources, and this partnership with Adidas takes it to the next level. The history and prestige of Adidas Football, especially with iconic products like the Predator boots, align perfectly with our mission to develop the next generation of football stars."


Visit Adidas Football


Explore the latest range of Adidas Football products here: Adidas Football


Disclaimer


We may receive a small commission for any Adidas products sold via our website.


This partnership marks the beginning of an exciting new chapter for NexxtGen Football. With Adidas by our side, we are confident that our players will not only perform their best but also feel inspired by the rich legacy of one of football's greatest brands. Stay tuned for more updates as we embark on this incredible journey together.


Steve Halls is an FA-qualified football coach and football consultant, generally working at grassroots level but hugely passionate about the beautiful game as a whole. Steve works closely with clubs in his local area and offers consultancy services, mentorship, and player representation.


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