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🧗‍♂️ From the heights of Tottenham to the heart of the community



I’m abseiling from the roof of Tottenham Hotspur Stadium – and I need your support!

On 27 June 2025, I’ll be stepping out over the edge of one of the most iconic stadiums in world football to take on the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium Abseil Challenge – and I’m doing it in support of a cause that’s genuinely close to my heart.


Yes, that’s right… I’ll be harnessed up and free-falling down the side of the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium – all 50 metres of it (that’s about 164 feet, or roughly 27 of me stacked on top of each other). Not exactly how I pictured spending a Friday in June!


👉 Please consider donating to my fundraising page here:


Why I’m doing it


As a lifelong Spurs fan, grassroots football coach, and proud member of the Cheshunt community, I’ve always admired the work of the Tottenham Hotspur Foundation. Their commitment to creating opportunities and tackling inequality resonates deeply with me, and I’ve seen firsthand how football can inspire real change.


Growing up in Cheshunt, I had the privilege of watching Spurs players train just down the road at Brookfield Lane. I still remember catching glimpses of legends like Ray Clemence, Gary Mabbutt, Mark Falco, Glenn Hoddle, Clive Allen, Ossie Ardiles, and Ricky Villa. It was magical.


Fast-forward to today, and the Club’s state-of-the-art training complex now sits proudly just a few minutes away – a reminder of how strong the bond remains between Tottenham Hotspur and our local area. This challenge is my way of giving back.


What your support will help achieve


The Tottenham Hotspur Foundation is the official charity of the Club – and it’s not just about football. The Foundation delivers targeted programmes in education, employment, health, and community engagement, reaching over 10,000 individuals in 2024 alone.


Your donations go directly towards:


  • Helping young people into education, training, and employment

  • Supporting individuals with physical and mental health needs

  • Promoting healthy lifestyles and active communities

  • Improving access and inclusion for those living with disabilities

  • Tackling social inequality across North London and beyond


In 2024, the Foundation generated an incredible £20.4 million in social value. That’s what I’m supporting – and you can help me go even further.


👉 Donate now and support my descent (and the real climb for our communities):https://tottenhamhotspur.enthuse.com/pf/steve-halls


A view from the top


As part of this once-in-a-lifetime experience, I’ll also be taking part in the Dare Skywalk – a breathtaking tour around the stadium’s rooftop, offering panoramic views of London before the big drop. I’m not sure what will take my breath away more – the view or the fact I’ll be dangling from a rope shortly after!


Some people do this for thrills. Some to conquer a fear. Others for the story. For me, it’s a mix of all three – but most importantly, it’s about supporting a charity that builds brighter futures, one opportunity at a time.


👉 Come on, let’s make it count – donate here:


Final whistle


Whether you give £5 or £50, every single donation goes towards empowering those who need it most. Together, we can support young people, promote health and wellbeing, and help build stronger, more inclusive communities.


And if nothing else, you’ll have the satisfaction of knowing you played your part while I was hanging off the roof of the stadium I love most. COYS!


Thank you in advance for your kindness and generosity.


Steve Halls— Lifelong Spurs fan, grassroots coach, local lad… reluctant abseiler!


👉 My official fundraising link (please share it far and wide!): https://tottenhamhotspur.enthuse.com/pf/steve-halls











Archie’s story: where work rate meets recognition



This season has been a real journey for Archie — full of challenges, growth, and proud moments that reflect both his footballing ability and his character.


He began the 2024/25 campaign with Wormley Rovers Whites in Division 5 of the Mid Herts League. However, early results saw the team placed into Division 6, where the competition was more appropriate for the squad’s development stage. Archie worked hard to make his mark, scoring six goals in eleven appearances for Wormley. While there were some positive moments, it became clear over time that Wormley wasn’t quite the right fit for Archie in terms of style, structure, and environment.


With that in mind, we made the decision to return him to familiar surroundings — back to CHARS Youth U12 Blues, the club where he had previously played and developed.


It proved to be the right move.


Archie slotted straight back in, contributing not just as a striker but also showing his versatility by playing out wide and, at times, even dropping into defence when the team needed him. Despite playing deeper on multiple occasions, he still managed to score eight goals in fourteen games for CHARS — bringing his overall tally for the season to fourteen goals in twenty-five games.


"Football’s not just about talent — it’s about attitude, resilience and how you treat those around you. Archie showed all of that this season."

That’s a very respectable return, especially given the mix of positions he played, and a testament to his work rate, football intelligence, and team-first mentality.


The highlight of the season came at the CHARS Youth FC Presentation Evening, where Archie was awarded Players' Player of the Year. 🏆


This is such a special honour — not chosen by coaches or parents, but voted for by his teammates. It shows how much his peers value his contribution on and off the pitch. His positive attitude, consistent effort, and support for others clearly didn’t go unnoticed.


As a parent, I couldn't be prouder of how he has handled the ups and downs of the season — always giving 100%, never complaining, and showing maturity beyond his years.


Well done Archie — you’ve earned every bit of it. Here’s to an even bigger 2025/26 season ahead! 👏⚽️💪


Best wishes,












End of the Season – So What’s Next?

Updated: May 18



As another grassroots football season comes to a close, the pitches across Hertfordshire and beyond fall silent—boots hung up (briefly), medals handed out, and the parents’ WhatsApp groups quietening after months of sideline buzz. But for many families, the question soon returns, often framed with pride but also uncertainty:


“My child’s been brilliant this season—they've played their socks off. Surely, they should be at a higher level! What’s next?”

It’s a question I’m asked every year, often by parents whose children have shown tremendous dedication and progress over the course of the season. And it’s an important one. Because while football at this age should be about enjoyment and development, it’s natural for ambitious players (and parents) to wonder whether a step up to a more competitive level—such as the Emerald or Premier League divisions—is the right move.


But before we look at what to do, let’s take a moment to reflect on the why.


⚽ Youth development is not a race


The football world is full of stories of early bloomers and late developers. Some children dominate at U9 but fade by U13; others struggle at U10 but go on to make academy breakthroughs at U15. The journey is not linear. The key is recognising that player development should be player-centred—focused on the long-term needs, confidence, and readiness of the child.


While promotions and accolades are great, they are secondary to confidence, resilience, skill acquisition, and—most importantly—a love for the game.


🔍 Is it the right time to step up?


A jump from a mid or lower-tier grassroots team to a top Emerald or Premier League side can be transformative—but it can also be damaging if the timing or environment isn’t right.


Here are some key considerations to help evaluate the next move:


1. Confidence vs. Competence

  • A player might be technically gifted, but are they emotionally ready to face tougher competition, higher expectations, and possibly reduced playing time?

  • Confidence is fragile at these ages. A move up should build it—not break it.


2. The standard gap

  • Going from Division 5 to Premier League can be a leap. Is the gap in physicality, speed of play, and tactical awareness too wide?

  • A gradual step up (e.g., from Division 5 to Division 2, then Premier) can be more manageable, allowing for adaptation without overwhelming the player.


3. Does the new team develop players or just collect them?

  • Some top-tier teams are well-structured and focused on development. Others simply sign the best players to win trophies.

  • Ensure your child is joining a club with clear developmental values: regular rotation, high coaching standards, and a pathway to progress.

4. Environment & enjoyment

  • Will the child still enjoy training, matches, and the social element of football in a more demanding setting?

  • A great player in the wrong environment can quickly become a disillusioned one.


🚀 When stepping up makes sense

With that said, there are certainly times when a move up is the right call. If your child is consistently dominating at their current level—technically, tactically, and physically—it may be time to challenge them further. Signs include:

  • Cruising through games without breaking a sweat

  • A visible hunger for more challenge

  • High levels of self-motivation and discipline

  • Leadership qualities and team influence


When you notice these attributes, and your child is expressing a desire to be pushed, it’s worth exploring higher-level teams. But again—do your homework. Not all Premier or Emerald clubs are created equal.


🧠 A word on mindset: “The parent-coach partnership”


Parents often want the best for their child—and that’s a good thing. But there’s a difference between supportive ambition and performance pressure. Here are a few tips to stay grounded:


  • Talk to your child – What do they want? Sometimes the child is content, even when parents are not.

  • Speak to current and prospective coaches – Ask about playing style, rotation policy, training quality, and ethos.

  • Avoid chasing prestige for prestige’s sake – A flashy team name or kit colour doesn’t guarantee development.

  • Stay humble, stay patient – Development takes time. Rushing the process can cause long-term harm.


🏗️ Alternatives to switching teams


Sometimes a change of club is the right call—but not always. Here are other powerful tools in the player development toolbox:


✅ Specialist Training


Join academies like Bows Soccer Academy, Elite Ballers, or one-on-one coaching providers. These environments can offer technical refinement, confidence building, and tailored feedback.


✅ Position Changes

A player may flourish by experimenting in different roles—perhaps moving from striker to attacking midfield or centre-back to full-back. Versatility can unlock new growth.


✅ Mentorship & goal setting


Help your child set development goals. For example: improve weak foot, increase speed, enhance decision-making. Progress is progress—even outside of promotions.


✅ Summer development plans


Don’t view summer as a ‘break’ from development. A focused off-season, built around small-group sessions, strength and conditioning, and game intelligence work can set a child up for a massive leap in September.


🧭 A path, not a ladder


Too often, parents treat grassroots football as a simple ladder: if you're good, you go up. But it's not that simple. Sometimes staying still—or even stepping sideways—can bring the biggest growth.


As a coach, I’ve seen players stagnate in top teams with no minutes, and others flourish in supportive environments where they play every week and build confidence. The true test of a coach or parent is whether they make decisions that are in the child’s best interests, not their ego.


👥 What does your player need right now?


So—what’s next?

That depends on the player, not the league.


Ask yourself (and them):

  • Are they thriving, or just surviving?

  • Are they learning, or just winning?

  • Are they challenged, or bored?

  • Do they love football more now than they did in September?


If the answers point to stagnation or unfulfilled potential—then yes, perhaps a move is due. But make it carefully, consciously, and with the long-term picture in mind.

🏁 Final thoughts

Every child’s journey is unique. Don’t compare your son or daughter to others. Compare them only to themselves last season.

As coaches, mentors, and parents, we must work together to keep football fun, progressive, and supportive. Whether a player ends up in the Premier League or just the local Sunday side, what matters most is that they leave grassroots football with:

  • Confidence in their abilities

  • A deep love for the game

  • A strong sense of character and discipline


And who knows? With the right development, the right environment, and a bit of patience—they might just go all the way.


But only if we don’t rush the process.


Have a great summer!


Best wishes,











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