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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.

June is Men’s Health Awareness Month: A Critical Dialogue We Need to Have




June is a month dedicated to the vital cause of Men’s Health. It serves as a reminder for men to prioritise their health, encompassing both physical and mental aspects. This initiative aims to heighten awareness, encourage regular health check-ups, and promote healthy lifestyles among men. However, Men’s Health Month extends beyond the physical realm, casting a spotlight on mental health, a topic often overshadowed by stigma and stereotypes. As we delve into this subject, it is crucial to understand the multifaceted nature of men's health and the societal implications of neglecting it.


The Physical Aspect: Beyond the Surface

Physical health is often the first thing that comes to mind when discussing men’s health. Regular exercise, a balanced diet, and routine medical check-ups are fundamental components of maintaining physical well-being. However, statistics reveal a troubling trend: men are less likely to visit doctors for routine check-ups compared to women. This reluctance can lead to late diagnoses of various health conditions, including heart disease, diabetes, and certain types of cancer, which could have been managed more effectively if caught early.

Key Physical Health Tips for Men:

  • Regular Check-Ups: Routine health screenings can detect issues early when they are most treatable.

  • Balanced Diet: A diet rich in fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, and whole grains supports overall health.

  • Exercise: Regular physical activity can prevent chronic diseases, improve mood, and enhance longevity.

  • Quit Smoking and Limit Alcohol: Reducing these can significantly lower the risk of numerous health issues.

The Silent Struggle: Men’s Mental Health

While physical health is paramount, mental health is equally crucial. Men’s mental health often goes unaddressed due to societal expectations and stigma. The stereotype of the stoic, unflappable male persists, discouraging men from expressing vulnerability or seeking help. This cultural norm contributes to alarming rates of mental health issues among men, including depression, anxiety, and suicide.

Alarming Statistics:

  • Men are nearly four times more likely to die by suicide than women.

  • Depression in men often goes undiagnosed, as men are less likely to seek help.

  • Substance abuse is more prevalent among men, often used as a coping mechanism for unaddressed mental health issues.

Breaking the Silence: Encouraging Open Conversations

Addressing men’s mental health requires dismantling the stigma surrounding it. Open conversations about mental health can normalise seeking help and expressing emotions. It’s essential to create environments, both at home and in the workplace, where men feel safe to discuss their mental health without fear of judgment.

Steps to Promote Mental Health:

  • Encourage Open Dialogue: Foster environments where men feel comfortable discussing their mental health.

  • Seek Professional Help: Encourage men to consult mental health professionals when needed.

  • Support Networks: Building strong support systems with family, friends, and peer groups can provide crucial emotional support.

  • Mindfulness and Stress Management: Practices such as meditation, yoga, and stress management techniques can improve mental well-being.

The Intersection of Physical and Mental Health

Physical and mental health are deeply interconnected. Poor physical health can lead to mental health issues and vice versa. For instance, chronic illnesses can result in depression or anxiety, while mental health disorders can lead to poor lifestyle choices, affecting physical health. Therefore, a holistic approach to health, considering both physical and mental aspects, is essential for overall well-being.

Holistic Health Tips:

  • Integrated Health Practices: Combining physical exercise with mental health practices, such as meditation or counselling, can enhance overall health.

  • Healthy Lifestyle Choices: Balanced nutrition and regular exercise benefit both physical and mental health.

  • Routine Health Checks: Regular visits to healthcare providers should include mental health screenings.

The Role of Society in Men’s Health

Society plays a significant role in shaping attitudes towards men’s health. Educational campaigns, policy changes, and workplace wellness programs can make a substantial difference. By promoting a culture that values health and well-being, society can help dismantle harmful stereotypes and encourage men to take proactive steps towards their health.


Societal Changes Needed:

  • Awareness Campaigns: Public health campaigns can educate men about the importance of regular health check-ups and mental health care.

  • Policy Support: Government policies that support mental health services and preventive care can improve health outcomes.

  • Workplace Wellness Programs: Employers can offer wellness programs that address both physical and mental health, creating healthier work environments.

A Call to Action

June’s Men’s Health Month is not just a calendar event; it’s a call to action. It’s a reminder that men’s health encompasses both physical and mental well-being and that addressing one without the other is incomplete. By fostering open conversations, encouraging regular health check-ups, and promoting healthy lifestyles, we can make significant strides in improving men’s health. Let’s use this month as a starting point to advocate for a more holistic approach to health that considers the intricate balance between the body and mind.

Remember, health is not just the absence of illness but a state of complete physical, mental, and social well-being. This June, let’s commit to a healthier future for men everywhere.


Look after yourselves, look after one another!


The FA Introduce New Rule to Phase Out Heading in Youth Football




As the landscape of football evolves, so too do the regulations governing the beautiful game. Today marks a significant milestone as The Football Association (FA) announce the introduction of a new rule aimed at phasing out deliberate heading in youth football matches over the next three seasons.


In 2022, The FA proudly led the charge in adopting the International Football Association Board (IFAB) trial to remove deliberate heading in grassroots football matches at U12 level and below. This groundbreaking initiative was a testament of the commitment to player safety and the well-being of young athletes.


Steve Halls, founder of NexxtGen Football, emphasises the importance of this initiative, stating, "The safety and development of young players are paramount. By introducing this new rule, we are taking proactive measures to ensure that matches at the grassroots level align with our current heading guidance for training."


Over the past two seasons, approximately 16,000 teams and 107,000 players have participated in the IFAB trial, with invaluable feedback collected from leagues, clubs, coaches, referees, and parents. This collaborative effort has enabled us to carefully analyse the impact of the trial and identify areas for improvement.


"We have listened to the feedback from the grassroots community and have adapted the heading trial to further enhance the player experience," explains Halls. "Our goal is to create more technical opportunities for players while reducing potential risk factors associated with heading the ball."


Starting from the 2024-25 season, the new rule will be gradually introduced across affiliated grassroots youth football between U7-U11 levels. Deliberate heading will be phased out, with sanctions in place for offenders, including indirect free kicks and touchline restarts.


"We recognise the importance of supporting players as they transition from primary to secondary school," says Halls. "Heading will be introduced at this natural transition point in their U12 season, ensuring a smooth progression for young athletes."


Throughout this transition period, NexxtGen Football and The FA will work closely with County FAs, leagues, clubs, coaches, referees, and schools to provide guidance and support for the successful implementation of the new rule.


"We are committed to working hand in hand with the grassroots game to ensure a seamless transition," affirms Halls. "Together, we will continue to prioritise the safety, development, and enjoyment of all young players."


As we look ahead to the future of youth football, NexxtGen Football remains steadfast in its dedication to fostering a positive and nurturing environment for the next generation of athletes.



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