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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!











Let's be Frank! - Thomas Frank: The New Era at Tottenham Hotspur



The winds of change have swept through North London once again, and this time, it’s Thomas Frank who steps into the hot seat at Tottenham Hotspur. After the bittersweet departure of Ange Postecoglou, who gave us the unforgettable Europa League triumph, Spurs now turn to the Danish tactician to restore consistency and ambition to the club.


From Denmark to the Premier League: Frank’s Journey


Born in Kolding, Denmark in 1973, Thomas Frank’s footballing journey began as a midfielder, playing for local clubs like Kolding FC and Ikast. While his playing career never reached the heights of superstardom, his deep understanding of the game led him to coaching.


Frank’s managerial career started in Denmark, where he worked with Hvidovre IF before stepping up as an assistant at Brøndby IF, one of Denmark’s biggest clubs. His tactical acumen and ability to develop young players caught the attention of Brentford, where he initially joined as an assistant before taking over as head coach in 2018.


Brentford’s Rise Under Frank


Frank’s tenure at Brentford was nothing short of remarkable. He led the club to Premier League promotion in 2021, defying expectations with a squad built on smart recruitment and tactical flexibility. His ability to maximise resources and adapt strategies made Brentford a formidable force, securing wins against top clubs like Manchester City, Arsenal, and Chelsea.


His philosophy? High-energy pressing, tactical adaptability, and a strong emphasis on team unity.


Frank once said, “Football is about relationships. If you build trust and belief, you can achieve great things.” His ability to foster cohesion within squads has been a hallmark of his success.

The High Performance Podcast

How Frank Fits Into Levy’s Vision


Daniel Levy’s managerial appointments have often been a mixed bag, but Frank’s data-driven approach and tactical flexibility align well with Tottenham’s ambitions. Unlike Postecoglou’s high-intensity attacking style, Frank is more pragmatic, adjusting his tactics based on opposition strengths and weaknesses.


One concern is his lack of European experience, but his ability to compete with top clubs despite financial constraints suggests he can thrive at Spurs. His previous work with Johan Lange, Tottenham’s technical director, could also help smooth the transition.


Reflecting on Ange Postecoglou’s Tenure


There’s no denying that Ange Postecoglou brought excitement to Spurs. His early days were promising, with attacking football that had fans dreaming of a new era. But league form and consistency became an issue, and the injury crisis raised questions—was it just bad luck, or did the intensity of training contribute?


Despite the struggles, Ange will always be remembered for delivering the Europa League trophy—our first major silverware in 17 years. For that, we’ll be forever grateful.


Hopes for the Future


As a lifelong Spurs fan, I truly hope Frank can bring stability, tactical intelligence, and a winning mentality to the club. His ability to develop young players could be crucial, and if he can balance pragmatism with attacking intent, we might finally see Spurs competing at the highest level.

Here’s to a new chapter—let’s hope it’s one filled with success.


Steve Halls is an FA qualified coach, focusing on grassroots football but also a HUGE Tottenham fan, always dreaming of glory days returning to North London.











🚑 Introduction to First Aid in Football (IFAiF)



"Be the calm when it matters most."

In football, moments of magic happen on the pitch — but so can moments of crisis. The Introduction to First Aid in Football (IFAiF) course gives coaches, volunteers, and support staff the confidence and knowledge to respond quickly, safely, and effectively when injury or illness strikes.

This is more than a qualification — it’s a critical life skill for anyone involved in the game.


⚽ Why First Aid Training Matters in Football


  • Football is a dynamic and physical sport — injuries happen

  • Immediate, confident response can prevent long-term harm

  • Coaches are often first responders before emergency services arrive

  • Protecting players is as important as developing them


“Being ready for emergencies shows that you care — on and off the pitch.”

📚 Course Overview: What You’ll Learn


🧠 1. The Role of the First Aider in Football


  • Understanding the responsibilities and limits of a first aider

  • Staying calm under pressure

  • Following the correct procedures in line with FA and emergency guidance


🎯 “Your number one job is to preserve life and prevent worsening.”

❤️ 2. How to Recognise and Respond to Medical Emergencies


  • Sudden cardiac arrest and CPR (including AED use)

  • Concussion management and the "If in doubt, sit them out" protocol

  • Asthma attacks, allergic reactions, seizures, and diabetic emergencies

  • Heatstroke, hypothermia, and serious injuries


🧯 “Preparation beats panic every time.”

🦵 3. Common Football-Related Injuries and Treatment


  • Sprains, strains, fractures, dislocations

  • Cuts, grazes, nosebleeds, bruises

  • How to apply basic wound care, immobilisation, and cold therapy


🏥 You’ll learn to assess, treat, and refer appropriately.


🧾 4. The Emergency Action Plan (EAP)


  • Why every club and coach should have a clear, rehearsed EAP

  • How to access emergency help quickly

  • The importance of accurate record-keeping and reporting


📞 “Know what to do, who to call, and how to communicate.”

🧑‍🏫 Course Format & Delivery


  • 🏫 Usually delivered in-person over 3 hours

  • 📍 Practical, hands-on training with football-specific context

  • ✅ Includes CPR demonstrations and real-scenario practice

  • 🧾 Certificate valid for 3 years


📣 This is not just a box-ticking course — it can save lives.


🧠 Skills That Stay With You


Completing the IFAiF course means you're:


✔ Confident in dealing with football emergencies

✔ Aware of risks and how to reduce them

✔ Able to keep calm and act quickly under pressure

✔ Trusted by parents, players, and peers


“First aid doesn’t make you a medic — it makes you a leader in moments that matter.”

🛡️ Welfare and Duty of Care


The IFAiF is aligned with the FA’s wider safeguarding framework, ensuring coaches contribute to safe, professional, and player-first environments. Your knowledge will:


  • Strengthen your safeguarding responsibility

  • Support your Emergency Action Plan

  • Build trust and accountability in your coaching role


🙌 “Great coaches don’t just teach technique — they protect wellbeing.”

🏁 In Summary


The Introduction to First Aid in Football (IFAiF) course is a must-have for any coach, parent, or volunteer involved in the game. It gives you the tools to respond when every second counts, promoting safety, confidence, and care across your team and club.


🌍 Empowering Coaches to Lead and Care


Steve Halls is an FA qualified football coach offering consultancy, talent identification, mentoring and player representation in Cheshunt and the surrounding areas. In today’s connected world, Steve can offer his services to players, clubs, and organisations across the globe. With safeguarding, first aid, and development at the heart of his coaching ethos, Steve builds environments where players feel safe, supported, and ready to thrive — on and off the pitch.










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