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Goal-Scoring Glory and Grassroots Growth: Lillie’s Rise, Freddie’s Progress, and Spurs’ Challenge!




Hello NexxtGen Football community,


⚽ Grassroots Football Updates


📢 The Football Association (FA) has announced significant changes to grassroots youth football in England, set to take effect from the 2026-27 season. 🚀 This initiative, termed 'FutureFit,' aims to enhance the experience for young players by increasing engagement, physical activity, and skill development. Key changes include:


  • 3v3 Format for U7s: 🧒🏽 Aimed at maximising engagement, this format offers an excellent introduction to football for the youngest players. 🎯

  • Progression of Formats: 📈 Playing formats will transition one year later, with 11v11 moving from U13s to U14s, aligning better with player development stages. 🏅

  • Alignment with Educational Phases: 🎓 The initiative proposes that primary school children play smaller formats with simplified rules, progressing to more complex formats like 9v9 in secondary school. 🏫

  • Age-Appropriate Laws of the Game: 📜 Adjustments are being made to ensure that the laws support the developmental needs of young players, such as changes to game restarts for U7s-U9s to increase ball-in-play time. ⚽

These changes are based on extensive research, including studies of over 400 grassroots games in partnership with Liverpool John Moores University. 🧠 Workshops and resources will be provided to support coaches, clubs, and leagues in implementing these changes effectively. 💡


⚡ Lillie's Remarkable Progress


Lillie’s performance with Wormley Rovers FC U8s has been nothing short of extraordinary. 🌟 Her impressive goal tally of 72 goals in just 17 games highlights her exceptional talent and consistency. 🥅 Her ability to excel against higher-ability teams, especially after multiple promotions, is commendable. 👏 Her recent training sessions with Tottenham Hotspur are a testament to her potential, and it's understandable that she will need to pause her participation with Bows Soccer Academy during this period. 💼


⚽ Freddie's Development


Freddie's continued commitment to training with Bows Soccer Academy and Elite Ballers demonstrates his dedication to improving his skills. 🏋️‍♂️ The transition from 7-a-side to 9-a-side is a significant step, and it's encouraging that Elite Ballers recognise his potential. 🌱 His consistent training and development are positive indicators for his future in the sport. 💪


🏅 Archie's Achievement


Archie's recent accolade as Player of the Month for February with CHARS Youth U12 Blues is a well-deserved recognition of his hard work and adaptability. 🏆 His coach's praise for his attitude and versatility across various positions underscores his value to the team. 💥


🔥 Tottenham Hotspur's Current Situation


Tottenham Hotspur faces a challenging Europa League tie against AZ Alkmaar this evening. 🌍 Manager Ange Postecoglou has acknowledged the importance of this match, especially given the team's earlier exits from domestic cup competitions and mid-table Premier League position. ⚔️ The absence of key midfielder Dejan Kulusevski, due to a foot injury, poses a significant challenge. ❌ Kulusevski's contribution this season has been notable, and his absence will be felt in the upcoming fixtures. 🏃‍♂️ Postecoglou's strategy will need to adapt accordingly to maintain the team's competitiveness in these crucial matches. 📊


From the Touchline: Coaching, Grassroots Growth & Spurs Struggles




Hello NexxtGen Football community,


It's been a while since my last update, and I'm excited to share some recent developments both personally and within the broader football landscape.


Coaching Endeavors with CHARS Youth U12 Blues


I'm thrilled to announce that I've been co-coaching the CHARS Youth U12 Blues alongside Brett Cartlidge. The team's progress has been remarkable, showcasing impressive skills and teamwork on the pitch. A special mention to my son, Archie, who is part of this talented squad. We're gearing up for a challenging away match against PST Pro this Sunday and are optimistic about our performance.


Lillie's Outstanding Achievements with Wormley Rovers U8 Girls Red


My daughter, Lillie, has been making waves with the Wormley Rovers U8 Girls Red team. In just 15 games, she's netted an astonishing 66 goals! Her dedication and passion are truly commendable. Tomorrow, Lillie and her teammates have the honour of participating in the Tottenham Hotspur Global Football Development NextGen Festival at the Spurs Training Ground. While parents aren't permitted to watch, I'm confident they'll shine brightly.


Freddie's New Journey with Elite Ballers


My son, Freddie, has recently joined the U10 training sessions at Elite Ballers. After a brief hiatus from Wormley Rovers, he's continued his development with Bows Soccer Academy on Monday nights and now adds Elite Ballers to his Friday routine. It's heartening to see his enthusiasm and commitment to the sport.


Gratitude to Bows Soccer Academy


Both Lillie and Freddie benefit immensely from their sessions at Bows Soccer Academy. A huge thank you to Ben Bowditch and his team for their unwavering support and excellent coaching. Their dedication to nurturing young talent is truly making a difference.


Grassroots Football: Embracing Inclusivity


In the broader context of grassroots football, there's a significant push towards inclusivity. The FA has launched the "Enough is Enough" campaign, aiming to raise awareness of discriminatory behaviour in grassroots football and highlight the consequences for perpetrators of hate.


Additionally, the "Her Game Too" campaign continues to combat sexism in football, striving to create a more welcoming environment for female players and fans.


Reflecting on Tottenham's Recent Form


As a devoted Tottenham supporter, it's been a challenging period. Our recent exit from the Carabao Cup after a 4-0 defeat to Liverpool was disappointing. Manager Ange Postecoglou acknowledged that Liverpool were "too good for us" in that match.


Injuries have plagued the squad, further complicating our campaign. Despite these setbacks, players like Dejan Kulusevski have expressed unwavering support for Postecoglou's vision, emphasising the need for resilience during these times.


Looking ahead, it's crucial for the team to regroup, address these challenges, and focus on finishing the season strong.


Thank you all for your continued support and passion for the beautiful game. Let's keep pushing forward, both on and off the pitch.


Best regards,


Steve Halls


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NexxtGen Football Teams Up with Bows Soccer Academy for Exciting Easter Football Camps

Updated: Mar 1, 2024




Follow @bowssocceracademy


NexxtGen Football is delighted to endorse the upcoming Bows Soccer Academy Easter Half Term Football Camps, bringing an exciting opportunity for young players to enhance their football skills while having a blast during the school break.


With the personal endorsement of NexxtGen's own Archie Halls, Freddie Halls, and Lillie Halls, who have all not only attended but continue to love their time at Bows, these camps come with a glowing recommendation from the NexxtGen family.


Details of the Easter Football Camps:


Goffs Academy EN7 5QW Camps:

  • Week 1: 2nd April to 4th April (3 days)

  • Week 2: 9th April to 11th April (3 days)

  • Timing: 9:30 am to 3:30 pm

  • Cost: £75 per player for the entire 3 days

  • Sibling Discount: 10%

  • Limited Spaces: Hurry to secure your spot!

Herts & Essex Leisure Centre, Bishops Stortford Camps:

  • Week 1: 2nd and 3rd April (2 Days)

  • Week 2: 9th and 10th April (2 Days)

  • Timing: 9:30 am to 3:30 pm

  • Cost: £50 per player for both days

  • Sibling Discount: 10%

  • Limited Spaces: Act fast to avoid disappointment!

GIRLS ONLY Camp at Goffs Academy:

  • Dates: 4th April (one day) and 11th April (one day)

  • Timing: 9:30 am to 3:30 pm

  • Cost: £25 per player

  • Sibling Discount: 10%

  • Limited Spaces: Book soon for a fantastic experience!

Added Bonuses:

  • FREE early bird drop-off from 9 am available at all camps.

  • Open for players aged from 4 1/2 years to 13 years old.

Why Choose Bows Soccer Academy? Bows Soccer Academy has earned the admiration of NexxtGen Football's very own Archie, Freddie, and Lillie for its engaging and skill-focused approach. The academy offers a vibrant learning environment, emphasising both technical proficiency and the joy of playing football.


How to Register: Click here: https://linktr.ee/bowssocceracademy and make sure to follow @bowssocceracademy ASAP to secure your spot in these exciting Easter Football Camps. With limited spaces and fantastic discounts available, this is an opportunity not to be missed. Get ready for a fun-filled and skill-building football experience this Easter!


Best wishes,



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