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⚽ BT Playmaker by England Football


“You don’t need to be a coach to change the game — just someone who cares.”

The BT Playmaker by England Football course is the perfect entry point into the football world for anyone looking to get involved — no prior experience required. Whether you’re a parent, volunteer, youth leader, or simply a passionate supporter of the beautiful game, this free course gives you the skills, confidence, and support to start making a difference.


It’s where football meets community, and where passion meets purpose.


🌟 What Is BT Playmaker?


Created by England Football in partnership with BT, the Playmaker course is a free online training programme designed for anyone who wants to help out at their local football club or organisation.


You don’t have to be a coach. You don’t need a kit. All you need is a love for the game and a willingness to help out — whether that’s setting up cones, welcoming new players, supporting matchday logistics, or becoming a role model for young people.


“Not every hero wears a whistle — some just show up and care.”

📚 Course Overview: What You’ll Learn


✅ 1. Getting Started in Football Volunteering


  • The different ways you can support your local club

  • How volunteering changes lives — including your own

  • The impact of community football across ages, genders, and abilities


🙋 “You don’t have to lead sessions to be a leader.”

🛡️ 2. Creating a Safe, Fun Environment


  • How to make players feel welcome, safe, and included

  • The importance of safeguarding, awareness, and positive behaviour

  • Setting a great example as a trusted adult in football


🌈 “Every child deserves to feel like they belong on the pitch.”

🧠 3. Understanding Your Role


  • The different roles volunteers can play (helper, organiser, supporter)

  • Working as part of a coaching or club team

  • Being reliable, approachable, and consistent


🤝 “Clubs don’t just need coaches — they need people who care.”

🩹 4. First Aid Essentials


  • Basic first aid awareness for emergencies in football

  • When to escalate, when to support

  • Staying calm and caring under pressure


🧯 “You might never need it, but you’ll be glad you learned it.”

📋 5. Next Steps After Playmaker


  • How to continue your journey into coaching, refereeing, or club support

  • Introduction to further FA courses like Introduction to Coaching Football or Safeguarding

  • Opportunities to grow within the England Football ecosystem


🚀 “Today a Playmaker — tomorrow, who knows?”

🧑‍🏫 Course Format & Delivery


  • 💻 100% online and totally free

  • 🕒 Takes around 2 hours to complete

  • 🎥 Interactive video modules, real-world scenarios, quizzes, and support

  • 🧾 Certificate awarded on completion


Perfect for parents, carers, youth workers, school staff, and first-time volunteers looking to get involved in football.


🙌 Why BT Playmaker Is a Game-Changer


BT Playmaker:


✔ Opens the door to new voices and faces in football

✔ Promotes inclusivity and diversity in clubs and communities

✔ Strengthens the volunteer network in grassroots football

✔ Gives you confidence and clarity in your role

✔ Helps more young people stay in sport — and thrive


“Great clubs aren’t just built on talent — they’re built on people who show up.”

🏁 In Summary


The BT Playmaker by England Football course is about making football accessible — not just for players, but for those who want to help make it happen. It’s grassroots in its purest form, and it offers a fantastic, supported way into the game for people of all backgrounds.


Whether you help run a warm-up, hand out bibs, or simply cheer from the sidelines with purpose — you are changing lives through football.


🌍 Leading With Purpose, Supporting With Passion


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 interconnected world, Steve can offer his services to players, clubs, and organisations globally. Steve champions inclusive pathways into the game, believing that empowered volunteers, mentors and coaches form the beating heart of grassroots football.











NexxtGen Football and England Football Present: Win a Free Training Session at St. George's Park!





NexxtGen Football, in collaboration with England Football, is thrilled to offer an incredible opportunity for football clubs and leagues across the country. We're excited to announce a chance for you and up to 29 members of your club or league to win a FREE training session at St. George's Park on Thursday 23 May at 5:00 pm.



Imagine experiencing the state-of-the-art training facilities and stepping onto the same grounds where the England Men's and Women's teams hone their skills. This is your chance to elevate your training to the next level and create unforgettable memories with your team.


Founder of NexxtGen Football, Steve Halls, expressed his enthusiasm about this exclusive opportunity, saying, "This is a once-in-a-lifetime chance for grassroots football clubs and leagues to train at one of the most prestigious facilities in the country. We're proud to partner with England Football to offer this incredible experience and support the development of football at all levels."


To enter for a chance to win, simply visit the link below and complete the application form. But hurry – the deadline for entries is 5:00 pm on Sunday 12 May. Don't miss out on this extraordinary opportunity to train like the pros at St. George's Park!



Join us in making dreams a reality and take your football journey to new heights with NexxtGen Football and England Football!



NexxtGen Football Wholeheartedly Supports the FA's Silent Support Weekend: Giving Voice to Young Players




@englandfootball


Dedicated to the holistic development of young players, NexxtGen Football stands firmly behind the Football Association's Silent Support Weekend scheduled for the 2nd and 3rd of March 2024.


As we delve into the intricacies of this transformative initiative, the resounding feedback from the youth community reinforces the profound impact of silent sidelines on the footballing experience.

The essence of the Silent Support Weekend lies in its simplicity – encouraging parents, coaches, and spectators to maintain a hushed presence on the sidelines during youth football matches.


The goal is clear: shift the focus from external noise to the players themselves, empowering them to communicate, make decisions, and navigate the game with autonomy.


A Shift to Player-Centric Footballing Experience:


The Silent Support Weekend introduces a paradigm shift in the traditional footballing dynamic. By fostering an environment of quiet encouragement, it allows players to emerge from the shadows of external influences and take centre stage. The youth community, with its insightful feedback, paints a vivid picture of the benefits reaped from this novel approach.


Freedom from Distractions: "I love playing during the Silent Support Weekend. It's like everything around me fades away, and I can concentrate on the game. No distractions, just me and the ball."


Empowered Decision-Making: "Sometimes it gets confusing when the coach is shouting one thing, and my dad is yelling something else. During Silent Support, I feel more in control. I can make my own decisions without feeling pulled in different directions."


Playing with Freedom: "It's different when the sidelines are quiet. I feel more freedom to try things on the field without worrying about what people are saying. It's like the game is mine to enjoy."


Why Silent Support Aligns with NexxtGen's Philosophy:


At NexxtGen Football, we believe in fostering an environment that transcends traditional coaching norms. The Silent Support Weekend perfectly aligns with our commitment to developing not just technically proficient players but also resilient decision-makers and effective communicators.


Steve's view.


"I strongly believe that the Silent Support Weekend is a catalyst for positive change in youth football. The feedback from our young players underscores the profound impact of a quieter sideline. It's about empowering them to make decisions, play with freedom, and enjoy the game on their terms."


"In a sport where mental acuity is as crucial as physical prowess, the Silent Support Weekend provides a unique opportunity for players to hone both aspects. It's not just about what happens on the pitch; it's about nurturing essential life skills that extend beyond the game itself."


As we immerse ourselves in the upcoming Silent Support Weekend, the words of our young players echo loudly – a testament to the power of quiet encouragement. By amplifying their voices and embracing the spirit of Silent Support, we contribute to a footballing environment where their development takes precedence, fostering a generation of confident, skilled, and empowered players.


Best wishes,




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