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Inside Grassroots Football: News, Developments & Initiatives



Grassroots football is the heartbeat of the game, providing opportunities for young players, local clubs, and communities to thrive. From exciting new initiatives to major developments in youth football, here’s everything happening right now.


West Ham Hero George Parris Joins Whitehawk FC to Boost Girls’ Football


Former West Ham and Brighton midfielder George Parris has teamed up with Whitehawk FC to mentor young female players at Roedean School. The initiative aims to increase match opportunities, nurture tactical development, and provide a pathway into club football for talented girls.


Parris, now Head of Women and Girls Coaching at Whitehawk, will lead the program alongside Ryan Gaylor, Director of Youth Football. The partnership is designed to embed a strong football culture within Roedean, ensuring young female players have access to structured coaching and competitive fixtures.


Ex-Lioness Anita Asante Encourages Mums to Become Coaches


Former England international Anita Asante is backing the This Mum Campaign with Faversham Strike Force FC to encourage more mothers to take up volunteer coaching. Research shows that 83% of mothers are not involved in their children’s sports clubs, and this initiative aims to reverse that trend.


New findings from UK Coaching reveal that the number of female volunteer coaches has dropped by 10% in recent years. Asante believes that mothers can play a crucial role in shaping the future of girls’ football, providing role models and support systems for young players.


Irish FA Proposes New National Football Centre at Galgorm


The Irish Football Association (IFA) has submitted plans for a multi-million-pound national football centre at Galgorm. The facility will feature world-class pitches, cutting-edge training facilities, and a dedicated space for both elite and grassroots players.


The 50-acre site is expected to complement Windsor Park, creating a dual-campus setup to strengthen Northern Ireland’s football infrastructure. The IFA describes the project as a bold investment in the future of the game, designed to support youth development and bolster team performance.


Young Talents Shine in Spanish Regional Youth Leagues


Three young players—Jake Galia, Lucas Rodriguez, and Jasper Wiseman—have made history in CD San Roque’s youth setup, helping the club win the provincial league title and secure promotion to the Autonómico division.


Galia, a central defender, scored an impressive 21 goals throughout the season, finishing as the league’s seventh top scorer. Head coach Miguel Lorente praised the trio, highlighting their technical ability, leadership, and tactical intelligence.


Final Thoughts


Grassroots football continues to grow and evolve, with initiatives supporting youth development, inclusivity, and community engagement. Whether it’s mentoring young players, providing free kits, or building world-class facilities, the grassroots game remains the foundation of football’s future.


Steve Halls is an FA-qualified football coach specialising in talent identification, player development, and mentorship. With a deep understanding of grassroots football, Steve provides expert guidance to help aspiring footballers maximise their potential and navigate the competitive world of football. Whether in Cheshunt or across the globe, Steve supports individuals and teams in achieving their footballing dreams.











What Are the Actual Odds of Making It as a Professional Footballer?



Becoming a professional footballer is the dream of millions worldwide, but the reality is brutally competitive. The journey to the top is filled with obstacles, requiring exceptional talent, relentless dedication, and a touch of luck. So, what are the actual odds of making it? Let’s break it down.


The Harsh Reality: The Numbers Behind the Dream


Statistically, the odds of making it as a professional footballer are incredibly slim. Studies suggest that less than 1% of youth players who enter academies will go on to play professionally.


  • In England, only 180 out of 1.5 million schoolboys become Premier League professionals—a success rate of just 0.012%.

  • In the United States, only 1.9% of NCAA players get drafted into Major League Soccer (MLS).

  • In Europe, fewer than 0.5% of boys who enter academies at age nine will eventually play professionally.


These numbers highlight the cutthroat nature of professional football. Even players who receive scholarships at 16 years old often fail to make it to the top tiers of the game.


Pathways to Professional Football


While the odds are daunting, there are multiple pathways to becoming a professional footballer:


  1. Academy System – The most traditional route, where young players are scouted and developed within elite academies. Clubs like Barcelona’s La Masia and Manchester United’s youth academy are renowned for producing top talent.

  2. College Soccer (USA) – In the U.S., college soccer serves as a stepping stone to the MLS Draft, offering another route to professional football.

  3. International Scouting – Players from less traditional football nations are increasingly being discovered through global scouting networks.

  4. Lower-League Progression – Many professionals start in semi-professional or lower-tier leagues, gradually working their way up.


What Separates Those Who Make It?


Talent alone is never enough. The players who succeed often possess:


  • Elite Technical Ability – Ball control, passing, shooting, and tactical awareness must be exceptional.

  • Physical Attributes – Speed, endurance, agility, and strength play a crucial role.

  • Mental Toughness – Resilience, confidence, and the ability to handle pressure are game-changers.

  • Relentless Work Ethic – The best players train beyond required hours, constantly refining their skills.

  • Strong Support System – Family, coaches, and mentors provide guidance and opportunities.


Quotes from Legendary Coaches on Making It Pro


Pep Guardiola – "Tactics are important, but determination is everything."
José Mourinho – "If you don’t believe you can win, you have already lost."
Bill Shankly – "A lot of football success is in the mind. You must believe you are the best and then make sure that you are."

These quotes emphasise that dedication, development, and intelligence are just as crucial as raw talent.


Final Thoughts


The odds of making it as a professional footballer are extremely low, but not impossible. Those who succeed are relentless in their pursuit, combining talent with hard work, resilience, and the right opportunities.


Steve Halls is an FA-qualified football coach specialising in talent identification, player development, and mentorship. With a deep understanding of the challenges young players face,


Steve provides expert guidance to help aspiring footballers maximise their potential and navigate the competitive world of professional football. Whether in Cheshunt or across the globe, Steve supports individuals and teams in achieving their footballing dreams.











🏅 UEFA B Licence – Coaching with Purpose, Vision & Precision



The UEFA B Licence is one of the most respected coaching qualifications in the world. It’s designed for coaches who are ready to move beyond the grassroots and into the realm of performance coaching. Whether you’re aiming to lead at youth academy level, manage senior teams, or push toward elite environments, this qualification gives you the tactical insight, leadership acumen, and coaching depth needed to thrive.


"The UEFA B Licence is where a coach stops running sessions and starts running a programme."

🧭 Course Overview at a Glance


  • 🏫 Delivered through a mix of face-to-face learning, in-club support, and online modules

  • 📊 Emphasis on player development in and out of possession

  • 📽️ Video analysis, live match assessments, and tactical deconstruction

  • 🧠 Strong focus on coaching behaviours, leadership, and matchday thinking

  • ⏱️ Approx. 120 guided learning hours, with practical assessments


🔍 What You’ll Learn – Advanced Coaching Concepts


🎯 In-Depth Tactical Understanding


Go beyond the basics and into elite game strategy:


  • Master tactical frameworks: 1-4-3-3, 1-4-2-3-1, 1-3-5-2 and more

  • Explore team shape, pressing systems, build-up play, and transitional phases

  • Adapt strategies to suit different player profiles, opposition styles, and game states


“It’s not just about having a Plan A. It’s about knowing when to change it.”

🛠️ Designing Game-Realistic Practices


Every practice must connect to the real game — here’s how:


  • Build progressive session plans that recreate matchday scenarios

  • Integrate individual and unit development into full-team context

  • Use constraints, conditions, and tactical periodisation


🧩 Sessions are planned backwards — start from the game and work back to the session.


🎙️ Leadership, Communication & Psychology


The UEFA B isn't just technical — it’s about how you lead:


  • Learn advanced communication tools and emotional intelligence

  • Understand the psychology of performance and player confidence

  • Develop captaincy, player ownership, and team cohesion


“Players don’t care how much you know until they know how much you care.”

🧬 Developing Individuals Within a Team


Recognise and nurture each player’s potential:


  • Apply individual learning plans and tailor sessions to suit

  • Monitor progress with evidence and feedback tools

  • Differentiate between technical coaching and holistic development


🔍 You'll be assessed on your ability to improve individuals within team settings — a major shift from Level 2.


📋 Matchday Planning & Tactical Management


Game day is your test — here’s how to prepare:


  • Conduct pre-match briefings and post-match reviews

  • Make in-game tactical adaptations under pressure

  • Use match analysis tools to enhance player learning and self-reflection


🧠 Use video and data to bring clarity and accountability to your coaching.


🧱 Your Coaching Philosophy – Brought to Life


UEFA B helps you turn vision into reality:


  • Articulate your coaching beliefs with clarity and structure

  • Link your philosophy to session design, communication, and club culture

  • Build a coaching identity that resonates with players, parents, and clubs alike


“A good philosophy doesn’t live in a notebook — it lives on the pitch.”

🙌 Support, Assessment & Mentorship


  • 📈 Ongoing support from experienced UEFA B mentors

  • 🧪 Formal assessments via practical sessions and coaching logs

  • 🤝 Peer-to-peer feedback and collaborative workshops


🎥 Coaches must evidence their impact on player development and tactical execution through session footage and analysis.


🌍 Why the UEFA B Licence Matters


This is more than just a badge — it's proof that you can:


✅ Create high-level, tactical training environments

✅ Develop individuals across the four corners (Technical/Tactical, Physical, Psychological, Social)

✅ Manage teams across all formats — 9v9 to 11v11

✅ Lead with presence, purpose and professionalism


Whether you're looking to step into an academy, run your own programme, or move toward UEFA A, the UEFA B Licence is your gateway to coaching credibility at the next level.


⚽ Coach with Purpose, Lead with Clarity


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. Whether you're local or international, you’ll benefit from a coach who brings grassroots knowledge with global insight — and now carries the tactical credentials to match.











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