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Soccer Aid: A Legacy of Giving




Two decades ago, Robbie Williams and football agent Kenneth Shepherd attended a charity match at Newcastle’s St James’ Park stadium. Inspired by the event, they envisioned a similar spectacle to raise funds and awareness for children in need across the globe. This vision materialised into Soccer Aid for Unicef in 2006, initially intended as a one-off event. Fast forward 18 years and 13 star-studded matches, Soccer Aid has raised an astounding £106 million for children in some of the world's most deprived areas.


Sunday’s match at Chelsea’s Stamford Bridge, witnessed by a packed crowd and 3.6 million TV viewers, was a testament to Soccer Aid's enduring appeal. England's 6-3 victory over the World XI, their first win since 2018, alone raised £15 million for Unicef. Reflecting on this success, Robbie Williams expressed his gratitude: “Thank you for your kind messages about Soccer Aid. Un-f-ing-believable. Just absolutely incredible. So proud and so pleased.”


The impact of Soccer Aid is profound, both in terms of funds raised and awareness generated. Robbie Williams, who began working with Unicef in 1998 and became an ambassador two years later, has seen his brainchild grow beyond expectations. "Soccer Aid has spiralled into something I couldn’t have ever imagined," he remarked. "It's helped so many people and raised incredible awareness for Unicef."


Kenneth Shepherd, son of ex-Newcastle owner Freddy Shepherd, recounted the origins: “The idea was conceived when Dad and I met Robbie at The Match in 2004. Suddenly, Soccer Aid was born, turning into a global initiative for children around the world.”


Sunday’s match was not just a fundraiser but also a source of entertainment, featuring moments like Tommy Fury's comedic missteps. Robbie Williams' pride in the event was palpable: “Soccer Aid has teams in place to work year-round to organise the event and help distribute the funds with Unicef.”


Steve Halls, founder of NexxtGen Football, shares in this pride, emphasising the importance of such initiatives. "Soccer Aid represents the spirit of football - uniting for a greater cause. As we gear up for our new season, it's inspiring to see how football can make such a significant impact off the pitch."


The light-hearted moments, such as Tommy Fury's humorous on-field antics and Jose Mourinho’s pitch invasion to tackle singer Olly Murs, add to the event's charm. But beneath the fun lies a serious commitment to making a difference. Robbie Williams noted, “Donations could help Unicef provide life-saving food supplies, ensure children receive vaccinations, and help get children back to school.”


The competitive spirit among participants, from ex-footballers to celebrities, enhances the event's appeal. Notably, Chelsea legend Frank Lampard and his uncle, Harry Redknapp, brought professionalism and a desire to win to the England team.


Soccer Aid’s journey from a single match to a global fundraising phenomenon underscores the power of football to effect change. Robbie Williams, a British icon and a dedicated philanthropist, has created a legacy that will continue to inspire and support children worldwide.


Join us in supporting this incredible cause. Donate to Soccer Aid and help Unicef continue their vital work.


 

Steve Halls is an FA qualified football coach and football consultant, working at grassroots level but hugely passionate about the beautiful game as a whole. Steve works closely with clubs in his local area and offers consultancy services, mentorship, and player representation.


NexxtGen Football Announces Exciting New Partnership with Adidas




Learn more: https://bit.ly/nexxtgenadidas & follow @adidasfootball


NexxtGen Football is thrilled to announce a groundbreaking new partnership with Adidas, one of the world's leading sports brands. This collaboration comes at an opportune time as we gear up for the new season, ensuring our players have access to the very latest football boots and training wear.


About Adidas


Adidas has a rich history dating back to its founding in 1949 by Adi Dassler. The brand has become synonymous with innovation, quality, and excellence in sports apparel and equipment. Over the decades, Adidas has built a formidable reputation, particularly in the world of football. The iconic three stripes have been worn by some of the greatest athletes in history, making Adidas a household name across the globe.


Adidas Football


Adidas Football is at the forefront of the brand's success, consistently pushing the boundaries of football technology and design. Their range of football boots, including the iconic Predator, has set new standards in the sport. The Predator, first released in 1994, revolutionised football footwear with its unique rubberised zones designed to enhance control and swerve. This boot quickly became a favourite among top players and has seen numerous iterations over the years, each improving on the last.


Iconic Players and Sponsorships


Adidas has sponsored some of the most famous football players in history. Legends such as Zinedine Zidane, David Beckham, and Lionel Messi have all worn Adidas boots during their illustrious careers. The brand continues to support a new generation of stars, including Paul Pogba, Mohamed Salah, and Paulo Dybala, ensuring that the Adidas legacy remains strong on the world stage.





A Word from Steve Halls


Steve Halls, founder of NexxtGen Football, expressed his excitement about the new partnership:

"This collaboration with Adidas is a monumental step for NexxtGen Football. Adidas is a brand that resonates with excellence and innovation, qualities we strive to instil in our players. As we prepare for the new season, this partnership ensures our players will have access to the best football boots and training wear available. The timing couldn't be better, as our boys are eagerly looking forward to gearing up in the latest Adidas gear."


Halls continued, "We've always believed in providing our players with top-notch resources, and this partnership with Adidas takes it to the next level. The history and prestige of Adidas Football, especially with iconic products like the Predator boots, align perfectly with our mission to develop the next generation of football stars."


Visit Adidas Football


Explore the latest range of Adidas Football products here: Adidas Football


Disclaimer


We may receive a small commission for any Adidas products sold via our website.


This partnership marks the beginning of an exciting new chapter for NexxtGen Football. With Adidas by our side, we are confident that our players will not only perform their best but also feel inspired by the rich legacy of one of football's greatest brands. Stay tuned for more updates as we embark on this incredible journey together.


Steve Halls is an FA-qualified football coach and football consultant, generally working at grassroots level but hugely passionate about the beautiful game as a whole. Steve works closely with clubs in his local area and offers consultancy services, mentorship, and player representation.


NexxtGen Football Announces Exciting New Partnership with We Make Footballers





NexxtGen Football is thrilled to announce an exciting new partnership with We Make Footballers, a renowned organisation dedicated to providing top-tier football coaching for children aged 4-12. This collaboration aims to enhance the footballing experience for young players by combining NexxtGen Football's expertise with We Make Footballers' proven training methods.


"We are We Make Footballers, we provide football coaching for 4-12 year olds split into 4-7 year olds and 8-12 year olds. We work on developing the youth of today in the beautiful game in a fun, passionate and safe environment. Our local Cheshunt Academy is run by Alfie and Alessio and we run on Wednesday evenings and Saturday afternoons during school term times.


There are WMF Academies all around the country and we have recently become global opening a franchise in Miami! We have had some great talent so far throughout the network who’s careers started with We Make Footballers, Alfie Gilchrist, Michael Olise, just to name a couple. We are always on the lookout to help others develop their existing skills or get into football for the first time, we welcome anyone of any ability.


Our Cheshunt Academy will also be looking to host holiday camps and Talent ID events in the future. Talent ID events are opportunities for children to be scouted by Chelsea, Arsenal etc. Boys and girls are welcome to our sessions!"


With the establishment of the Cheshunt Academy in February 2024 by Alfie Cross and Alessio Cuffaro, We Make Footballers continues its mission to offer a safe, fun, and passionate environment for young football enthusiasts. Both Alfie and Alessio bring a lifetime of football experience to their roles, driven by a shared passion for helping the youth develop their footballing abilities.


Steve Halls, founder of NexxtGen Football, expressed his enthusiasm about the partnership: "This collaboration with We Make Footballers aligns perfectly with our mission to provide quality coaching and development opportunities for young players. We Make Footballers has a fantastic track record, and together, we can create even more pathways for children to achieve their footballing dreams. Our combined expertise will ensure that every child, regardless of their starting point, can enjoy and excel in football."


This partnership will leverage NexxtGen Football’s deep-rooted connections and extensive expertise to support We Make Footballers in reaching even more young players. The weekly group training sessions will serve as an excellent foundation for aspiring players looking to transition into local grassroots clubs or professional academies. To date, We Make Footballers has successfully helped over 200 players secure professional contracts.


We Make Footballers' flexible training options ensure comfort and convenience for both players and parents. They offer indoor and outdoor facilities, emphasising technique during the winter months and applying those skills on larger fields in the summer. The comprehensive one-year syllabus provides structure, but families can choose to participate in block sessions, offering adaptability to their schedules.


Over the past 10 years, We Make Footballers has grown into a successful football franchise, coaching over 7,000 children every week across more than 46 venues. Their mission is to provide best-in-class professional football coaching for boys and girls of all abilities. With a unique coaching methodology grounded in common sense and a passion for football, they create the perfect environment for children to learn and develop.


Personalised coaching is at the heart of their approach. Whether a child is new to football or aspires to go pro, We Make Footballers offers tailored coaching to match each child's ability. The organisation prides itself on hiring the best professional coaches and utilising quality grounds, often with both indoor and outdoor facilities, ensuring a supportive and safe environment.


With a remarkable rating of 4.9 out of 5 based on 565 reviews on TrustPilot, We Make Footballers is trusted by parents and loved by children. Their Cheshunt Academy, along with 117 other venues throughout England, offers excellent value for money and easy access to top-quality football training.


Steve Halls further commented, "We Make Footballers’ commitment to nurturing talent at every level resonates with our values at NexxtGen Football. This partnership is a testament to our dedication to grassroots development and our belief that every child should have the opportunity to grow in a positive and supportive environment."


Why do children and parents in Cheshunt love their training? Improved football techniques, the opportunity to build lasting friendships, and the benefits of exercise disguised as fun are just a few reasons. Additionally, their unique sessions enhance cognitive functions, helping children develop better concentration, learning, listening, and decision-making skills.


To book your child's free training session and experience the benefits firsthand, visit We Make Footballers Cheshunt Academy. It only takes three minutes to secure your spot.


Best wishes,










Steve Halls is an FA qualified football coach and football consultant, generally working at grassroots level but hugely passionate about the beautiful game as a whole. Steve works closely with clubs in his local area and offers consultancy services, mentorship, and player representation.

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