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Recognising Volunteers: Gift a £100 Kit Voucher to Your Club's Heroes




@bowssocceracademy / @charsyouthfc / @wormleygirlsfc / @wormley_sports_club_official


As someone who has seen the incredible impact volunteers have on grassroots football, I’m thrilled to share an exciting opportunity for you to show your appreciation for these unsung heroes at your club or league.


Volunteers are the backbone of grassroots football—they dedicate countless hours to coaching, organising, fundraising, and ensuring the game we love thrives. From early morning pitch setups to late-night planning meetings, their efforts deserve recognition.


Now, you have the chance to say a heartfelt "thank you" in a way that truly counts. By writing a personalised thank-you message to a volunteer at your club or league, you’ll not only brighten their day but also give them the chance to win one of 50 £100 kit vouchers! These vouchers can go towards clothing or equipment to benefit their team or club, further supporting the sport they love.


How to Participate


It’s simple:


  1. Write a thank-you message for a deserving volunteer using the form provided.

  2. An email from England Football will be sent straight to their inbox, spreading joy and appreciation.

  3. Every message you submit enters that volunteer into a draw for one of the £100 kit vouchers.


This is your chance to spotlight the incredible people who make grassroots football possible. Let’s work together to honor the dedication and passion that drive the game forward.

Let’s give back to the volunteers who give their all. Who will you surprise with your message



Maintaining Your Well-Being as a Football Coach




At NexxtGen Football, we believe that when you’re at your best, you’re able to give your best. Balancing the pressures of coaching and everyday life can be tough, but maintaining your well-being is essential for both your mental health and the success of your team.


Why is Maintaining Your Well-Being Important?


Your well-being is how you feel in yourself, physically, mentally, and emotionally. When your well-being is balanced, you approach coaching with a positive mindset, which helps you navigate the ups and downs of the sport.


Good well-being doesn’t mean you’re always on top of the world. It means recognising when you’re not at your best and taking action to make positive changes. It allows you to face challenges head-on without letting them affect your mental health.


Looking after your own well-being also sets a strong example for your players. It shows them the importance of self-care and resilience, both on and off the field.


What Can Impact a Coach’s Well-Being?


At every level of football, coaches face pressure and high expectations. This is especially true in grassroots football, where coaches often wear many hats. Balancing your own job, family responsibilities, match day logistics, and player management can be overwhelming.


For grassroots coaches, trying to meet everyone's needs—parents, players, and the club—while staying organised can take a toll on your well-being. It’s important to find ways to manage these pressures to avoid burnout.


Tips for Improving Your Well-Being


Here are some strategies to help you maintain your well-being as a coach:

  • Prioritise your well-being: Take care of yourself first before handling coaching tasks.

  • Get enough rest: Prioritise sleep to ensure you have the energy to coach effectively.

  • Eat well: Fuel your body with a healthy, balanced diet.

  • Live in the moment: Avoid dwelling on past mistakes or future worries.

  • Communicate openly: Talk to others rather than bottling up stress.

  • Make time for yourself: Whether it’s pursuing a hobby or going for a walk, allow yourself downtime.

  • Delegate responsibilities: Share the load with assistants, parents, or even your players.

  • Set realistic goals: Understand what you can achieve in the time you have.

  • Let go of perfectionism: Accept that not everything has to be flawless.


Understanding Your Well-Being


Being mindful of your well-being means regularly checking in with yourself. How are you feeling today? What’s going well, and what isn’t? When you feel drained, take steps to recharge—whether that’s taking a break or asking for help.


It’s important not to be too hard on yourself. There are always going to be things outside your control. Focus on what you can influence, and let go of the rest.


By prioritising your well-being, you set a powerful example for your players. Don’t be afraid to show vulnerability—doing so fosters a supportive environment where players feel safe to express their own emotions.


Support for Coaches


As a coach, whether you have formal support networks or not, talking to others is key. Build connections with your peers, fellow coaches, and trusted friends. Starting open, non-judgmental conversations can help relieve stress and help you feel less isolated.





Staying Calm in Challenging Situations


Coaching football comes with many high-pressure moments—whether it’s handling upset parents, managing a tough loss, or facing criticism. Whatever the situation, staying calm is crucial. Here are some ways to stay grounded during stressful situations:


  • Prepare ahead of time: Whether it's your line-up or game plan, being well-prepared helps prevent last-minute stress.

  • Redefine success: Winning isn’t everything. Make sure players, parents, and others understand the team’s wider goals.

  • Have a strategy: Think through how you'll handle tricky scenarios before they happen.

  • Use calming techniques: If you feel tension rising, take a few deep breaths to center yourself.

  • Embrace the ups and downs: Tough moments are part of the journey, but they make the victories even sweeter.


At NexxtGen Football, we believe in the power of positive coaching and the importance of well-being for both coaches and players. By taking care of yourself, you’re creating a healthier, more positive environment for your entire team.

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.


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