top of page

📣 From the Touchline – Grassroots Football Update | NexxtGen Football



As we approach the business end of the 2024/25 season, there are several important updates shaping the grassroots football landscape — from new FA rule changes to evolving matchday standards designed to support players, coaches, referees, and families across the country.


🔁 New Rule Changes to Know


🟥 Sin Bins Extended to More Age Groups


The FA is widening the use of temporary dismissals (sin bins) for dissent. Previously used primarily at U13 and above, these 8-minute dismissals are now being introduced into more youth leagues to encourage better discipline and improve respect for match officials.


👟 Rolling Substitution Clarification


Substitution rules have been clarified to ensure smoother matchday management. Players can re-enter the game after being substituted in the same half, but all changes must be made at the halfway line with referee consent. Coaches should keep players informed on this.


🗣️ Respect Barriers & Spectator Conduct


There is now a greater push for strict adherence to Respect Barriers. Many leagues are also trialling silent sidelines at younger age groups to help players develop their decision-making without too much pressure from the touchline.


⚖️ Flexible Age Group Trials


Select leagues are trialling schemes allowing players to temporarily play down a year if they’re physically underdeveloped or new to football. These initiatives are aimed at encouraging development and confidence — particularly for late bloomers.


🌱 Supporting Grassroots Growth Through NexxtGen Football


At NexxtGen Football, we're committed to helping players, coaches, and parents understand and adapt to these changes. Our mission has always been to deliver expert guidance and foster a positive, professional, and structured environment for youth footballers to thrive.


We continue to work with leading grassroots clubs, academies, and leagues to ensure our players stay ahead of the curve and benefit from a safe, educational, and empowering football experience.


💡 What This Means for Young Players at NexxtGen Football


✅ Coaches will continue to deliver up-to-date, compliant sessions

✅ Players will be guided through the latest rule changes

✅ Parents can expect a better, more positive matchday culture

✅ The focus remains on development, discipline, and enjoyment


💬 If you’re a coach, player or parent working with NexxtGen Football, or you're just looking to learn more — stay engaged, ask questions, and let's keep raising standards together. The future of grassroots football is bright, and we’re proud to be helping shape it.


---

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.

bottom of page