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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.

Developing Your Coaching Philosophy




Think Beyond Tactics When considering a coaching philosophy, many immediately think of tactics, formations, and practice designs. However, a coaching philosophy encompasses much more than just the on-field strategy. It includes the values and beliefs that shape your interactions, relationships, and decision-making processes.

  1. Know What You Stand For Your actions and behaviour should be a reflection of your coaching philosophy. It's essential to determine what truly matters to you. Are you focused on the holistic development of your players, or are you driven by achieving results?

  2. Consider These Questions

  • What are my objectives?

  • What do my players need, and how can I support them?

  • What defines my moral standards and integrity?

  • What would be my personal and team mission statement(s)?

  • What ethical and inclusive principles underpin my coaching philosophy?

  1. Take Responsibility Answering the above questions will help you outline your values, belief system, and mission statement. It is then your responsibility to put these into action, demonstrating that your philosophy is both authentic and robust.

  2. Stay Consistent Your coaching philosophy should not be something you switch on and off. Consistency is key. Ensure that the principles you emphasise during training are also upheld on matchdays.

  3. Communicate Your Philosophy Clearly articulating your coaching philosophy helps in assuming responsibility for your actions. This transparency is beneficial for parents, players, and other coaches, as it sets clear expectations.

  4. Write It Down, Live It Daily Documenting your philosophy can aid in reflecting on your approach. However, to truly impact your team, you need to live by these principles every day. Strive to ensure that those around you understand what you stand for through your actions rather than just your words.

  5. Embrace Adaptation Research indicates that 'expert' coaches understand how various contexts influence their philosophy. Your environment can alter your perspective, whether it's a new committee member or a significant life event. Ensure that your coaching philosophy remains an ever-evolving framework, adaptable to new circumstances. 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 and player representation.


Who is Really Winning When the Score is 15-0?




In the world of grassroots football, the scoreboard often tells only part of the story. While victory may be sweet for the team that emerges triumphant, the question remains: who is really winning when the scoreline reads 15-0? As coaches, parents, and players, it's essential to delve deeper into the dynamics at play on the pitch and consider the broader implications of such lopsided outcomes.


Steve Halls, founder of NexxtGen Football, offers insights into the complexities surrounding one-sided matches and the lessons they impart beyond the final score. "In grassroots football, the focus should always be on player development and fostering a positive learning environment," he asserts. "While winning is undoubtedly a part of the game, it's equally important to prioritise the holistic growth and well-being of young players."


One of the primary concerns arising from heavily one-sided matches is the potential impact on the losing team's morale and confidence. A crushing defeat can be demoralising for players, particularly at a young age when they are still developing their skills and self-esteem. As Stev emphasises, "We must remember that every player takes to the field with the desire to compete and improve. It's our responsibility as coaches and mentors to ensure that they feel valued and supported, regardless of the outcome."


Moreover, the disparity in scores may raise questions about the balance of competition and the effectiveness of league structures in promoting fair play and equal opportunities for all teams. While some argue that such matches offer valuable learning experiences for both winning and losing sides, others contend that they underscore systemic issues within grassroots football, such as disparities in resources, training opportunities, and coaching quality.


From a developmental standpoint, blowout victories also present challenges in maintaining player engagement and motivation. In the face of repeated defeats, players may become disillusioned with the sport, leading to dropout rates and diminished participation levels. Steve emphasises the importance of fostering a supportive and inclusive environment where every player feels empowered to reach their full potential. "We must cultivate a culture of encouragement and resilience, where setbacks are viewed as opportunities for growth rather than reasons for discouragement," he asserts.


Ultimately, the true measure of success in grassroots football extends beyond the confines of the scoreboard. It lies in the bonds forged between teammates, the lessons learned through adversity, and the character development that occurs both on and off the pitch. As Steve reflects, "When we prioritise the well-being and development of young players above all else, everyone emerges as a winner, regardless of the final score."


In the pursuit of excellence, let us strive to redefine victory not solely in terms of goals scored and matches won, but in the lasting impact we have on the lives of young athletes. For in the game of football, the greatest triumphs are often found in the journey of growth, resilience, and camaraderie shared by players, coaches, and communities alike.




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