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Goal-Scoring Glory and Grassroots Growth: Lillie’s Rise, Freddie’s Progress, and Spurs’ Challenge!




Hello NexxtGen Football community,


⚽ Grassroots Football Updates


📢 The Football Association (FA) has announced significant changes to grassroots youth football in England, set to take effect from the 2026-27 season. 🚀 This initiative, termed 'FutureFit,' aims to enhance the experience for young players by increasing engagement, physical activity, and skill development. Key changes include:


  • 3v3 Format for U7s: 🧒🏽 Aimed at maximising engagement, this format offers an excellent introduction to football for the youngest players. 🎯

  • Progression of Formats: 📈 Playing formats will transition one year later, with 11v11 moving from U13s to U14s, aligning better with player development stages. 🏅

  • Alignment with Educational Phases: 🎓 The initiative proposes that primary school children play smaller formats with simplified rules, progressing to more complex formats like 9v9 in secondary school. 🏫

  • Age-Appropriate Laws of the Game: 📜 Adjustments are being made to ensure that the laws support the developmental needs of young players, such as changes to game restarts for U7s-U9s to increase ball-in-play time. ⚽

These changes are based on extensive research, including studies of over 400 grassroots games in partnership with Liverpool John Moores University. 🧠 Workshops and resources will be provided to support coaches, clubs, and leagues in implementing these changes effectively. 💡


⚡ Lillie's Remarkable Progress


Lillie’s performance with Wormley Rovers FC U8s has been nothing short of extraordinary. 🌟 Her impressive goal tally of 72 goals in just 17 games highlights her exceptional talent and consistency. 🥅 Her ability to excel against higher-ability teams, especially after multiple promotions, is commendable. 👏 Her recent training sessions with Tottenham Hotspur are a testament to her potential, and it's understandable that she will need to pause her participation with Bows Soccer Academy during this period. 💼


⚽ Freddie's Development


Freddie's continued commitment to training with Bows Soccer Academy and Elite Ballers demonstrates his dedication to improving his skills. 🏋️‍♂️ The transition from 7-a-side to 9-a-side is a significant step, and it's encouraging that Elite Ballers recognise his potential. 🌱 His consistent training and development are positive indicators for his future in the sport. 💪


🏅 Archie's Achievement


Archie's recent accolade as Player of the Month for February with CHARS Youth U12 Blues is a well-deserved recognition of his hard work and adaptability. 🏆 His coach's praise for his attitude and versatility across various positions underscores his value to the team. 💥


🔥 Tottenham Hotspur's Current Situation


Tottenham Hotspur faces a challenging Europa League tie against AZ Alkmaar this evening. 🌍 Manager Ange Postecoglou has acknowledged the importance of this match, especially given the team's earlier exits from domestic cup competitions and mid-table Premier League position. ⚔️ The absence of key midfielder Dejan Kulusevski, due to a foot injury, poses a significant challenge. ❌ Kulusevski's contribution this season has been notable, and his absence will be felt in the upcoming fixtures. 🏃‍♂️ Postecoglou's strategy will need to adapt accordingly to maintain the team's competitiveness in these crucial matches. 📊


From the Touchline: Coaching, Grassroots Growth & Spurs Struggles




Hello NexxtGen Football community,


It's been a while since my last update, and I'm excited to share some recent developments both personally and within the broader football landscape.


Coaching Endeavors with CHARS Youth U12 Blues


I'm thrilled to announce that I've been co-coaching the CHARS Youth U12 Blues alongside Brett Cartlidge. The team's progress has been remarkable, showcasing impressive skills and teamwork on the pitch. A special mention to my son, Archie, who is part of this talented squad. We're gearing up for a challenging away match against PST Pro this Sunday and are optimistic about our performance.


Lillie's Outstanding Achievements with Wormley Rovers U8 Girls Red


My daughter, Lillie, has been making waves with the Wormley Rovers U8 Girls Red team. In just 15 games, she's netted an astonishing 66 goals! Her dedication and passion are truly commendable. Tomorrow, Lillie and her teammates have the honour of participating in the Tottenham Hotspur Global Football Development NextGen Festival at the Spurs Training Ground. While parents aren't permitted to watch, I'm confident they'll shine brightly.


Freddie's New Journey with Elite Ballers


My son, Freddie, has recently joined the U10 training sessions at Elite Ballers. After a brief hiatus from Wormley Rovers, he's continued his development with Bows Soccer Academy on Monday nights and now adds Elite Ballers to his Friday routine. It's heartening to see his enthusiasm and commitment to the sport.


Gratitude to Bows Soccer Academy


Both Lillie and Freddie benefit immensely from their sessions at Bows Soccer Academy. A huge thank you to Ben Bowditch and his team for their unwavering support and excellent coaching. Their dedication to nurturing young talent is truly making a difference.


Grassroots Football: Embracing Inclusivity


In the broader context of grassroots football, there's a significant push towards inclusivity. The FA has launched the "Enough is Enough" campaign, aiming to raise awareness of discriminatory behaviour in grassroots football and highlight the consequences for perpetrators of hate.


Additionally, the "Her Game Too" campaign continues to combat sexism in football, striving to create a more welcoming environment for female players and fans.


Reflecting on Tottenham's Recent Form


As a devoted Tottenham supporter, it's been a challenging period. Our recent exit from the Carabao Cup after a 4-0 defeat to Liverpool was disappointing. Manager Ange Postecoglou acknowledged that Liverpool were "too good for us" in that match.


Injuries have plagued the squad, further complicating our campaign. Despite these setbacks, players like Dejan Kulusevski have expressed unwavering support for Postecoglou's vision, emphasising the need for resilience during these times.


Looking ahead, it's crucial for the team to regroup, address these challenges, and focus on finishing the season strong.


Thank you all for your continued support and passion for the beautiful game. Let's keep pushing forward, both on and off the pitch.


Best regards,


Steve Halls


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The FA Introduce New Rule to Phase Out Heading in Youth Football




As the landscape of football evolves, so too do the regulations governing the beautiful game. Today marks a significant milestone as The Football Association (FA) announce the introduction of a new rule aimed at phasing out deliberate heading in youth football matches over the next three seasons.


In 2022, The FA proudly led the charge in adopting the International Football Association Board (IFAB) trial to remove deliberate heading in grassroots football matches at U12 level and below. This groundbreaking initiative was a testament of the commitment to player safety and the well-being of young athletes.


Steve Halls, founder of NexxtGen Football, emphasises the importance of this initiative, stating, "The safety and development of young players are paramount. By introducing this new rule, we are taking proactive measures to ensure that matches at the grassroots level align with our current heading guidance for training."


Over the past two seasons, approximately 16,000 teams and 107,000 players have participated in the IFAB trial, with invaluable feedback collected from leagues, clubs, coaches, referees, and parents. This collaborative effort has enabled us to carefully analyse the impact of the trial and identify areas for improvement.


"We have listened to the feedback from the grassroots community and have adapted the heading trial to further enhance the player experience," explains Halls. "Our goal is to create more technical opportunities for players while reducing potential risk factors associated with heading the ball."


Starting from the 2024-25 season, the new rule will be gradually introduced across affiliated grassroots youth football between U7-U11 levels. Deliberate heading will be phased out, with sanctions in place for offenders, including indirect free kicks and touchline restarts.


"We recognise the importance of supporting players as they transition from primary to secondary school," says Halls. "Heading will be introduced at this natural transition point in their U12 season, ensuring a smooth progression for young athletes."


Throughout this transition period, NexxtGen Football and The FA will work closely with County FAs, leagues, clubs, coaches, referees, and schools to provide guidance and support for the successful implementation of the new rule.


"We are committed to working hand in hand with the grassroots game to ensure a seamless transition," affirms Halls. "Together, we will continue to prioritise the safety, development, and enjoyment of all young players."


As we look ahead to the future of youth football, NexxtGen Football remains steadfast in its dedication to fostering a positive and nurturing environment for the next generation of athletes.



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