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The National Grassroots Football Show 2025: Celebrating the Heart of Football



Grassroots football is the beating heart of the sport, shaping young players, fostering community spirit, and providing opportunities for all. This summer, The National Grassroots Football Show 2025 will bring together football enthusiasts from across the UK for a two-day event at the NEC in Birmingham, designed to educate, inspire, and celebrate everything that makes grassroots football special.


Taking place on Saturday 19th and Sunday 20th July 2025, this first-of-its-kind event will feature workshops, seminars, skills sessions, and networking opportunities, making it the ultimate gathering for players, coaches, club officials, parents, and football fans of all ages.



Whether you’re a coach looking for fresh ideas, a parent supporting a young player, or a club official keen to connect with industry experts, this event will offer something for everyone.



What to Expect at The National Grassroots Football Show 2025


The show promises a packed itinerary, ensuring attendees can immerse themselves in the grassroots football community while learning from some of the best minds in the game.


Workshops & Seminars


A key highlight of the event will be the range of workshops and seminars, covering everything from coaching techniques to player development and football pathways. Some of the standout sessions include:


  • Mike Phelan Coaching Workshop – Former Manchester United coach Mike Phelan will lead action-packed workshops, offering tips and skills advice for budding footballers and coaches alike.

  • Cameron Jerome Striker Workshop – Learn from former professional footballer Cameron Jerome in a specialist finishing session, designed to help young players sharpen their goal-scoring instincts.

  • Jamie Atkins – What Scouts Look For – Professional football scout Jamie Atkins will provide insights into what scouts look for in grassroots and academy players, helping young talents understand how to stand out.

  • Sam Brown – Dedicated Girls Workshop – A session focused on developing female players, ensuring they receive the same opportunities and support as their male counterparts.

  • Dr Chris Platts – Navigating Professional Football – Helping parents, guardians, and players understand the complexities of professional football, from contracts to career progression.

  • Bobby Copping – Resilience in Football – Former professional footballer Bobby Copping will share his story of resilience, following his early retirement due to injury.

  • Judith McMinn – Protective Headwear in Football – Founder of Rezon Halos, Judith McMinn will discuss how protective headwear can significantly reduce brain injuries in sport.

  • Stuart McClarty – Academy Coaching Insights – Premier League Category 1 Academy Coach Stuart McClarty will pass on his experience and expertise, helping young players refine their skills.

  • Nicola Pickford – ACL Injuries in Women’s Football – Elite Athlete Physiotherapist Nicola Pickford will discuss ACL injuries in the women’s game, offering advice on prevention and recovery.




Interactive Zones & Live Demonstrations


Beyond the seminars, attendees can test their skills in interactive demo areas, take part in live grassroots tournaments, and meet legends of the game. The event will also feature a Euro fan zone, where fans can cheer on the Lionesses in their latest fixtures.



Exhibition & Networking Opportunities


The show will host a large-scale exhibition, covering six key zones:


  • Girls & Women’s Football

  • Health & Wellness

  • Community Initiatives

  • Trade Innovation

  • Coaching & Training

  • Football Technology


With over 14,000 grassroots football players, parents, club officials, coaches, and fans expected to attend, this event is a prime opportunity to network, learn, and celebrate the sport.


Be Part of Grassroots Football’s Biggest Event


Tickets for The National Grassroots Football Show 2025 are available now for £20 per person, per day, including VAT and booking fees.



This is your chance to immerse yourself in the grassroots football community, learn from industry leaders, and connect with fellow enthusiasts who share your passion for the game.


Together, we can ensure that grassroots football continues to thrive—providing opportunities, inspiring the next generation, and strengthening the footballing community from the ground up.

Come and be part of it!











NexxtGen Football & TeamGrassroots Join Forces with Wembley Stadium Foundation for National Kit Scheme



Grassroots football is the heartbeat of the sport, where young players build confidence, develop skills, and forge lifelong friendships. At NexxtGen Football, we are thrilled to announce our partnership with TeamGrassroots and the Wembley Stadium Foundation to deliver free Nike kits to youth teams across the country through the National Kit Scheme.


With 3,000 unisex Nike kits available, this initiative aims to support the lifeblood of football—grassroots clubs—by ensuring players have access to quality kit without financial barriers.


Football should be for everyone, and ensuring teams step onto the pitch with pride is at the core of this campaign.


"We couldn’t be prouder to be part of this scheme, working alongside TeamGrassroots and Wembley Stadium Foundation. Grassroots football is the foundation of the game, and we know how much the right kit means to teams up and down the country. This is about giving players the resources they need to play with confidence and unity."


"Grassroots clubs do incredible work in developing young players, often with limited resources. By providing free Nike kits, we’re not just giving teams a uniform—we’re reinforcing their identity, fostering inclusion, and helping young players feel connected to something bigger."


The deadline to apply for the kit is midnight on 22/06/2025, and with stock limited, clubs are encouraged to act fast to secure their team’s gear. Whether it’s a newly formed squad looking for their first team kit or an established club seeking support, this scheme is here to back grassroots football and the future generation of players.



Together, we’re ensuring that every young player can step onto the pitch with pride—because football should be for everyone.











Inside Grassroots Football: News, Developments & Initiatives



Grassroots football is the heartbeat of the game, providing opportunities for young players, local clubs, and communities to thrive. From exciting new initiatives to major developments in youth football, here’s everything happening right now.


West Ham Hero George Parris Joins Whitehawk FC to Boost Girls’ Football


Former West Ham and Brighton midfielder George Parris has teamed up with Whitehawk FC to mentor young female players at Roedean School. The initiative aims to increase match opportunities, nurture tactical development, and provide a pathway into club football for talented girls.


Parris, now Head of Women and Girls Coaching at Whitehawk, will lead the program alongside Ryan Gaylor, Director of Youth Football. The partnership is designed to embed a strong football culture within Roedean, ensuring young female players have access to structured coaching and competitive fixtures.


Ex-Lioness Anita Asante Encourages Mums to Become Coaches


Former England international Anita Asante is backing the This Mum Campaign with Faversham Strike Force FC to encourage more mothers to take up volunteer coaching. Research shows that 83% of mothers are not involved in their children’s sports clubs, and this initiative aims to reverse that trend.


New findings from UK Coaching reveal that the number of female volunteer coaches has dropped by 10% in recent years. Asante believes that mothers can play a crucial role in shaping the future of girls’ football, providing role models and support systems for young players.


Irish FA Proposes New National Football Centre at Galgorm


The Irish Football Association (IFA) has submitted plans for a multi-million-pound national football centre at Galgorm. The facility will feature world-class pitches, cutting-edge training facilities, and a dedicated space for both elite and grassroots players.


The 50-acre site is expected to complement Windsor Park, creating a dual-campus setup to strengthen Northern Ireland’s football infrastructure. The IFA describes the project as a bold investment in the future of the game, designed to support youth development and bolster team performance.


Young Talents Shine in Spanish Regional Youth Leagues


Three young players—Jake Galia, Lucas Rodriguez, and Jasper Wiseman—have made history in CD San Roque’s youth setup, helping the club win the provincial league title and secure promotion to the Autonómico division.


Galia, a central defender, scored an impressive 21 goals throughout the season, finishing as the league’s seventh top scorer. Head coach Miguel Lorente praised the trio, highlighting their technical ability, leadership, and tactical intelligence.


Final Thoughts


Grassroots football continues to grow and evolve, with initiatives supporting youth development, inclusivity, and community engagement. Whether it’s mentoring young players, providing free kits, or building world-class facilities, the grassroots game remains the foundation of football’s future.


Steve Halls is an FA-qualified football coach specialising in talent identification, player development, and mentorship. With a deep understanding of grassroots football, Steve provides expert guidance to help aspiring footballers maximise their potential and navigate the competitive world of football. Whether in Cheshunt or across the globe, Steve supports individuals and teams in achieving their footballing dreams.











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