top of page

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


---

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



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.


bottom of page