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Archie’s story: where work rate meets recognition



This season has been a real journey for Archie — full of challenges, growth, and proud moments that reflect both his footballing ability and his character.


He began the 2024/25 campaign with Wormley Rovers Whites in Division 5 of the Mid Herts League. However, early results saw the team placed into Division 6, where the competition was more appropriate for the squad’s development stage. Archie worked hard to make his mark, scoring six goals in eleven appearances for Wormley. While there were some positive moments, it became clear over time that Wormley wasn’t quite the right fit for Archie in terms of style, structure, and environment.


With that in mind, we made the decision to return him to familiar surroundings — back to CHARS Youth U12 Blues, the club where he had previously played and developed.


It proved to be the right move.


Archie slotted straight back in, contributing not just as a striker but also showing his versatility by playing out wide and, at times, even dropping into defence when the team needed him. Despite playing deeper on multiple occasions, he still managed to score eight goals in fourteen games for CHARS — bringing his overall tally for the season to fourteen goals in twenty-five games.


"Football’s not just about talent — it’s about attitude, resilience and how you treat those around you. Archie showed all of that this season."

That’s a very respectable return, especially given the mix of positions he played, and a testament to his work rate, football intelligence, and team-first mentality.


The highlight of the season came at the CHARS Youth FC Presentation Evening, where Archie was awarded Players' Player of the Year. 🏆


This is such a special honour — not chosen by coaches or parents, but voted for by his teammates. It shows how much his peers value his contribution on and off the pitch. His positive attitude, consistent effort, and support for others clearly didn’t go unnoticed.


As a parent, I couldn't be prouder of how he has handled the ups and downs of the season — always giving 100%, never complaining, and showing maturity beyond his years.


Well done Archie — you’ve earned every bit of it. Here’s to an even bigger 2025/26 season ahead! 👏⚽️💪


Best wishes,












Arsene Wenger's Push for Offside Rule Overhaul: What's at Stake?




Arsene Wenger, FIFA's chief of global football development, is pushing for a radical change to the offside rule, which could potentially give attackers a significant advantage on the field.


According to The Times, Wenger is "convinced" that his proposal works, following successful trials in Italy, Sweden, and the Netherlands.


His proposal suggests that there must be "daylight" between the attacker and defender for an offside offence to occur. If any part of the attacker's body, from which they can score, is in line with the last defender, then this is considered onside. Wenger intends to present his proposal to the International FA Board (IFAB) and is hopeful for swift adoption.





However, despite the potential benefits, there are concerns that Wenger's proposal may give too much advantage to attackers, according to the report. Luis Figo, head of UEFA's Football Board, is reportedly against the proposal, suggesting that further trials may be necessary in competitions using VAR before any changes are made to the law.


David Dein, former Arsenal and FA vice-president, has expressed support for Wenger's idea, describing it as "refreshingly innovative" during a FIFA Congress in Bangkok. Wenger himself has been working on this proposal for four years, emphasising the need for a change in the offside rule to eliminate contentious decisions based on millimetres.


Steve Halls, founder of NexxtGen Football, shares his perspective on Wenger's proposal, stating, "Wenger's proposal represents a significant shift in how we perceive offside offences. By focusing on 'daylight' between attackers and defenders, it could simplify the decision-making process for referees and reduce the controversy surrounding offside calls. However, we must also consider the potential impact on the game's dynamics and fairness. Any changes should undergo thorough testing and evaluation before implementation."


While Premier League clubs are set to see changes to offside decisions next season with the introduction of semi-automated technology, any further alterations to the offside rule will require IFAB approval. Wenger's proposal marks a potential turning point in football's rulebook, but its adoption hinges on careful consideration and consensus among football's governing bodies.





NexxtGen Football and England Football Present: Win a Free Training Session at St. George's Park!





NexxtGen Football, in collaboration with England Football, is thrilled to offer an incredible opportunity for football clubs and leagues across the country. We're excited to announce a chance for you and up to 29 members of your club or league to win a FREE training session at St. George's Park on Thursday 23 May at 5:00 pm.



Imagine experiencing the state-of-the-art training facilities and stepping onto the same grounds where the England Men's and Women's teams hone their skills. This is your chance to elevate your training to the next level and create unforgettable memories with your team.


Founder of NexxtGen Football, Steve Halls, expressed his enthusiasm about this exclusive opportunity, saying, "This is a once-in-a-lifetime chance for grassroots football clubs and leagues to train at one of the most prestigious facilities in the country. We're proud to partner with England Football to offer this incredible experience and support the development of football at all levels."


To enter for a chance to win, simply visit the link below and complete the application form. But hurry – the deadline for entries is 5:00 pm on Sunday 12 May. Don't miss out on this extraordinary opportunity to train like the pros at St. George's Park!



Join us in making dreams a reality and take your football journey to new heights with NexxtGen Football and England Football!



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