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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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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



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