top of page

The Evolution of Football Rules: Ifab's Sin-Bin Trial and Blue Cards Explained




Football's governing body, Ifab, is set to embark on a trial introducing sin-binning players and the issuance of blue cards, a move poised to reshape the dynamics of the game. The announcement, expected later today, marks a significant step in exploring the potential expansion of sin-bins, traditionally used for dissent at grassroots levels, to now include cynical fouls.


The essence of the trial revolves around a player receiving a blue card from the referee and subsequently spending 10 minutes in the technical area. However, crucial details, such as the commencement date and the specific competitions involved, remain undisclosed.


The Premier League has opted out of the initial trial rollout, stating its reluctance to participate. Similarly, Fifa, football's world governing body, refuted claims of implementing the so-called 'blue card' at elite levels, deeming them premature. Fifa emphasised the need for any trials to be conducted responsibly at lower levels, intending to reinforce this stance during the Ifab AGM scheduled for March 1.


Ifab, the International Football Association Board, will convene its annual meeting at Loch Lomond in Scotland in March. The agenda includes discussions about sin-bin trials at higher levels of the game, signifying a potential paradigm shift in football regulations.


The concept of sin-bins was initially piloted in the 2018-19 season, demonstrating a commendable 38% reduction in dissent across 31 leagues, according to the Football Association. Subsequently, these measures were introduced across all levels of grassroots football starting from the 2019-20 season, with the aim of fostering respect and fair play.


The rule change extended to step five of the National League system and tier three and below in women's football. "I believe there is frustration for fans watching games when they see a promising counter-attack that's ruined by that [a tactical foul]," expressed Mark Bullingham, the FA chief executive. He added, "The question of whether a yellow card is sufficient for that has led to us looking at whether that should be involved in the protocol as well."


As football evolves, so do its rules, and the Ifab sin-bin trial signifies a proactive approach to addressing nuances in player behavior, dissent, and tactical fouls. The outcome of this trial could potentially reshape the future landscape of football regulations and the way the beautiful game is played and officiated.


Best wishes.




Train like a Pro with the PSG Academy and NexxtGen Football





In the heart of Evian, France, ensconced within 15 acres of picturesque greenery, the PSG Academy beckons aspiring football talents. Accessible to the Haute-Savoie department, Geneva, and Vaud, this premier facility stands as a beacon for young athletes seeking to unlock their potential. In collaboration with NexxtGen Football, the PSG Academy offers an unparalleled training experience, blending expertise and state-of-the-art facilities to shape the football stars of tomorrow.


Commentary from Steve Halls, Founder of NexxtGen Football: "Teaming up with the PSG Academy is a testament to our commitment at NexxtGen Football to provide young talents with world-class training experiences. This partnership amplifies our mission to nurture well-rounded players equipped not only with football prowess but also life skills."



Excellence of Paris Saint-Germain


Style of Play: Enveloped in the excellence of the Paris Saint-Germain methodology, participants embark on intensive programs designed to elevate their physical, tactical, and technical skills. The academy's commitment extends to fostering a deep understanding and vision of the game, enhancing performance across various match scenarios.


Six Fundamentals of Professional Football: The PSG Academy's Pro Technical Program


integrates the six pillars crucial for professional football:

  1. Mastery of technical skills

  2. Pursuit of top performance

  3. Commitment to physical preparation

  4. Mental conditioning and leadership

  5. Understanding and vision of the game

  6. Smart and responsible injury prevention

Steve Halls' Commentary: "Aligning with PSG's methodology ensures our players not only develop their footballing prowess but also grasp the mental and physical aspects crucial for success on and off the pitch."


Highly Experienced and Professional Staff


Led by certified Paris Saint-Germain Academy coaches with UEFA/FFF licenses, the program provides holistic preparation covering technical, tactical, physical, and mental facets. Participants engage with a spectrum of sports professionals, including technical directors, strength coaches, mental experts, and even professional players and coaches.


Steve Halls' Commentary: "Working with a staff of this caliber allows our players to immerse themselves in an environment mirroring professional football, offering insights and expertise that are invaluable for their growth."


Complete Training Programs


Tailored to individual positions and skill levels, the Pro High-Performance Clinics delve into key themes such as football IQ, tactical setup, and position-specific training. The program incorporates video analysis, custom competitions, and technical exercises, ensuring a comprehensive and personalized developmental experience.


Steve Halls' Commentary: "The individual focus and tailored training programs ensure that our players receive personalized attention, honing their skills in alignment with their unique strengths and weaknesses."


Exclusive Pro Conferences


Participants benefit from pro conferences covering mental conditioning, insights into football careers, and essential aspects like nutrition, hydration, injury prevention, and recovery. These conferences provide a holistic approach to player development beyond the confines of the football pitch.


Steve Halls' Commentary: "Empowering our players with knowledge beyond the game is a priority. These exclusive conferences are invaluable in shaping not just great footballers but well-rounded individuals."


Leisure and Excursions


Beyond the training ground, the PSG Academy Pro incorporates leisure and excursions, fostering team building and individual growth. Activities range from water sports and PlayStation FIFA contests to sightseeing and hiking in the breathtaking Alps.


Steve Halls' Commentary: "Balancing intense training with leisure and excursions ensures our players develop not just as athletes but also as individuals, creating a well-rounded sporting experience."




State-of-the-Art Sports Facilities


Boasting multiple fields, top-of-the-line equipment, and professional locker rooms, the PSG Academy provides an optimal environment for player development. Full gym facilities, hydrotherapy, and video analysis rooms further elevate the training experience.


Steve Halls' Commentary: "State-of-the-art facilities are crucial in creating an environment that mirrors professional football. Our players deserve nothing but the best, and the PSG Academy delivers on that front."


Performance and Housing


The PSG Academy Pro prioritizes performance with a full gym, sauna, hydrotherapy, and individual and team statistics in real time. The housing, equipped with modern amenities, ensures a conducive and secure environment for players from around the world.


Steve Halls' Commentary: "Performance is not just about what happens on the pitch; it's about holistic well-being. The PSG Academy's commitment to top-notch facilities and housing aligns perfectly with our vision at NexxtGen Football."


In partnership with the PSG Academy, NexxtGen Football opens doors for aspiring football talents to train like professionals, setting the stage for a journey of growth, excellence, and success.



Best wishes,



NexxtGen Football Applauds McDonald's Fun Football & Kick It Out for Groundbreaking Coaching Development Initiative





In an inspiring move towards fostering diversity and skill development in grassroots football coaching, McDonald's Fun Football and Kick It Out have joined forces to introduce a pioneering coaching development platform and bursary fund. NexxtGen Football proudly supports such initiatives that strive to elevate the standards of equality, diversity, and inclusion in football across the UK.


This unprecedented three-year partnership aims to make McDonald’s Fun Football the epitome of inclusivity in the UK's football landscape. Leveraging Kick It Out’s extensive network and expertise, the initiative seeks to reach passionate groups currently facing barriers to coaching due to costly courses or a lack of opportunities and knowledge.


Steve Halls, Technical Director at NexxtGen Football, expressed his thoughts on the collaboration, stating, "NexxtGen Football fully supports and commends McDonald’s Fun Football and Kick It Out for this groundbreaking initiative. It aligns with our vision of creating a more inclusive and diverse football community, starting from the grassroots level. We believe in the power of such partnerships to transform the landscape of football coaching and provide equitable opportunities for all."


Grassroots football coaching has historically grappled with underinvestment, but this collaboration promises to drive positive change. The new course, designed in partnership with Kick It Out, aims to equip coaches with the tools to address unconscious bias, champion inclusivity, and provide essential support for coaching players from minority backgrounds.

More than 150 McDonald’s Fun Football coaches will have early access to the online course, with plans to make it available publicly via Kick It Out’s digital channels for those with a Level One qualification and above.


In addition to the coaching course, McDonald’s & Kick It Out are launching a coaching bursary to financially support aspiring coaches. The focus is on diversifying the coaching workforce and increasing the number of women coaches in the sport, ensuring that the grassroots football coaching network mirrors the diversity of communities across the UK.


Applications for the bursary will be available through Kick It Out’s Raise Your Game platform, where a Kick It Out funding panel will meticulously review each case to determine successful applicants.


Andrew Moys, Vice President Impact and Communications, McDonald’s UK and Ireland, remarked, "Our goal is to ensure the McDonald’s Fun Football programme is not only the largest but the most inclusive free football programme in the UK. Partnering with an organization like Kick It Out will enable our coaches to create meaningful change in their weekly sessions, and we are excited about the impact that this partnership will have on grassroots football coaching in the UK over the next few years."


Hollie Varney, Kick It Out’s Chief Operating Officer, shared her sentiments, saying, “Together, we have big ambitions for grassroots football over the next three years, and we are excited to get started.”


In 2023, over 300,000 children enjoyed access to free McDonald’s Fun Football sessions held in over 1,500 locations, with plans to expand in 2024. NexxtGen Football applauds this initiative for providing communities with unprecedented access to free football coaching, fostering a love for the game among the next generation.


Best wishes,






Steve Halls

NexxtGen Football

bottom of page