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⚽ FA Introduction to Coaching Football (Level 1) – In Depth Overview



The FA Introduction to Coaching Football – previously known as FA Level 1 – is the perfect launchpad for anyone beginning their coaching journey. Whether you're supporting your child’s grassroots team or aspiring to climb the professional ladder, this course provides you with the confidence, knowledge, and structure to get started the right way.


"You don’t need to have played the game to teach the game. You just need the heart to inspire others."

🎓 Course Structure at a Glance


  • 💻 Delivered 100% online

  • 🧠 Self-paced learning (12–15 hours over ~6 weeks)

  • 🗣️ Live virtual classrooms with FA tutors

  • 🌍 Access to England Football's Coach Community

  • ✅ Includes safeguarding and first steps into football philosophy


"Great coaches aren't born — they’re developed through learning, listening, and leading."

🧩 What You’ll Learn – Module by Module


🔒 Creating Safe, Fun and Inclusive Environments


This is the foundation of the course. You’ll learn how to:


  • Create sessions that are safe and enjoyable

  • Understand and act on safeguarding responsibilities

  • Welcome players of all backgrounds and abilities


“Happy players learn best. Safe environments grow the game.”

🧬 The England DNA – Building a Coaching Identity


Explore the FA’s national coaching framework:


  • Develop your own values and coaching style

  • Understand the England DNA and its five key elements

  • Learn the importance of a player-centred approach


🧠 Focus: The Whole Player – Technical, Tactical, Physical, Psychological, and Social development.


🧠 Planning and Delivering Sessions


Get hands-on with session design:


  • Learn how to use the STEP principle (Space, Task, Equipment, People)

  • Design engaging, age-appropriate training plans

  • Develop flexible session structures with warm-ups, core activities, and wrap-ups


📋 Includes ready-made templates and example sessions to inspire you.


🧒 Understanding Your Players


To coach effectively, you must understand who you’re coaching:


  • Learn to adapt communication to suit different age groups

  • Recognise developmental stages of young players

  • Build confidence, creativity, and resilience in your team


“It’s not just about coaching footballers. It’s about developing people.”

🎯 Coaching Through Games


Game-based learning is the heartbeat of modern coaching:


  • Use small-sided games to teach decision-making

  • Keep players active, involved, and learning

  • Turn mistakes into learning moments in real-time


🕹️ Practical tip: Make your sessions look and feel like the game!


📈 Next Steps in Your Coaching Journey


Wrap up with a roadmap for development:


  • Learn about the FA Level 2 / UEFA C Licence

  • Discover CPD opportunities and mentor programmes

  • Reflect on your coaching philosophy and long-term goals


“Coaching is a journey — and this is only the first exciting step.”

🤝 Why This Qualification Matters


Completing the FA’s Introduction to Coaching Football shows that you’re serious about doing things the right way — prioritising development, inclusion, and enjoyment over just winning.

You’ll leave the course with:


✅ A clear coaching philosophy

✅ Practical session ideas

✅ A toolkit for safe, effective coaching

✅ Confidence to lead your team, your way


🌍 Work with a Coach Who’s Been There


Steve Halls is an FA qualified football coach offering consultancy, talent identification, mentoring and player representation in Cheshunt and the surrounding areas. In today’s connected world, Steve can offer his services to players, clubs, and organisations across the globe. Whether you're local or international, you’ll benefit from a coach who brings grassroots knowledge with global insight.











📣 From the Touchline – Grassroots Football Update | NexxtGen Football



As we approach the business end of the 2024/25 season, there are several important updates shaping the grassroots football landscape — from new FA rule changes to evolving matchday standards designed to support players, coaches, referees, and families across the country.


🔁 New Rule Changes to Know


🟥 Sin Bins Extended to More Age Groups


The FA is widening the use of temporary dismissals (sin bins) for dissent. Previously used primarily at U13 and above, these 8-minute dismissals are now being introduced into more youth leagues to encourage better discipline and improve respect for match officials.


👟 Rolling Substitution Clarification


Substitution rules have been clarified to ensure smoother matchday management. Players can re-enter the game after being substituted in the same half, but all changes must be made at the halfway line with referee consent. Coaches should keep players informed on this.


🗣️ Respect Barriers & Spectator Conduct


There is now a greater push for strict adherence to Respect Barriers. Many leagues are also trialling silent sidelines at younger age groups to help players develop their decision-making without too much pressure from the touchline.


⚖️ Flexible Age Group Trials


Select leagues are trialling schemes allowing players to temporarily play down a year if they’re physically underdeveloped or new to football. These initiatives are aimed at encouraging development and confidence — particularly for late bloomers.


🌱 Supporting Grassroots Growth Through NexxtGen Football


At NexxtGen Football, we're committed to helping players, coaches, and parents understand and adapt to these changes. Our mission has always been to deliver expert guidance and foster a positive, professional, and structured environment for youth footballers to thrive.


We continue to work with leading grassroots clubs, academies, and leagues to ensure our players stay ahead of the curve and benefit from a safe, educational, and empowering football experience.


💡 What This Means for Young Players at NexxtGen Football


✅ Coaches will continue to deliver up-to-date, compliant sessions

✅ Players will be guided through the latest rule changes

✅ Parents can expect a better, more positive matchday culture

✅ The focus remains on development, discipline, and enjoyment


💬 If you’re a coach, player or parent working with NexxtGen Football, or you're just looking to learn more — stay engaged, ask questions, and let's keep raising standards together. The future of grassroots football is bright, and we’re proud to be helping shape it.


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NexxtGen Football Announces Exciting New Partnership with Adidas




Learn more: https://bit.ly/nexxtgenadidas & follow @adidasfootball


NexxtGen Football is thrilled to announce a groundbreaking new partnership with Adidas, one of the world's leading sports brands. This collaboration comes at an opportune time as we gear up for the new season, ensuring our players have access to the very latest football boots and training wear.


About Adidas


Adidas has a rich history dating back to its founding in 1949 by Adi Dassler. The brand has become synonymous with innovation, quality, and excellence in sports apparel and equipment. Over the decades, Adidas has built a formidable reputation, particularly in the world of football. The iconic three stripes have been worn by some of the greatest athletes in history, making Adidas a household name across the globe.


Adidas Football


Adidas Football is at the forefront of the brand's success, consistently pushing the boundaries of football technology and design. Their range of football boots, including the iconic Predator, has set new standards in the sport. The Predator, first released in 1994, revolutionised football footwear with its unique rubberised zones designed to enhance control and swerve. This boot quickly became a favourite among top players and has seen numerous iterations over the years, each improving on the last.


Iconic Players and Sponsorships


Adidas has sponsored some of the most famous football players in history. Legends such as Zinedine Zidane, David Beckham, and Lionel Messi have all worn Adidas boots during their illustrious careers. The brand continues to support a new generation of stars, including Paul Pogba, Mohamed Salah, and Paulo Dybala, ensuring that the Adidas legacy remains strong on the world stage.





A Word from Steve Halls


Steve Halls, founder of NexxtGen Football, expressed his excitement about the new partnership:

"This collaboration with Adidas is a monumental step for NexxtGen Football. Adidas is a brand that resonates with excellence and innovation, qualities we strive to instil in our players. As we prepare for the new season, this partnership ensures our players will have access to the best football boots and training wear available. The timing couldn't be better, as our boys are eagerly looking forward to gearing up in the latest Adidas gear."


Halls continued, "We've always believed in providing our players with top-notch resources, and this partnership with Adidas takes it to the next level. The history and prestige of Adidas Football, especially with iconic products like the Predator boots, align perfectly with our mission to develop the next generation of football stars."


Visit Adidas Football


Explore the latest range of Adidas Football products here: Adidas Football


Disclaimer


We may receive a small commission for any Adidas products sold via our website.


This partnership marks the beginning of an exciting new chapter for NexxtGen Football. With Adidas by our side, we are confident that our players will not only perform their best but also feel inspired by the rich legacy of one of football's greatest brands. Stay tuned for more updates as we embark on this incredible journey together.


Steve Halls is an FA-qualified football coach and football consultant, generally 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.


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