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NexxtGen Football Wholeheartedly Supports the FA's Silent Support Weekend: Giving Voice to Young Players




@englandfootball


Dedicated to the holistic development of young players, NexxtGen Football stands firmly behind the Football Association's Silent Support Weekend scheduled for the 2nd and 3rd of March 2024.


As we delve into the intricacies of this transformative initiative, the resounding feedback from the youth community reinforces the profound impact of silent sidelines on the footballing experience.

The essence of the Silent Support Weekend lies in its simplicity – encouraging parents, coaches, and spectators to maintain a hushed presence on the sidelines during youth football matches.


The goal is clear: shift the focus from external noise to the players themselves, empowering them to communicate, make decisions, and navigate the game with autonomy.


A Shift to Player-Centric Footballing Experience:


The Silent Support Weekend introduces a paradigm shift in the traditional footballing dynamic. By fostering an environment of quiet encouragement, it allows players to emerge from the shadows of external influences and take centre stage. The youth community, with its insightful feedback, paints a vivid picture of the benefits reaped from this novel approach.


Freedom from Distractions: "I love playing during the Silent Support Weekend. It's like everything around me fades away, and I can concentrate on the game. No distractions, just me and the ball."


Empowered Decision-Making: "Sometimes it gets confusing when the coach is shouting one thing, and my dad is yelling something else. During Silent Support, I feel more in control. I can make my own decisions without feeling pulled in different directions."


Playing with Freedom: "It's different when the sidelines are quiet. I feel more freedom to try things on the field without worrying about what people are saying. It's like the game is mine to enjoy."


Why Silent Support Aligns with NexxtGen's Philosophy:


At NexxtGen Football, we believe in fostering an environment that transcends traditional coaching norms. The Silent Support Weekend perfectly aligns with our commitment to developing not just technically proficient players but also resilient decision-makers and effective communicators.


Steve's view.


"I strongly believe that the Silent Support Weekend is a catalyst for positive change in youth football. The feedback from our young players underscores the profound impact of a quieter sideline. It's about empowering them to make decisions, play with freedom, and enjoy the game on their terms."


"In a sport where mental acuity is as crucial as physical prowess, the Silent Support Weekend provides a unique opportunity for players to hone both aspects. It's not just about what happens on the pitch; it's about nurturing essential life skills that extend beyond the game itself."


As we immerse ourselves in the upcoming Silent Support Weekend, the words of our young players echo loudly – a testament to the power of quiet encouragement. By amplifying their voices and embracing the spirit of Silent Support, we contribute to a footballing environment where their development takes precedence, fostering a generation of confident, skilled, and empowered players.


Best wishes,




NEXXTGEN FOOTBALL CELEBRATES GRASSROOTS HEROES




Follow: @englandfootball


Who will you nominate for the Grassroots Football Awards? Acknowledge those devoted to the game.



The Grassroots Football Awards offer a chance to express gratitude to those dedicating their time to football. Volunteers who tirelessly contribute, rain or shine, deserve recognition for the significant and small moments they bring to the grassroots game.


By nominating them, you convey your appreciation for their time, energy, and innovative ideas that make the grassroots game exceptional. Let them know they are valued by everyone around them. Even a simple 'thank you' nomination makes them feel like a winner.


This year, the process is simpler. Share their story by informing us:


  • What they do and how it impresses you

  • How they make a difference in others' lives

  • Where they've had an impact in their community


Submit your nominations via the England Football website by April 3.


How the Awards Operate The awards encompass 12 categories, celebrating outstanding contributions from individuals, clubs, leagues, and projects in grassroots football.


  • Club of the Year

  • League of the Year

  • Match Official of the Year

  • Young Volunteer of the Year

  • New Volunteer of the Year

  • Coach of the Year - Female Pathway

  • Coach of the Year - Male Pathway

  • Coach of the Year - Disability Pathway

  • Grounds Team of the Year

  • The Lioness Award

  • Keeping Football Positive Award

  • Bobby Moore Award


Each County FA selects a local winner for each category from area nominations, forming a shortlist for national winners chosen by an FA judging panel.


Beyond heartfelt thanks, national 2024 Award winners will enjoy a unique experience.


Making Your Nomination Matter We aim to honour those embodying the best of football, applying these qualities to enrich local communities. Consider who impressed you, how they made a positive impact, and what they did to achieve it.


Let NexxtGen Football join you in celebrating these grassroots heroes.



Best wishes,



Protecting Young Hearts: NexxtGen Football Stands with CRY in the Fight Against Sudden Cardiac Deaths




The specter of sudden cardiac deaths casts a chilling shadow. This is not merely a statistical concern; it's a pressing issue that demands our unwavering attention. The gravity of this matter hit home during a poignant conversation with my good friend Antonis Tipper, a Cardiac Physiologist at North Middlesex Hospital, prompting a deep dive into the crucial work of CRY (Cardiac Risk in the Young).


Awareness: Shaping a Future


The first pillar in CRY's mission is awareness, a beacon guiding us towards early identification of those at risk. Heightening awareness isn't just about recognising the problem; it's about fostering a clinical environment that responds adeptly to the intricacies of inherited cardiac conditions in young individuals.


Screening: A Path to Securing Futures


Screening emerges as a cost-effective linchpin in this battle. Identifying young people at risk through comprehensive screening isn't merely an option; it's an imperative. The conditions, when detected early, can be treated, paving the way for a secure future for those identified. Every young person deserves the choice to undergo testing, a choice that could be life-changing.


Research: Illuminating the Path Forward


CRY's research program provides a unique vantage point, delving into general population-based data that allows insightful comparisons across athletes, ethnicities, and genders. This research not only contributes to a better understanding of what is normal for young people but also serves as a cornerstone for identifying and treating those at risk.


Support: Nurturing Hearts Beyond Diagnosis


The emotional aftermath of a sudden cardiac death is profound, affecting families in ways that are hard to quantify. CRY steps in, offering both emotional and clinical support to families navigating this challenging journey. Beyond the clinical realm, CRY becomes a beacon of solace for those affected.


NexxtGen Football's Full Support


NexxtGen Football wholeheartedly aligns with and supports the vital initiative undertaken by CRY. As we delve into the intricacies of cardiac screening, we acknowledge its pivotal role in unveiling potential risks and creating a roadmap for intervention. The collaboration with CRY is not merely a sponsorship; it's a shared commitment to the well-being of our young athletes.


Cardiac Screening: A Beacon of Hope


CRY's subsidised ECG and Echocardiogram screenings stand as beacons of hope for young people aged 14 to 35. A simple ECG test, when analysed by a cardiologist, can diagnose most cardiac abnormalities. For extra clarity, an Echocardiogram, a painless ultrasound scan, can provide further insights. Notably, if there has been a sudden death in the family of an individual under 35, the family is entitled to be screened on the NHS.


NexxtGen Football's Call to Action


NexxtGen Football urges every young person, every family, to consider the importance of cardiac screening. We stand united with CRY in emphasising the need for awareness, screening, research, and support. Together, we can transform this awareness into action, securing the futures of our young athletes and preventing the devastating impact of sudden cardiac deaths. Let's champion the cause, not merely as football enthusiasts, but as guardians of young hearts.


Best wishes,




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