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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,



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.




Sponsor Spotlight - Enchanted Escapes Travel




In the world of football, where dreams are nurtured, and goals are scored, community support can make all the difference. At the heart of our journey, we are delighted to shine the spotlight on an exceptional sponsor, Enchanted Escapes Travel, whose commitment to our cause has added a touch of magic to our footballing adventures.


About Enchanted Escapes Travel


Enchanted Escapes Travel isn't just a travel agency; it's a doorway to enchanting getaways and unforgettable experiences. Specialising in crafting magical journeys, they transform ordinary trips into extraordinary memories. Here's a glimpse into what makes Enchanted Escapes Travel truly special:



Customised Itineraries: Recognising the uniqueness of every traveller, Enchanted Escapes Travel excels in creating tailored travel itineraries that align with individual interests and preferences.


Exceptional Service: The hallmark of Enchanted Escapes Travel is their unwavering commitment to providing exceptional service. Working closely with clients, they ensure that the travel experience is seamless, stress-free, and thoroughly enjoyable.


Expert Travel Advisors: The team at Enchanted Escapes Travel comprises seasoned travel advisors with a wealth of knowledge and expertise. Their firsthand experiences with many destinations empower them to offer informed decisions and personalized recommendations.


Exclusive Offers: Access to exclusive offers and discounts sets Enchanted Escapes Travel apart. Their relationships with top travel providers allow them to offer unique and unparalleled experiences, often at better rates than available elsewhere.


24/7 Support: Acknowledging the unpredictability of travel, Enchanted Escapes Travel provides 24/7 support. Whether it's a last-minute change or an emergency during the journey, their dedicated team is always ready to assist.


Holiday Protection: Enchanted Escapes Travel prioritizes the peace of mind of their clients, offering ABTA and ATOL protection for secure and worry-free bookings.


Steve Halls, the founder of NexxtGen Football and coach of the CHARS Youth FC u9 Greens, expresses his gratitude, saying, "Enchanted Escapes Travel has been more than a sponsor; they've been a key player in our footballing journey. Their commitment to creating magical experiences aligns perfectly with our ethos of nurturing young talents and creating lasting memories. We are truly thankful for their generous support."


For your next enchanting getaway, explore the world with Enchanted Escapes Travel: enchantedescapestravel.co.uk


Best wishes,






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