Some of these boys have been training together for since the age of 6! Richard Anderson has two sons playing for Beeston Centurions and has been the mainstay of the under 9's squad, in which his youngest son is a player. We have had up to 32 children turn up to training on Sunday mornings at Roundhill School, Beeston. Last year at under 8's we played some friendlies and over the summer a couple of tournaments. This year we have entered two squads in the Young Elizabethan League in Nottinghamshire. Both squads train consecutively from 5:45 pm to 8pm at the Power League in Nottingham on Wednesday nights. Richard and Andy are comitted to the enjoyment and development of the children and have recently become qualified coaches.
Would moving kids' football to a summer game help improve the development of young footballers?
Yes - better pitches mean a better chance to develop technique/skills
No - wouldn't make any real difference to development
Maybe - but I'd be worried about more injuries on firm pitches
Get ready for the new season - win a load of balls for your team!
Footballs, footballs, footballs! We've teamed up with Umbro to bring you the perfect boost for pre-season training - 10 Club Website footballs for your team!
What would you do to improve the next generation of British footballers?
Youth development has been at the top of the grassroots football agenda lately, so what would you do to help improve the next generation of British talent? Have your say!