Why do kids play football?
02 Apr 2012

This is a great blog by Nick levett - The FA national Developmetn manager for Youth and Mini Soccer. if you don't have time to read it just take a look at the exercise below and give it some thought.

http://youthfootballdevelopment.blogspot.co.uk/2012/03/children-and-some-reasons-behind-play.html

Try this simple test at home or in a training session.

1. I love scoring or stopping goals
2. I like meeting new friends through football
3. I like to show off my skills
4. It’s a really good game and I love it
5. I like skilling people
6. It helps keep me fit and healthy
7. It’s important to me I win the league
8. I like learning new skills
9. I play because it makes my parents happy
10. Trying my hardest is more important than winning
11. It’s important to me I try to win matches
12. It’s important to me I win trophies and medals
13. I like playing football with my friends
14. I love playing football because it’s fun
15. Winning is more important than trying my hardest
16. I like playing matches against other teams

In the FA research the following answers consistently came out top.

1. Trying my hardest is more important than winning
2. I like meeting new friends through football
3. It helps keep me fit and healthy
4. I like playing football with my friends
5. I love playing football because it’s fun

Having done this, ask yourself the same questions as a parent or coach. Are we  working with kids to the same goals or are our goals as adults getting in the way?

Respect Campaign
06 Nov 2011

We all have a responsibility to promote
high standards of behaviour in the game
This club is supporting The FA’s Respect
programme to ensure football can be
enjoyed in a safe, positive environment.
Remember children’s football is a time for
them to develop their technical, physical,
tactical and social skills. Winning isn’t
everything.
Play your part and observe The FA’s
Respect Code of Conduct for spectators
and parents/carers at all times.

For details of the codes of conduct for parents, players and officials take a look at the documents setion of the website.