St. George’s Park hosted the opening day of the 2014 FA Youth League Conference on Saturday, with plenty of experience and knowledge on offer for delegates to tap into.
With representatives from over 60 youth leagues from across England in attendance, the inaugural Conference represents a good opportunity to further improve and develop football for youngsters across the nation.
And from the moment The FA’s Associate Director of Grassroots Coaching Les Howie delivered his key note speech to delegates, it was clear to see the passion around the room.
The Conference is taking place at St. George's Park on Saturday and Sunday
"There are over 3000 youth officers in over 300 youth leagues across the country," revealed Howie.
"Youth football forms 50 per cent of all affiliated football in the country and this Conference is an opportunity to share ideas and make new contacts.
"Success at this level is so important for the future of the game and there have been more changes made to this level of the game in the last 15 years than there were in the previous 70."
Howie went on to speak about the current FA Coaching Strategy, with the vision being all about producing technically excellent and innovative players, excellent teachers of the game, with an emphasis on playing through the thirds.
After the chance to ask questions to Howie and a panel of FA representatives, the guests were then treated to an introduction to Futsal by National Development Manager Simon Walker and how it can be incorporated into youth leagues as a further development tool.
Delegates hear about Respect
Delegates then dispersed into separate workshops in four smaller groups, with National Clubs Services Manager Mick Baikie hosting a session on the "New Player Pathway".
Looking ahead to the new youth development review, due in 2015, and aided by Nathan Batchelor of the Sheffield & District Youth League who spoke of the impacts made by the FA Youth Review, discussions were held and ideas exchanged on the challenges and solutions offered to clubs and leagues up and down the country.
Another group looked at the Respect campaign, with The FA’s Dermot Collins taking the reps through ways in which they can help improve conduct both on and off the pitch in their games.
Graham Almond, welfare officer for the Grantham Youth League, illustrated some of the successful methods used in their leagues, those in attendance couldn’t fail to be impressed.
And with an inspirational speech after dinner from former England Blind and Team GB Paralympic star Dave Clarke to come, along with more workshops and sessions to follow on Sunday, there’s still a lot to look forward to for the many grassroots volunteers at SGP.
