FA vote for fundamental overhaul of Youth Development

The FA have just voted in favour to drastically change how young players are developed in England from here on in. The plans will now remove importance from 'winning' games, and focus more on technical skill. League tables for children under 12 will no longer be published. Pitches will be smaller and goals will be smaller and increase in size dependent on the age of the players (i.e the size of a goal will be reduced the younger the players are). On these smaller pitches there will be fewer players and as a result there will be more time on the ball and more technical skill required, as you have less space.

More detail here:

http://www.englandfootballblog.com/2...nd-grassroots/

and here:

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/art...ong-balls.html

Today's changes will be far more effective in helping England win another World Cup than any of the managerial changes we have made. It's very exciting.

That sounds very sensible, despite the fact that I have no interest in the game. At least they're trying to make intelligent changes

[Russ]

Originally Posted by Damien

The FA have just voted in favour to drastically change how young players are developed in England from here on in. The plans will now remove importance from 'winning' games, and focus more on technical skill. League tables for children under 12 will no longer be published. Pitches will be smaller and goals will be smaller and increase in size dependent on the age of the players (i.e the size of a goal will be reduced the younger the players are). On these smaller pitches there will be fewer players and as a result there will be more time on the ball and more technical skill required, as you have less space.

So, 5-a-side then But yes, sounds like a good idea.

Originally Posted by Damien

Today's changes will be far more effective in helping England win another World Cup than any of the managerial changes we have made. It's very exciting.

Yes, I'm sure Wales will be quite interested too

Originally Posted by Russ

Yes, I'm sure Wales will be quite interested too

Will these changes apply there?

[Russ]

Absolutely. With Cardiff and Swansea (and some plastic, north-Wallian club) being in the English leagues, this sort of thing will filter through as well.

Originally Posted by Russ

Absolutely. With Cardiff and Swansea (and some plastic, north-Wallian club) being in the English leagues, this sort of thing will filter through as well.

This doesn't really apply at club level. I imagine all the clubs that deal with very young players do this already, especially at the top levels, it's more about grass roots and local teams I would think. I imagine the Welsh FA would have to pass this?

[Russ]

The FAW have an important say in such matters but they jointly rule over all 3 clubs with the FA.

Originally Posted by Russ

The FAW have an important say in such matters but they jointly rule over all 3 clubs with the FA.

cool