Kids Grassroots Football - The good stuff!
Discussion
JQ said:
It appears I've not posted in this thread before, I have mentioned my involvement in kids football on Pistonheads, must have been somewhere else.
I'm into my second year of managing a team. Started last year at U7's by accident, the chap who originally took on the team had too much on his plate which became apparent 5 weeks into the season and I offered to help, which turned into me and another chap taking over.
We're now playing at U8's and having a great season. It's all still a massive learning curve for me at the moment but enjoying every minute.
Sounds like a few of the teams on here aren't too far from us. We played in the Respect League (Manchester) last year and are now playing in The Metro League (Stockport) this year.
Welcome! Good on you for stepping up, I loved working with the U7's such a joy! I ref some of their games occasionally when it's tournament season and it's such a laugh being on a pitch with them helping them through the game. I'm into my second year of managing a team. Started last year at U7's by accident, the chap who originally took on the team had too much on his plate which became apparent 5 weeks into the season and I offered to help, which turned into me and another chap taking over.
We're now playing at U8's and having a great season. It's all still a massive learning curve for me at the moment but enjoying every minute.
Sounds like a few of the teams on here aren't too far from us. We played in the Respect League (Manchester) last year and are now playing in The Metro League (Stockport) this year.
We play in the Timperley and District Junior Football league, my eldest son's team who I manage are Under 12's and my other son has just started out at Under 9's. I'm lucky to be able to just go and watch him as a parent thank goodness!
It's my youngest's team that I manage which means I miss out on watching my eldest play as the times generally clash. He's U10's and was due to be in the Timperley League this year, but have ended up sticking with Respect, which i can't fault - turn up at the same place every week, play on a 4g pitch and use ref's supplied by the league - all very stress free.
Just wish I could watch more of him. My youngest is a more natural footballer and quite good, my eldest ain't and I've questioned on more than one occasion if he actually enjoys the sport (all his mates play in the same team). I don't want him to give up on sport, I'd just rather he invested the time in one he appeared to enjoy. However, he seems to have turned a bit of a corner this year and is becoming more confident which is improving his ability which is increasing his enjoyment. So fingers crossed this year could be a good one for him.
Just wish I could watch more of him. My youngest is a more natural footballer and quite good, my eldest ain't and I've questioned on more than one occasion if he actually enjoys the sport (all his mates play in the same team). I don't want him to give up on sport, I'd just rather he invested the time in one he appeared to enjoy. However, he seems to have turned a bit of a corner this year and is becoming more confident which is improving his ability which is increasing his enjoyment. So fingers crossed this year could be a good one for him.
My lad reffed a terrible game last week. Full report gone to FA but one team were a disgrace- sent one off (who refused to go and then swore his head off and only 12 years old)- he had already had a yellow in first half but got a straight red for kicking someone. Three other yellows and could have been more. To be fair the manager was OK although did approach my lad at end of the game , patents were horrendous, two comments after were “you’re a w
ker ref” and “hope you crash on the way home.” Local FA official was watching and his report backs my lads report. Also other teams Secretary was there and put in a report. Lad who got sent off likely to get a 6 match ban and large fine. One parent approached at the end and said my lad was an embarrassment - I pointed out his team was an embarrasment and to be fair to their manager he agreed with me. Their assistant manager actually shook my lads hand and said he was embarrassed by his own team. We found out after they have been reported 4 times this season and two games have been abandoned due to behaviour.
Teams like that should be banned from playing- worst behaviour I’ve seen in ten years.
ker ref” and “hope you crash on the way home.” Local FA official was watching and his report backs my lads report. Also other teams Secretary was there and put in a report. Lad who got sent off likely to get a 6 match ban and large fine. One parent approached at the end and said my lad was an embarrassment - I pointed out his team was an embarrasment and to be fair to their manager he agreed with me. Their assistant manager actually shook my lads hand and said he was embarrassed by his own team. We found out after they have been reported 4 times this season and two games have been abandoned due to behaviour.Teams like that should be banned from playing- worst behaviour I’ve seen in ten years.
Edited by craig1912 on Thursday 23 November 21:53
We’re at u17 now so there’s a fair bit of gobste tennis with all of them.
And I have to say I find some of it amusing.
But I’ve told him give as good as you get but with players only.
don’t argue with the ref.
Youlll never see a ref change his mind cos your all on his case so accept it and get on with it.
I do shout encouragement but in the main it’s at set pieces when they havent clocked The runner, that sort of thing.
but mainly they hear what they want to anyway so i tens to keep my mouth shut
And I always thank the ref. Even if he’s had a mare
I end up being a lino a lot as welll unless I’ve bring the dog with me and usually do the nets.
It’ll be interesting to observe them if they make it to open age. I hope they do but I fear that first season will be an eye opener for him
I don’t thonk he will quite be saturdsy standard but I would think they’ll do well in an industrial or pub League.
I’ve enjoyed seeing him play and develop for a couple of teams now and I’d recommend it to anyone you can have your Sunday lie ins when your old man in the meantime get in the fresh air with your kids and his mates on a Sunday morning. It’s great
te tennis with all of them.And I have to say I find some of it amusing.
But I’ve told him give as good as you get but with players only.
don’t argue with the ref.
Youlll never see a ref change his mind cos your all on his case so accept it and get on with it.
I do shout encouragement but in the main it’s at set pieces when they havent clocked The runner, that sort of thing.
but mainly they hear what they want to anyway so i tens to keep my mouth shut
And I always thank the ref. Even if he’s had a mare
I end up being a lino a lot as welll unless I’ve bring the dog with me and usually do the nets.
It’ll be interesting to observe them if they make it to open age. I hope they do but I fear that first season will be an eye opener for him
I don’t thonk he will quite be saturdsy standard but I would think they’ll do well in an industrial or pub League.
I’ve enjoyed seeing him play and develop for a couple of teams now and I’d recommend it to anyone you can have your Sunday lie ins when your old man in the meantime get in the fresh air with your kids and his mates on a Sunday morning. It’s great
craig1912 said:
My lad reffed a terrible game last week. Full report gone to FA but one team were a disgrace- sent one off (who refused to go and then swore his head off and only 12 years old)- he had already had a yellow in first half but got a straight red for kicking someone. Three other yellows and could have been more. To be fair the manager was OK although did approach my lad at end of the game , patents were horrendous, two comments after were “you’re a wker ref” and “hope you crash on the way home.” Local FA official was watching and his report backs my lads report. Also other teams Secretary was there and put in a report. Lad who got sent off likely to get a 6 match ban and large fine. One parent approached at the end and said my lad was an embarrassment - I pointed out his team was an embarrasment and to be fair to their manager he agreed with me. Their assistant manager actually shook my lads hand and said he was embarrassed by his own team. We found out after they have been reported 4 times this season and two games have been abandoned due to behaviour.
Teams like that should be banned from playing- worst behaviour I’ve seen in ten years.
Truly effing horrific. It really is sad that young refs have to go through this sker ref” and “hope you crash on the way home.” Local FA official was watching and his report backs my lads report. Also other teams Secretary was there and put in a report. Lad who got sent off likely to get a 6 match ban and large fine. One parent approached at the end and said my lad was an embarrassment - I pointed out his team was an embarrasment and to be fair to their manager he agreed with me. Their assistant manager actually shook my lads hand and said he was embarrassed by his own team. We found out after they have been reported 4 times this season and two games have been abandoned due to behaviour.Teams like that should be banned from playing- worst behaviour I’ve seen in ten years.
Edited by craig1912 on Thursday 23 November 21:53
t. The FA have to take a harder line as there is no place in the game for this. I’m sure your son will rise above this pond life and put the experience behind him. There’s no game without the likes of him so thank him for me for stepping up. Sounds at least like the coaches have the right idea even if the parents and players aren’t. It is any wonder players overstep the line if that’s what their parents are like?
Edited by anniesdad on Friday 24th November 08:09
anniesdad said:
Truly effing horrific. It really is sad that young refs have to go through this st. The FA have to take a harder line
When high profile figures like Wenger get a poxy 4 match touchline ban for pushing the 4th official, it'll never get any better. t. The FA have to take a harder line The FA are a total disgrace in this regard.
Not sure how well prepared new refs are either, we had a new ref at the weekend and though overall he was OK you could see him clearly changing his mind depending on what he heard from the sidelines.
In other news we were moved up one division after winning 6 in a row, we got drawn against the #2 U9 team in our club and comprehensively beat them, 5-1. Being supposed to be the #3 team and having 3rd picks of players at our trials, I must say it felt pretty good beating them! In the new division we also got schooled by one team (3-8), narrowly lost 2 games and had a great win yesterday beating a good team 4-0. I really feel we're on the verge of taking another step up in performance as the kids finally seem to take notice of playing in a formation where your job/position actually means something! For example if you are a defender you are useful in your own half when the opposition is attacking, they didn't get this for a long time.
Personally I need to find a way to better convey my message on what they have to do before the game starts, as I find myself shouting instructions way too much during the game. I really want my in-game instructions to be at the absolute minimum, but it seems to be going the other way. I don't think I shout more then any other manager I came across, but I think it's a vital part of the kids development to think more for themselves.
Sunday mornings are still definitely the highlight of my week!
In other news we were moved up one division after winning 6 in a row, we got drawn against the #2 U9 team in our club and comprehensively beat them, 5-1. Being supposed to be the #3 team and having 3rd picks of players at our trials, I must say it felt pretty good beating them! In the new division we also got schooled by one team (3-8), narrowly lost 2 games and had a great win yesterday beating a good team 4-0. I really feel we're on the verge of taking another step up in performance as the kids finally seem to take notice of playing in a formation where your job/position actually means something! For example if you are a defender you are useful in your own half when the opposition is attacking, they didn't get this for a long time.
Personally I need to find a way to better convey my message on what they have to do before the game starts, as I find myself shouting instructions way too much during the game. I really want my in-game instructions to be at the absolute minimum, but it seems to be going the other way. I don't think I shout more then any other manager I came across, but I think it's a vital part of the kids development to think more for themselves.
Sunday mornings are still definitely the highlight of my week!
The Sunday afternoon dread.
Do you all get it?
Last Sunday we played a team we have played three times before, it is always good football they are a nice team with nice (but passionate) parents and manager. They've beaten us every time, but we're a much better team now so I was really looking forward to it, had we played as we can we should've won really.
The boys did not turn up. All of them bar one was awful. No backing up your team mates, formation - what formation? Only running toward the opposition goal, defend? Nah... It couldn't have been much worse, after going 1-0 up we finally lost 4-1.
Completely ruined my Sunday afternoon/evening.
Do you all get it?
Last Sunday we played a team we have played three times before, it is always good football they are a nice team with nice (but passionate) parents and manager. They've beaten us every time, but we're a much better team now so I was really looking forward to it, had we played as we can we should've won really.
The boys did not turn up. All of them bar one was awful. No backing up your team mates, formation - what formation? Only running toward the opposition goal, defend? Nah... It couldn't have been much worse, after going 1-0 up we finally lost 4-1.
Completely ruined my Sunday afternoon/evening.
Another first time poster here. Be gentle.
Like JQ, I appear to be falling into looking after our U7 team. We have two in this age group in the village, Reds and Whites (1st/2nd). Red team are superb. We're lucky to have some great little players who have only lost once since September. Trouble is, we play linked fixtures with other teams that field two sides and as such, we are basically playing the same eight sides over and over. In order to get more challenge for the Reds we need to split the teams and run them independently so stupidly or not, I put my hand up and thankfully another dad is joining me and we're booked in for the course over March.
Bit of an odd feeling. I have neither played, supported nor followed any football - I grew up throwing an oval ball - but am having to embrace this now. My eldest is fantastic - already scouted by Spurs aged 6 he's on their development squad but whilst he now has the fanciest footwork on the team, our other boys have their own strengths and when they actually play together, they can beat anyone. I'm certainly enjoying Saturday match days and am looking forward to seeing if we can develop the boys. Thankfully the other dad will be doing the footwork stuff and I see myself more of a drill sargent and manager type as I certainly have no skills or wisdom to give apart from the teamwork and respect ethic that comes with rugby.
Please tell me I'll be fine!
Like JQ, I appear to be falling into looking after our U7 team. We have two in this age group in the village, Reds and Whites (1st/2nd). Red team are superb. We're lucky to have some great little players who have only lost once since September. Trouble is, we play linked fixtures with other teams that field two sides and as such, we are basically playing the same eight sides over and over. In order to get more challenge for the Reds we need to split the teams and run them independently so stupidly or not, I put my hand up and thankfully another dad is joining me and we're booked in for the course over March.
Bit of an odd feeling. I have neither played, supported nor followed any football - I grew up throwing an oval ball - but am having to embrace this now. My eldest is fantastic - already scouted by Spurs aged 6 he's on their development squad but whilst he now has the fanciest footwork on the team, our other boys have their own strengths and when they actually play together, they can beat anyone. I'm certainly enjoying Saturday match days and am looking forward to seeing if we can develop the boys. Thankfully the other dad will be doing the footwork stuff and I see myself more of a drill sargent and manager type as I certainly have no skills or wisdom to give apart from the teamwork and respect ethic that comes with rugby.
Please tell me I'll be fine!
fredt said:
The Sunday afternoon dread.
Do you all get it?
Last Sunday we played a team we have played three times before, it is always good football they are a nice team with nice (but passionate) parents and manager. They've beaten us every time, but we're a much better team now so I was really looking forward to it, had we played as we can we should've won really.
The boys did not turn up. All of them bar one was awful. No backing up your team mates, formation - what formation? Only running toward the opposition goal, defend? Nah... It couldn't have been much worse, after going 1-0 up we finally lost 4-1.
Completely ruined my Sunday afternoon/evening.
Yes that familiar feeling. Do you all get it?
Last Sunday we played a team we have played three times before, it is always good football they are a nice team with nice (but passionate) parents and manager. They've beaten us every time, but we're a much better team now so I was really looking forward to it, had we played as we can we should've won really.
The boys did not turn up. All of them bar one was awful. No backing up your team mates, formation - what formation? Only running toward the opposition goal, defend? Nah... It couldn't have been much worse, after going 1-0 up we finally lost 4-1.
Completely ruined my Sunday afternoon/evening.
E36GUY said:
Another first time poster here. Be gentle.
Like JQ, I appear to be falling into looking after our U7 team. We have two in this age group in the village, Reds and Whites (1st/2nd). Red team are superb. We're lucky to have some great little players who have only lost once since September. Trouble is, we play linked fixtures with other teams that field two sides and as such, we are basically playing the same eight sides over and over. In order to get more challenge for the Reds we need to split the teams and run them independently so stupidly or not, I put my hand up and thankfully another dad is joining me and we're booked in for the course over March.
Bit of an odd feeling. I have neither played, supported nor followed any football - I grew up throwing an oval ball - but am having to embrace this now. My eldest is fantastic - already scouted by Spurs aged 6 he's on their development squad but whilst he now has the fanciest footwork on the team, our other boys have their own strengths and when they actually play together, they can beat anyone. I'm certainly enjoying Saturday match days and am looking forward to seeing if we can develop the boys. Thankfully the other dad will be doing the footwork stuff and I see myself more of a drill sargent and manager type as I certainly have no skills or wisdom to give apart from the teamwork and respect ethic that comes with rugby.
Please tell me I'll be fine!
You'll be fine, don't forget, other than the rare coach that gets paid to coach kids, everyone is more or less in the same boat.Like JQ, I appear to be falling into looking after our U7 team. We have two in this age group in the village, Reds and Whites (1st/2nd). Red team are superb. We're lucky to have some great little players who have only lost once since September. Trouble is, we play linked fixtures with other teams that field two sides and as such, we are basically playing the same eight sides over and over. In order to get more challenge for the Reds we need to split the teams and run them independently so stupidly or not, I put my hand up and thankfully another dad is joining me and we're booked in for the course over March.
Bit of an odd feeling. I have neither played, supported nor followed any football - I grew up throwing an oval ball - but am having to embrace this now. My eldest is fantastic - already scouted by Spurs aged 6 he's on their development squad but whilst he now has the fanciest footwork on the team, our other boys have their own strengths and when they actually play together, they can beat anyone. I'm certainly enjoying Saturday match days and am looking forward to seeing if we can develop the boys. Thankfully the other dad will be doing the footwork stuff and I see myself more of a drill sargent and manager type as I certainly have no skills or wisdom to give apart from the teamwork and respect ethic that comes with rugby.
Please tell me I'll be fine!
Zoon said:
E36GUY said:
Another first time poster here. Be gentle.
Like JQ, I appear to be falling into looking after our U7 team. We have two in this age group in the village, Reds and Whites (1st/2nd). Red team are superb. We're lucky to have some great little players who have only lost once since September. Trouble is, we play linked fixtures with other teams that field two sides and as such, we are basically playing the same eight sides over and over. In order to get more challenge for the Reds we need to split the teams and run them independently so stupidly or not, I put my hand up and thankfully another dad is joining me and we're booked in for the course over March.
Bit of an odd feeling. I have neither played, supported nor followed any football - I grew up throwing an oval ball - but am having to embrace this now. My eldest is fantastic - already scouted by Spurs aged 6 he's on their development squad but whilst he now has the fanciest footwork on the team, our other boys have their own strengths and when they actually play together, they can beat anyone. I'm certainly enjoying Saturday match days and am looking forward to seeing if we can develop the boys. Thankfully the other dad will be doing the footwork stuff and I see myself more of a drill sargent and manager type as I certainly have no skills or wisdom to give apart from the teamwork and respect ethic that comes with rugby.
Please tell me I'll be fine!
You'll be fine, don't forget, other than the rare coach that gets paid to coach kids, everyone is more or less in the same boat.Like JQ, I appear to be falling into looking after our U7 team. We have two in this age group in the village, Reds and Whites (1st/2nd). Red team are superb. We're lucky to have some great little players who have only lost once since September. Trouble is, we play linked fixtures with other teams that field two sides and as such, we are basically playing the same eight sides over and over. In order to get more challenge for the Reds we need to split the teams and run them independently so stupidly or not, I put my hand up and thankfully another dad is joining me and we're booked in for the course over March.
Bit of an odd feeling. I have neither played, supported nor followed any football - I grew up throwing an oval ball - but am having to embrace this now. My eldest is fantastic - already scouted by Spurs aged 6 he's on their development squad but whilst he now has the fanciest footwork on the team, our other boys have their own strengths and when they actually play together, they can beat anyone. I'm certainly enjoying Saturday match days and am looking forward to seeing if we can develop the boys. Thankfully the other dad will be doing the footwork stuff and I see myself more of a drill sargent and manager type as I certainly have no skills or wisdom to give apart from the teamwork and respect ethic that comes with rugby.
Please tell me I'll be fine!
Otherwise, there is some great advice on the FA pages on Hive.
https://www.hivelearning.com/groups/350874120
https://www.hivelearning.com/groups/1975752781
48Valves said:
I would advise going on the Level 1 coaching course if you can. The new version is fantastic and covers lots of coaching technique rather than teaching you some drills.
Otherwise, there is some great advice on the FA pages on Hive.
https://www.hivelearning.com/groups/350874120
https://www.hivelearning.com/groups/1975752781
Booked in for that already across March.Otherwise, there is some great advice on the FA pages on Hive.
https://www.hivelearning.com/groups/350874120
https://www.hivelearning.com/groups/1975752781
E36GUY said:
Another first time poster here. Be gentle.
Like JQ, I appear to be falling into looking after our U7 team. We have two in this age group in the village, Reds and Whites (1st/2nd). Red team are superb. We're lucky to have some great little players who have only lost once since September. Trouble is, we play linked fixtures with other teams that field two sides and as such, we are basically playing the same eight sides over and over. In order to get more challenge for the Reds we need to split the teams and run them independently so stupidly or not, I put my hand up and thankfully another dad is joining me and we're booked in for the course over March.
Bit of an odd feeling. I have neither played, supported nor followed any football - I grew up throwing an oval ball - but am having to embrace this now. My eldest is fantastic - already scouted by Spurs aged 6 he's on their development squad but whilst he now has the fanciest footwork on the team, our other boys have their own strengths and when they actually play together, they can beat anyone. I'm certainly enjoying Saturday match days and am looking forward to seeing if we can develop the boys. Thankfully the other dad will be doing the footwork stuff and I see myself more of a drill sargent and manager type as I certainly have no skills or wisdom to give apart from the teamwork and respect ethic that comes with rugby.
Please tell me I'll be fine!
You'll be fine!! Like JQ, I appear to be falling into looking after our U7 team. We have two in this age group in the village, Reds and Whites (1st/2nd). Red team are superb. We're lucky to have some great little players who have only lost once since September. Trouble is, we play linked fixtures with other teams that field two sides and as such, we are basically playing the same eight sides over and over. In order to get more challenge for the Reds we need to split the teams and run them independently so stupidly or not, I put my hand up and thankfully another dad is joining me and we're booked in for the course over March.
Bit of an odd feeling. I have neither played, supported nor followed any football - I grew up throwing an oval ball - but am having to embrace this now. My eldest is fantastic - already scouted by Spurs aged 6 he's on their development squad but whilst he now has the fanciest footwork on the team, our other boys have their own strengths and when they actually play together, they can beat anyone. I'm certainly enjoying Saturday match days and am looking forward to seeing if we can develop the boys. Thankfully the other dad will be doing the footwork stuff and I see myself more of a drill sargent and manager type as I certainly have no skills or wisdom to give apart from the teamwork and respect ethic that comes with rugby.
Please tell me I'll be fine!
Last April, I ended my involvement with youth football after eleven years, taking my team through from under-5's to under-16's. I wasn't the coach but I did everything the coach didn't do - send texts, organise training, run the website, collect the cones etc etc. I'd do the ringing round each week, arrange the fixtures and go to the league meetings..... and that's because the coach could concentrate on what he was best at, coaching.
And he was a rugby nut, much preferred it to football. Surround yourself with people you can trust and you'll be absolutely fine. Jay, my coach, was very good at rugby but found the coaching skills surprisingly transferable between the two sports.
Good luck. Any q's, fire away.
48Valves said:
Zoon said:
E36GUY said:
Another first time poster here. Be gentle.
Like JQ, I appear to be falling into looking after our U7 team. We have two in this age group in the village, Reds and Whites (1st/2nd). Red team are superb. We're lucky to have some great little players who have only lost once since September. Trouble is, we play linked fixtures with other teams that field two sides and as such, we are basically playing the same eight sides over and over. In order to get more challenge for the Reds we need to split the teams and run them independently so stupidly or not, I put my hand up and thankfully another dad is joining me and we're booked in for the course over March.
Bit of an odd feeling. I have neither played, supported nor followed any football - I grew up throwing an oval ball - but am having to embrace this now. My eldest is fantastic - already scouted by Spurs aged 6 he's on their development squad but whilst he now has the fanciest footwork on the team, our other boys have their own strengths and when they actually play together, they can beat anyone. I'm certainly enjoying Saturday match days and am looking forward to seeing if we can develop the boys. Thankfully the other dad will be doing the footwork stuff and I see myself more of a drill sargent and manager type as I certainly have no skills or wisdom to give apart from the teamwork and respect ethic that comes with rugby.
Please tell me I'll be fine!
You'll be fine, don't forget, other than the rare coach that gets paid to coach kids, everyone is more or less in the same boat.Like JQ, I appear to be falling into looking after our U7 team. We have two in this age group in the village, Reds and Whites (1st/2nd). Red team are superb. We're lucky to have some great little players who have only lost once since September. Trouble is, we play linked fixtures with other teams that field two sides and as such, we are basically playing the same eight sides over and over. In order to get more challenge for the Reds we need to split the teams and run them independently so stupidly or not, I put my hand up and thankfully another dad is joining me and we're booked in for the course over March.
Bit of an odd feeling. I have neither played, supported nor followed any football - I grew up throwing an oval ball - but am having to embrace this now. My eldest is fantastic - already scouted by Spurs aged 6 he's on their development squad but whilst he now has the fanciest footwork on the team, our other boys have their own strengths and when they actually play together, they can beat anyone. I'm certainly enjoying Saturday match days and am looking forward to seeing if we can develop the boys. Thankfully the other dad will be doing the footwork stuff and I see myself more of a drill sargent and manager type as I certainly have no skills or wisdom to give apart from the teamwork and respect ethic that comes with rugby.
Please tell me I'll be fine!
Otherwise, there is some great advice on the FA pages on Hive.
https://www.hivelearning.com/groups/350874120
https://www.hivelearning.com/groups/1975752781
Zoon said:
Links don't seem to work, just a login page.
Apologies I tried to link straight to the relevant groups.Try this. you will need to sign up.
https://www.hivelearning.com/thefa/
48Valves said:
Zoon said:
Links don't seem to work, just a login page.
Apologies I tried to link straight to the relevant groups.Try this. you will need to sign up.
https://www.hivelearning.com/thefa/
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