Kids Football

[Barrs Court Red]

So it begins.  Another season of reluctant linesman duty’s, last minute player withdrawals, dog poo covered pitches, angry parents and angrier kids. 
 

Both mine play in goal.  Both have tricky matches and it will be eldest child’s first season on full sized pitches, which means full sized goals - she’s lost in it.  Can see some pretty high score lines while the kids get used to the new dimensions. 
 

Anyone else have games to go to this weekend? 

[Super]

41 minutes ago, Barrs Court Red said:

So it begins.  Another season of reluctant linesman duty’s, last minute player withdrawals, dog poo covered pitches, angry parents and angrier kids. 
 

Both mine play in goal.  Both have tricky matches and it will be eldest child’s first season on full sized pitches, which means full sized goals - she’s lost in it.  Can see some pretty high score lines while the kids get used to the new dimensions. 
 

Anyone else have games to go to this weekend? 

I miss those days. Enjoy mate.

[Offside]

Yes, my son is back to his league games tomorrow. In weather like this it’s difficult to imagine all those afternoons standing in the freezing cold and the rain in winter - but that will come around soon enough. I wouldn’t change it for the world. 

[Barrs Court Red]

57 minutes ago, Offside said:

Yes, my son is back to his league games tomorrow. In weather like this it’s difficult to imagine all those afternoons standing in the freezing cold and the rain in winter - but that will come around soon enough. I wouldn’t change it for the world. 

I’m lucky that I still have at least another 8 years of it, assuming they keep playing. 
 

I prefer the winter games if I’m honest, especially as winter training is with 2 mins walk of a chip shop…

[SBB]

1 hour ago, Barrs Court Red said:

So it begins.  Another season of reluctant linesman duty’s, last minute player withdrawals, dog poo covered pitches, angry parents and angrier kids. 
 

Both mine play in goal.  Both have tricky matches and it will be eldest child’s first season on full sized pitches, which means full sized goals - she’s lost in it.  Can see some pretty high score lines while the kids get used to the new dimensions. 
 

Anyone else have games to go to this weekend? 

The final season for me. From U7’s to U16’s, it’s been stressful and infuriating at times but so rewarding and I wouldn’t change a thing. 
Once my son goes off to uni in a couple of years, I may even take a new batch of U7’s on and start the journey again. 

[Gazman]

My first game out refereeing tomorrow this season, I’ve had no guidance from the FA about applying the law clarifications, e.g. booking for kicking the ball away at any time in a game.  So if you’re at a game, please don’t give the refs a hard time as  we can only do what we think is right.  I’ll be applying common sense!

[Glen hump]

Helped manage a kids team from under 13to under 16 , luckily we had a very good side, won leagues,county cups , I always had so much respect for the managers who had really struggling sides who got hammered every week must be so much harder than managing a good side.

[steveybadger]

Yep just back from mine which I had to run today. 2-1 defeat in Satan’s sauna weather . Still at least one of the team has been schooled at Ashton Gate

[Glen hump]

21 minutes ago, SBB said:

The final season for me. From U7’s to U16’s, it’s been stressful and infuriating at times but so rewarding and I wouldn’t change a thing. 
Once my son goes off to uni in a couple of years, I may even take a new batch of U7’s on and start the journey again. 

Fair play mate, my biggest gripe was some of the parents used to think it was a free child care group, never offered to drive to away games or if they actually did watch a game would run a mile if you asked them to run the line.

[Barrs Court Red]

11 minutes ago, Glen hump said:

Fair play mate, my biggest gripe was some of the parents used to think it was a free child care group, never offered to drive to away games or if they actually did watch a game would run a mile if you asked them to run the line.

I don’t think I’ve seen a good 50% of parents at either of my kids games.  Slightly awkward 

[Glen hump]

1 minute ago, Barrs Court Red said:

I don’t think I’ve seen a good 50% of parents at either of my kids games.  Slightly awkward 

Yeah feel for the kids who’s parents don’t show any interest 

[Cowshed]

39 minutes ago, SBB said:

The final season for me. From U7’s to U16’s, it’s been stressful and infuriating at times but so rewarding 
 

I have done that and have gone onto twenty years of Manging and coaching.

40 minutes ago, SBB said:

 and I wouldn’t change a thing. 
 

You will if you start at U7's again and you will be better second time around for all those experiences.  

42 minutes ago, SBB said:

 I may even take a new batch of U7’s on and start the journey again. 

 

[Silvio Dante]

Yep, start tomorrow. Well I say start, been training through the summer, sorting booking pitches, signing on fees, distributing handbooks, league meetings, development meetings etc etc. If it was as simple as turning up and coaching it’d be easy but it’s so much more.

And totally worth it.

[Kingswood Robin]

3 hours ago, Glen hump said:

Fair play mate, my biggest gripe was some of the parents used to think it was a free child care group, never offered to drive to away games or if they actually did watch a game would run a mile if you asked them to run the line.

Yes, seems to be the way of things. I've been coaching the same team for 3 seasons and have never seen some of the parents at all. Others just sit in their car looking at their phone while the games are on.

First game in the morning though. Nothing better than seeing the kids develop and put the stuff from training into practice.

[Barrs Court Red]

4 hours ago, Gazman said:

My first game out refereeing tomorrow this season, I’ve had no guidance from the FA about applying the law clarifications, e.g. booking for kicking the ball away at any time in a game.  So if you’re at a game, please don’t give the refs a hard time as  we can only do what we think is right.  I’ll be applying common sense!

I wouldn’t dream of digging at a ref at a kids game… as a manager of an adults team I might have had somethings to say in the past

[And Its Smith]

I love it and hate it all at the same time.  If I’m running the line and we are 5-0 up with 5 minutes left I will not flag an opponent player if he’s 2 yards offside. Then a parent will have a go at me!  Love coaching the kids but dislike probably a third of parents and other coaches.  Far too serious. 
 

Coaching cricket is better. Much more mellow 

[Lorenzos Only Goal]

I love my boys under 8's side they have a good mix of boys and girls, and they are getting better.  My boy had a decent stint in goal, and a good stint in defence and scored in a loss. 

It's super friendly level, but have to agree dog shit on the pitches is yuk. Some parents are also a bit awful but mostly it's a nice level. 

Very weird playing rules 4x10 mins not sure I know all of the differences I swear we don't have offsides at our level.

[Cowshed]

17 minutes ago, Lorenzos Only Goal said:

I love my boys under 8's side they have a good mix of boys and girls, and they are getting better.  My boy had a decent stint in goal, and a good stint in defence and scored in a loss. 

It's super friendly level, but have to agree dog shit on the pitches is yuk. Some parents are also a bit awful but mostly it's a nice level. 

Very weird playing rules 4x10 mins not sure I know all of the differences I swear we don't have offsides at our level.

Till the players are U11 and playing nine a side there is no offside. 

[Lorenzos Only Goal]

8 minutes ago, Cowshed said:

Till the players are U11 and playing nine a side there is no offside. 

That makes sense.

[shelts]

Fair play to you parents it’s quite the commitment, been through it all three times , weekends were only ever about football , train on a Saturday morning and games Sunday morning or afternoon , not great when you had both!

 

[Swede]

I absolutely loved it when my Son played in the Avon Youth League and also loved the tournaments as well. Those were the best times. He played in a good team that was well supported by the parents. Like most parents I gladly ran the line and usually took a half in turns with a fellow Dad so at least we had a half to watch. I really feel for the youth teams that don't have a lot of parental support. I also feel that it takes a special person to run a football team because without them and all of the volunteers there would not be any youth team football. 

 

[petehinton]

First day back for me scouring Bristol & North Somerset for the newest talent to join NSRTC (and then hopefully see them filtered into City’s academy then first team some years later).  Won’t be judging the games I pick to go to based on ease of parking and if I can get a tea/bacon sarnie from the clubhouse whilst watching the game too.  No sir. 

[Glen hump]

14 hours ago, shelts said:

Fair play to you parents it’s quite the commitment, been through it all three times , weekends were only ever about football , train on a Saturday morning and games Sunday morning or afternoon , not great when you had both!

 

The league we were in moved to Sunday afternoons at under 14s , a pain in the arse , basically your whole Sunday was took up .

[Barrs Court Red]

1 hour ago, petehinton said:

First day back for me scouring Bristol & North Somerset for the newest talent to join NSRTC (and then hopefully see them filtered into City’s academy then first team some years later).  Won’t be judging the games I pick to go to based on ease of parking and if I can get a tea/bacon sarnie from the clubhouse whilst watching the game too.  No sir. 

Yatton have a great set up, they have a video system so you can sit in the clubhouse nursing a coffee and a bacon bap, while watching the games on tv 

[redysteadygo]

Oh so different from my schoolboy years playing football from the late 1950s. Played in the school junior and senior teams on a Saturday morning then in the afternoon the Federation of Boys Clubs League that started at under 14 level, although we were all 12 year old, then progressed to under 16s at 14 years old. Only adult present was either a school master or Boys Club leaders who normally refereed the games. Whilst the school masters were usually sports teachers some of the Club leaders didn't have a clue of the laws of the game. We made are own way to games travelling all over Bristol on the bus or on our bikes. We had great fun and made lifelong friends. I appreciate that there are many adults who give up tremendous amounts of their time in many capacities to enable the youngster leagues to function these days.  However, a lot teams appear to exist to just win and that puts pressure on the youngsters to perform at the expense, at times, to the detriment of enjoyment. As with most things these days it's all so different to us oldies.

 

[petehinton]

38 minutes ago, Barrs Court Red said:

Yatton have a great set up, they have a video system so you can sit in the clubhouse nursing a coffee and a bacon bap, while watching the games on tv 

They do yeah. I think St George is my favourite if I can help it. Easy parking, easy to get to and cheap tea & bacon. Good pitches too. 

[shelts]

2 hours ago, Glen hump said:

The league we were in moved to Sunday afternoons at under 14s , a pain in the arse , basically your whole Sunday was took up .

You get a lie in though !!

[Glen hump]

19 minutes ago, shelts said:

You get a lie in though !!

Yeah but I used to miss my Sunday dinner time

[deadredfred]

I’ve just started as head coach for U7’s, albeit with the wrong shaped ball! 
Started last season to help with cones and bibs etc, and now here I am! But I enjoy it just as much as the kids do, and it’s so good to see kids of all ability levels having a go and enjoying sport and all of its benefits from such a young age. 

[Cowshed]

20 hours ago, redysteadygo said:

Oh so different from my schoolboy years playing football from the late 1950s. Played in the school junior and senior teams on a Saturday morning then in the afternoon the Federation of Boys Clubs League that started at under 14 level, although we were all 12 year old, then progressed to under 16s at 14 years old. Only adult present was either a school master or Boys Club leaders who normally refereed the games. Whilst the school masters were usually sports teachers some of the Club leaders didn't have a clue of the laws of the game. We made are own way to games travelling all over Bristol on the bus or on our bikes. We had great fun and made lifelong friends. I appreciate that there are many adults who give up tremendous amounts of their time in many capacities to enable the youngster leagues to function these days.  However, a lot teams appear to exist to just win and that puts pressure on the youngsters to perform at the expense, at times, to the detriment of enjoyment. As with most things these days it's all so different to us oldies.

 

Some teams mission is to win leagues and produce players for adults football. Expectation differs at differing levels. Managers and coaches should be honest about what their intent and expectations are. 

Should a AYL division one team at u16 not strive to win their league if that is realistic and that is their intent? 

 

[Silvio Dante]

49 minutes ago, Cowshed said:

Some teams mission is to win leagues and produce players for adults football. Expectation differs at differing levels. Managers and coaches should be honest about what their intent and expectations are. 

Should a AYL division one team at u16 not strive to win their league if that is realistic and that is their intent? 

 

I think it really depends on the ethos. One thing I really don’t like is when teams at AYL (and even HML!) try and poach players from other teams - we’re all part time coaches and I think “coaching not poaching” is how you prove your ability and build a more enduring team.

However I do think that it’s totally appropriate for teams to attempt to play at as high a level as possible based on their ability, and try and win that league.

Generally the ethos I have is that the players I have will (all things being well) be with me for 10 years by the time we finish. As a coach, you’re probably the most stable influence on those boys outside of their parents as they grow up. That’s a hell of a lot of responsibility so I see the first job as pastoral and to grow them as people, and grow their personal qualities and teamwork. However, there is a balance. They want to win games, so it doesn’t become equal playing time and the better players don’t miss time that much.

I totally agree that being honest is key. I’ve said to parents where their child sits as I can’t guarantee every player games (and in some cases in certain games playing them will ruin their confidence and that helps nobody). I don’t necessarily see at AYL the mission is to produce adult footballers - I think they’ll progress that way through love of the game and we aren’t talking kids who’ll become pros at U16 AYL 1/2.

Bottom line for me is develop them as people first and foremost. But absolutely try and win every game, and compete at a level where you are testing yourself and play at the maximum of your ability and effort every week.

[EmersonsKev]

20 minutes ago, Silvio Dante said:

I think it really depends on the ethos. One thing I really don’t like is when teams at AYL (and even HML!) try and poach players from other teams - we’re all part time coaches and I think “coaching not poaching” is how you prove your ability and build a more enduring team.

However I do think that it’s totally appropriate for teams to attempt to play at as high a level as possible based on their ability, and try and win that league.

Generally the ethos I have is that the players I have will (all things being well) be with me for 10 years by the time we finish. As a coach, you’re probably the most stable influence on those boys outside of their parents as they grow up. That’s a hell of a lot of responsibility so I see the first job as pastoral and to grow them as people, and grow their personal qualities and teamwork. However, there is a balance. They want to win games, so it doesn’t become equal playing time and the better players don’t miss time that much.

I totally agree that being honest is key. I’ve said to parents where their child sits as I can’t guarantee every player games (and in some cases in certain games playing them will ruin their confidence and that helps nobody). I don’t necessarily see at AYL the mission is to produce adult footballers - I think they’ll progress that way through love of the game and we aren’t talking kids who’ll become pros at U16 AYL 1/2.

Bottom line for me is develop them as people first and foremost. But absolutely try and win every game, and compete at a level where you are testing yourself and play at the maximum of your ability and effort every week.

 

A man after my own heart, sadly your ethos is in the minority from my experience.

 

I have a 10 year old who I removed from the football environment 3 years ago, my wife and I have him partaking in numerous other sports that we think will aide his development and a person.  I started coaching 5 years ago with the intention of not necessarily coaching junior football but to provide our communities future adults with structure, discipline and values which will help them into adulthood.

 

Wow, how naive was I, some of the kids desperately need guidance, however what shocked me the most it wasn't the kids needed it most, but some of the parents.  Sadly from a group of 35 kids I witnessed more than 10 kids parents provide regular foul mouths towards officials, myself and fellow volunteers, micro coaching and encouragement of unnecessary aggression towards opponents.

 

No wonder we have a broken society that has little respect for one and other.  

[Portred]

Played our 1st game of the season yesterday in a crazy thunderstorm in Portishead. Soaked thru, thunder and lightning right above our heads, we lost. But I absolutely love it. Two promotions in two seasons, we may struggle this year, but we've got a great bunch of parents who will be there rain or shine !! #UTPK

Ps if there's any budding U14's keeper out there looking for a team, please get in touch

[Barrs Court Red]

Last minute goal and a difficult first game in a higher division wasn’t a great start.  But they played well, so from a selfish lens that’s a positive start. 

[NcnsBcfc]

On 10/09/2023 at 10:28, petehinton said:

First day back for me scouring Bristol & North Somerset for the newest talent to join NSRTC (and then hopefully see them filtered into City’s academy then first team some years later).  Won’t be judging the games I pick to go to based on ease of parking and if I can get a tea/bacon sarnie from the clubhouse whilst watching the game too.  No sir. 

 

@petehinton Do you know Steve Arney from NSRTC then?

 

[gavlin]

Loved playing youth football. Remember playing against the bottom in the league who had lost all 7 games and had a goal difference of 0 goals scored and 42 against them . 
second half we  were leading 5-0 when the ball was past to me and thinking our goalie hadn’t seen much of the ball decided on a pass back . The ball took an awkward bounce went through his legs and into our net. We won 7-1 but got congratulated by the opposing side at the end as I was now there top goalscorer. 

[i_am_red]

6-1 up in our first game with about 20 minutes to go against our local rivals  (who we have a great relationship with) they battled back to 6-6. Great game and as frustrating as it was, amazing to be part of!

[petehinton]

1 hour ago, NcnsBcfc said:

 

@petehinton Do you know Steve Arney from NSRTC then?

 

Yes knkw Steve, and shared accommodation with his boy Zac on our tour in Holland earlier this summer too

[The Dolman Pragmatist]

My son’s team comfortably beat Bristol Rovers Supporters Club in the Avon Yourh League yesterday.  A conversation with one of their supporters revealed that he was a City fan, as were several of the players…

Their keeper punched the ball clear while a yard outside the area and only got a  yellow card.  Ah, Sunday referees…

[shelts]

On 10/09/2023 at 14:24, Glen hump said:

Yeah but I used to miss my Sunday dinner time

Forgot that !

[Cowshed]

On 11/09/2023 at 10:30, Silvio Dante said:

I think it really depends on the ethos. One thing I really don’t like is when teams at AYL (and even HML!) try and poach players from other teams - we’re all part time coaches and I think “coaching not poaching” is how you prove your ability and build a more enduring team.

However I do think that it’s totally appropriate for teams to attempt to play at as high a level as possible based on their ability, and try and win that league.

Generally the ethos I have is that the players I have will (all things being well) be with me for 10 years by the time we finish. As a coach, you’re probably the most stable influence on those boys outside of their parents as they grow up. That’s a hell of a lot of responsibility so I see the first job as pastoral and to grow them as people, and grow their personal qualities and teamwork. However, there is a balance. They want to win games, so it doesn’t become equal playing time and the better players don’t miss time that much.

I totally agree that being honest is key. I’ve said to parents where their child sits as I can’t guarantee every player games (and in some cases in certain games playing them will ruin their confidence and that helps nobody). I don’t necessarily see at AYL the mission is to produce adult footballers - I think they’ll progress that way through love of the game and we aren’t talking kids who’ll become pros at U16 AYL 1/2.

Bottom line for me is develop them as people first and foremost. But absolutely try and win every game, and compete at a level where you are testing yourself and play at the maximum of your ability and effort every week.

A fine post Sir. 

Ethos will alter across levels, the aspirations have too.

AY teams at the higher levels include sides that are feeder teams. Their existence is part to provide players for their parent club. A mission is to produce players for adults football. One recent winner of the U16 AYL 1 had five players go on to be pro club scholars and players go to Western league XI's and Southern league clubs. To not have players going on from these sides to higher levels in adult teams would be failure. 

I have managed and coached teams across all AYL divisions from colts in division five to teams in division one. In AYL five the quest was to win one game, have fun doing it and progress from there. In AYL one the quest was entirely different with players looking to win every week, win trophies and looking to continue playing post U16, the intent of the team, its Manager, coaches reflected those desires honestly and realistically - We are looking to win trophies and we can and do help develop players for higher levels in a serious football environment.

One size doesn't fit all. There we need to be very honest with players and parents. 

On 11/09/2023 at 14:33, The Dolman Pragmatist said:

My son’s team comfortably beat Bristol Rovers Supporters Club in the Avon Yourh League yesterday.  A conversation with one of their supporters revealed that he was a City fan, as were several of the players…

Their keeper punched the ball clear while a yard outside the area and only got a  yellow card.  Ah, Sunday referees…

Your Sons teams comfortable beat Bristol Rovers supporters club but you still wanted the supporters club keeper sent off? Tough.   

[Barrs Court Red]

Not ideal being a week into the season, but I know of a u13 girls team (east side of Bristol) looking for players as they’re a little light on players.  
 

happy to pass on contact details if anyone’s got a daughter looking for a new club. 

[Barrs Court Red]

Any big games this weekend for anyone’s children? 

Wifes got the joy of taking youngest crotch goblin away to Bristol Rovers SC. Not one I’d normally want to miss, but girls side ko is a little bit close for me to watch both. 
 

On that note, the quality in the Bristol Girls league continues to really impress me. There’s so many talented young ladies coming through at grass roots level, City should be well served by such a pipeline. 

[Mendip Broadwalk]

On 11/09/2023 at 14:33, The Dolman Pragmatist said:

My son’s team comfortably beat Bristol Rovers Supporters Club in the Avon Yourh League yesterday.  A conversation with one of their supporters revealed that he was a City fan, as were several of the players…

Their keeper punched the ball clear while a yard outside the area and only got a  yellow card.  Ah, Sunday referees…

 The offence can be a yellow card and the sanction might just be a free kick. Sunday leagues refs wont be looking to send of players who are 12, 13, 14?

[Cowshed]

To: The Somerset Football Community

It is with great sadness that I have to write this statement, however we need to address the escalating issues of poor behaviour in grassroots football within Somerset.

The opening months of the 2023-2024 season has seen the worst start to a season that we have ever witnessed, with an unprecedented increase in disciplinary cases. At the time of writing, discipline cases are up by 50% compared to the same time last year, the number of abandoned matches is double that of 12 months ago and we have a huge increase in discipline relating to youth football.

Season 2021/2022 and Season 2022/2023 were already two of the worst in terms of discipline that we have ever seen in Somerset and, far from an improvement in these statistics, we are seeing a worrying trend in the opposite direction.

Most worryingly, a large number of these cases are in youth football. Cases involving youth players and referees have risen by an alarming 66% from this time in 2022. The main offenders in youth football are adults, be they coaches, managers, club assistant referees, spectators or parents. This may not come as a surprise to some of you who regularly watch youth football, but now is the time for everyone to take responsibility and protect the game that we all love. Young people in football, regardless of their role, deserve to enjoy the game free from abuse and negativity, and should expect adults to behave in a manner that sets a positive example. The young people themselves have told us that they prefer a friendly environment so they can learn and most importantly, enjoy the game, this is simply not happening at the moment.

It would be wrong to think this is restricted to the youth game. The rise in indiscipline is spread across all aspects of grassroots football, from mini soccer, youth football, adult male and adult female.

THIS CANNOT GO ON.

We all take part in football because we love the game and appreciate the enjoyment it brings us, be that playing, refereeing, coaching or numerous other roles. However, the atmosphere for most of our participants at this moment cannot be enjoyable in the current climate.

The knock-on effect is of course felt across all areas of the game, not least in refereeing. Recruiting referees is in itself a difficult task, however for those who come through our courses the environment they face is hardly conducive to retaining them. All our referees, especially those who are recently qualified and are learning the game, deserve the same supportive, encouraging environment that is given to the players. This is even more crucial when the referee is a child themselves. Sadly, we’ve had more incidents of adults abusing new or young referees, with young referees being left in tears by the conduct of adults. (Our under 18 referees are easy to spot, as most wear a purple/pink shirt, so there is no excuse.)

THIS IS A SITUATION THAT CALLS FOR IMMEDIATE AND COLLECTIVE ACTION. I would ask everyone involved in the game, whatever your role, your age, the level you are involved at to take a moment to reflect on their actions and interactions, both on and off the field and think of the following:

•  Am I promoting respect and sportsmanship, or am I contributing to the problem?
•  Do I need to make that comment, will I regret it and realise I’ve overstepped the mark afterwards?
•  Do I need to criticise the referee for a mistake, or perhaps should I reflect on the mistakes I have made myself during the game?
•  Am I setting a positive example to those who are participating? Adults - young people will copy your actions as you are their role models.
•  Am I a positive role model for children and young people?
•  Are my actions hurting football?

Most of you who read this won’t be the problem, the majority of participants abide by the rules and cause no trouble; however, we all must challenge poor behaviour when we see it; we cannot stand idly by and let the game be spoilt by a minority.

We will be working with clubs and leagues to reinforce codes of conduct and adopt a zero-tolerance policy for poor behaviour. This includes robust disciplinary procedures and sanctions for those who fail to adhere to these standards and could include the cancellation of fixtures.

These however should be the last resort, simply by taking ownership of our actions and behaving responsibly and decently, we can prevent these incidents taking place. It is for all of us to do our bit and do what is right and, if we do, the collective response will see us return to everyone taking part in the game we all love in the way we want it to be.

WE NEED TO ACT TOGETHER TO PROTECT OUR GAME

Somerset FA

[W-S-M Seagull]

2 minutes ago, Cowshed said:

To: The Somerset Football Community

It is with great sadness that I have to write this statement, however we need to address the escalating issues of poor behaviour in grassroots football within Somerset.

The opening months of the 2023-2024 season has seen the worst start to a season that we have ever witnessed, with an unprecedented increase in disciplinary cases. At the time of writing, discipline cases are up by 50% compared to the same time last year, the number of abandoned matches is double that of 12 months ago and we have a huge increase in discipline relating to youth football.

Season 2021/2022 and Season 2022/2023 were already two of the worst in terms of discipline that we have ever seen in Somerset and, far from an improvement in these statistics, we are seeing a worrying trend in the opposite direction.

Most worryingly, a large number of these cases are in youth football. Cases involving youth players and referees have risen by an alarming 66% from this time in 2022. The main offenders in youth football are adults, be they coaches, managers, club assistant referees, spectators or parents. This may not come as a surprise to some of you who regularly watch youth football, but now is the time for everyone to take responsibility and protect the game that we all love. Young people in football, regardless of their role, deserve to enjoy the game free from abuse and negativity, and should expect adults to behave in a manner that sets a positive example. The young people themselves have told us that they prefer a friendly environment so they can learn and most importantly, enjoy the game, this is simply not happening at the moment.

It would be wrong to think this is restricted to the youth game. The rise in indiscipline is spread across all aspects of grassroots football, from mini soccer, youth football, adult male and adult female.

THIS CANNOT GO ON.

We all take part in football because we love the game and appreciate the enjoyment it brings us, be that playing, refereeing, coaching or numerous other roles. However, the atmosphere for most of our participants at this moment cannot be enjoyable in the current climate.

The knock-on effect is of course felt across all areas of the game, not least in refereeing. Recruiting referees is in itself a difficult task, however for those who come through our courses the environment they face is hardly conducive to retaining them. All our referees, especially those who are recently qualified and are learning the game, deserve the same supportive, encouraging environment that is given to the players. This is even more crucial when the referee is a child themselves. Sadly, we’ve had more incidents of adults abusing new or young referees, with young referees being left in tears by the conduct of adults. (Our under 18 referees are easy to spot, as most wear a purple/pink shirt, so there is no excuse.)

THIS IS A SITUATION THAT CALLS FOR IMMEDIATE AND COLLECTIVE ACTION. I would ask everyone involved in the game, whatever your role, your age, the level you are involved at to take a moment to reflect on their actions and interactions, both on and off the field and think of the following:

•  Am I promoting respect and sportsmanship, or am I contributing to the problem?
•  Do I need to make that comment, will I regret it and realise I’ve overstepped the mark afterwards?
•  Do I need to criticise the referee for a mistake, or perhaps should I reflect on the mistakes I have made myself during the game?
•  Am I setting a positive example to those who are participating? Adults - young people will copy your actions as you are their role models.
•  Am I a positive role model for children and young people?
•  Are my actions hurting football?

Most of you who read this won’t be the problem, the majority of participants abide by the rules and cause no trouble; however, we all must challenge poor behaviour when we see it; we cannot stand idly by and let the game be spoilt by a minority.

We will be working with clubs and leagues to reinforce codes of conduct and adopt a zero-tolerance policy for poor behaviour. This includes robust disciplinary procedures and sanctions for those who fail to adhere to these standards and could include the cancellation of fixtures.

These however should be the last resort, simply by taking ownership of our actions and behaving responsibly and decently, we can prevent these incidents taking place. It is for all of us to do our bit and do what is right and, if we do, the collective response will see us return to everyone taking part in the game we all love in the way we want it to be.

WE NEED TO ACT TOGETHER TO PROTECT OUR GAME

Somerset FA

My son is almost 9 and he is autistic. He's just got to the stage where he has really started to get into football. 

He has started to ask about playing for a team but it's very difficult because I don't want to expose him to the toxicity that exists in kids football. Because due to his disability if he witnessed bad behaviour then he would copy it. No childten should have to witness some of the vile behaviour that goes on in kids football. 

Bad behaviour shouldn't even have to be a consideration when parents are deciding about sending their kids to play. It's not a consideration for things like swimming and that's how it should be.

[Barrs Court Red]

Soooooo I meant to dip in and out of this over the season but with everything City related I forgot…
 

Anyone have any highlights so far this season?  I see cup finals are now being played, any trophies for the bedroom trophy shelf? 
 

Turns out the full sized goals weren’t  the disaster my oldest thought they’d be. Downside is that they don’t seem to want to play any more - not sure how to handle it.  It’s been a step up in a league that’s full of amazingly talented players, so was always going to be up against.
 

Amazing natural ability which would be a shame to waste, but short of forcing them I’m not sure what I can do?  
 

Youngest has now finished the last 7 a side season they’ll play in.  That can’t come soon enough as they’ve all outgrown those pitches.
 

One thing I would point out is that I’ve seen zero poor behaviour on the touchlines this season - is this an outlier? 

[mattjb]

My girl (12) is in her 3rd season of football and loves it . Games have been severely disrupted because of the rubbish weather this season, they’ve only played one game at home since the end of November. She’s doing really well , I never expected her to be as good to be honest and I love watching her play ,she’s got way more ability and pace than I did at that age . I’m a proud dad !  Women’s football will only improve in time with the amount of good quality coaching girls get now . 
She plays for her club side on a Sunday and south glos on a Saturday and is hoping to be in the south glos side next season when they will hopefully step up from the Somerset girl’s league to the junior prem league.  Also the change from 9 to 11 aside to deal with . With her pace and stamina I think she’ll relish a bigger pitch , certainly worked in her favour when they moved from 7 to 9 aside
I think the changes in kick off times for city next season will have a big impact on how many games we can watch as it will clash with her games . No contest there though , I’d rather watch her play anyway!

[Natchfever]

On 09/09/2023 at 08:59, Barrs Court Red said:

So it begins.  Another season of reluctant linesman duty’s, last minute player withdrawals, dog poo covered pitches, angry parents and angrier kids. 
 

Both mine play in goal.  Both have tricky matches and it will be eldest child’s first season on full sized pitches, which means full sized goals - she’s lost in it.  Can see some pretty high score lines while the kids get used to the new dimensions. 
 

Anyone else have games to go to this weekend? 

Epic times.

My boy went onto a better level but those seasons from age (5?) were so good. The parents running things were phenomenal.

My girl played for the same club, brilliant stuff.

[Offside]

1 hour ago, Barrs Court Red said:

Soooooo I meant to dip in and out of this over the season but with everything City related I forgot…
 

Anyone have any highlights so far this season?  I see cup finals are now being played, any trophies for the bedroom trophy shelf? 
 

Turns out the full sized goals weren’t  the disaster my oldest thought they’d be. Downside is that they don’t seem to want to play any more - not sure how to handle it.  It’s been a step up in a league that’s full of amazingly talented players, so was always going to be up against.
 

Amazing natural ability which would be a shame to waste, but short of forcing them I’m not sure what I can do?  
 

Youngest has now finished the last 7 a side season they’ll play in.  That can’t come soon enough as they’ve all outgrown those pitches.
 

One thing I would point out is that I’ve seen zero poor behaviour on the touchlines this season - is this an outlier? 

It’s my son’s U16s team’s last season. They’ve only got a couple of games left and it’s strange to think that’s coming to an end with many of them having in the team for nearly 10 years. No particular highlights this season (they’ve lost many more than they’ve won) but some brilliant games. I’m hoping he’ll go on to join the U18s - at the moment he wants to but things can change. 

Behaviour on the touchlines has been really good. 

[Barrs Court Red]

So here we go then, not long till the season starts again.  
 

Not a great pre season in my household, ones had a trip to A&E and a MRI scan (clear) after a nasty head injury in a friendly, the other..seems to have gone backward.  
 

Anyone looking forward to early starts, running the line and having to listen to utter muppets on the touch line?  I know I am 

[mattjb]

Looking forward to it.It will be my girl’s first season in the JPL so should be good to watch, can’t say I’m looking forward to the travelling though ! 

[Offside]

My son is signed up with his under 18s team. They have a couple of friendlies soon before the season starts properly. Hopefully he will continue to enjoy it. 

[Red Homer]

First pre-season training for my daughter this week before the season kicks off in September. Dual registration for her this year, Bristol Ladies Union u18s and first team, so lots of travelling to far-flung corners of Gloucestershire for us this season.

[SydneyCity]

Kid’s last U7s game of the season was on Saturday just gone. Going to miss the community. An Italian guy rocks up to training with a mobile pizza oven, and the dad’s bring a few beers. Game days have some decent BBQs - home and away - all made better by watching the kid’s improve each week. Love it. The poor little guy genuinely believes Bristol City are the best team in the world as well. He got in an argument with a kid who said Messi was the best player in the world. Mine insisted he couldn’t be, because he didn’t play for Bristol City

[Barrs Court Red]

2 minutes ago, SydneyCity said:

Kid’s last U7s game of the season was on Saturday just gone. Going to miss the community. An Italian guy rocks up to training with a mobile pizza oven, and the dad’s bring a few beers. Game days have some decent BBQs - home and away - all made better by watching the kid’s improve each week. Love it. The poor little guy genuinely believes Bristol City are the best team in the world as well. He got in an argument with a kid who said Messi was the best player in the world. Mine insisted he couldn’t be, because he didn’t play for Bristol City

That sounds awesome 

[MarcusX]

Not quite the same, but as someone nearing the end of my “career” I very much enjoy seeing the young lads step into adult football and trying to pass on some experience and help them learn.

Last week I got the pleasure of playing alongside 2 16 year olds, one as my CB partner and one as my keeper, in their first adult match.

Last season we had a new manager who’d previously managed an under 18s side and he brought 6/7 of them into the team. A variety of ability between them tbf, but a couple will go far in the game from what I can see already.

Cant wait to hopefully be able to do it with my own kids one day.

[ChippenhamRed]

My son plays for the Wiltshire district side on Saturdays and grassroots for Chippenham on Sundays. He trains at least twice a week and also plays/trains for his school team. Apart from the school stuff, I'm the taxi driver for all of it! I love it and he's done really well (both City and Rovers have come to watch him, but he's fallen just short of academy football so far) but also find it very stressful because he's a goalkeeper. Only parents of goalkeepers will understand!

I have loved being a part of the youth football community for the last few years and worry about the time when I suddenly don't have to drive all over the South West and beyond, every weekend. But I've also enjoyed the summer break!

[Steve Watts]

Looking forward to Sunday.  Our team are entering our first season at 11 a side in the AYL.  Division 3 team, so progression in the cup is a target for us with the way it's been formatted this year.  Had a really good summer with the tournaments, but just couldn't quite get over the line to win one.  One of these days though.... Got to a final, a couple of semi's, and giving good showings against some top, top teams.  We lost 2-0 in the knockout stage to Rovers, who had battered everyone that came before and then won 6-0 in the semi and 7-0 in the final, so the boys had the pride of giving them their toughest game of the day at least.

With running the line, we put it out to parents to step up, doing a half each.  It's like pulling teeth sometimes, but 3 or 4 regularly step up to help, with a few others taking a half or two here or there.  I think that's one of the most frustrating parts of the job.  Parents are reluctant to volunteer because they want to focus on their own kids, but fail to recognise that us coaches would love to do that as well, but volunteer for 50 weeks of the year to focus on all of their kids getting football as well.  I have found that running a half each got a few more doing it though.

[Pickle Rick]

My son is starting in the U7’s  league after playing some Little Kickers for a year and then for his grassroots team the last two years. He loves it and I’ve taken a coaching/manager role. It will be ‘interesting’ to see how things transpire.

It’s a great club and we have many volunteers. The parents are also top notch. Played a few friendly matches and it’s all gone well.

So many things to sort though!!

[Barrs Court Red]

So the boys league sent out an email after the opening weekend, covering poor behaviour by players and coaches (I know of 3 incidents, one of which a ref was pushed).  
 

Someone clearly didn’t get the message, as yet another game was abandoned this weekend after an incident, 
 

 

[Cowshed]

3 minutes ago, Barrs Court Red said:

So the boys league sent out an email after the opening weekend, covering poor behaviour by players and coaches (I know of 3 incidents, one of which a ref was pushed).  
 

Someone clearly didn’t get the message, as yet another game was abandoned this weekend after an incident, 
 

 

Today a referee was attacked leading to a game being abandoned. Last weekend a U9 game was abandoned due to parents fighting. There were scores of incidents during tournaments over the summer. This has become normal.

[Back of the Dolman]

40 minutes ago, Cowshed said:

Today a referee was attacked leading to a game being abandoned. Last weekend a U9 game was abandoned due to parents fighting. There were scores of incidents during tournaments over the summer. This has become normal.

I’ve always felt that the league haven’t been tough enough in dealing with the offenders or whole teams in general who’s behaviour has been unacceptable.

One punishment being not to allocate them a referee, leading to club officials officiating their own ill disciplined side.

I could never understand that one.

[redkev]

On 28/08/2024 at 13:03, Pickle Rick said:

My son is starting in the U7’s  league after playing some Little Kickers for a year and then for his grassroots team the last two years. He loves it and I’ve taken a coaching/manager role. It will be ‘interesting’ to see how things transpire.

It’s a great club and we have many volunteers. The parents are also top notch. Played a few friendly matches and it’s all gone well.

So many things to sort though!!

Just wait until you get to about the u14’s and upwards both the children and the parents will change more than you can imagine at this current time and that will include your own teams players and parents mark my words 

[Red Homer]

2 minutes ago, redkev said:

Just wait until you get to about the u14’s and upwards both the children and the parents will change more than you can imagine at this current time and that will include your own teams players and parents mark my words 

Just glad this sort of behaviour doesn't happen with the girls teams (although Whitchurch were always a bit mouthy and liked to leave a foot in, even at u12!). Even now, a bit of a dodgy tackle always results in a sorry from the offender.

[Barrs Court Red]

Just now, Red Homer said:

Just glad this sort of behaviour doesn't happen with the girls teams (although Whitchurch were always a bit mouthy and liked to leave a foot in, even at u12!). Even now, a bit of a dodgy tackle always results in a sorry from the offender.

Some of the girls teams are absolutely foul but not seen any issue with parents.  Only coach in our age group that seemed a ****, was from a side that folded thankfully. 

[Back of the Dolman]

2 minutes ago, redkev said:

Just wait until you get to about the u14’s and upwards both the children and the parents will change more than you can imagine at this current time and that will include your own teams players and parents mark my words 

Yeah I coached my sons team until the end of their U16 season and I can’t say I miss it.

My boys weren’t too bad, but I wouldn’t of tolerated any bad behaviour.

On the one or two occasions they overstepped the mark I’d take them straight off to cool down and have a little chat with me.

Really only one parent I ever had to speak to as well.

But some teams were a complete nightmare, players with bad attitudes and to much testosterone fuelled by some unlikeable coaches but didn’t have too many issues with parents.

if society is anything to go by then I can only imagine what it’s like nowadays.

[Lorenzos Only Goal]

On 09/09/2023 at 08:59, Barrs Court Red said:

So it begins.  Another season of reluctant linesman duty’s, last minute player withdrawals, dog poo covered pitches, angry parents and angrier kids. 
 

Both mine play in goal.  Both have tricky matches and it will be eldest child’s first season on full sized pitches, which means full sized goals - she’s lost in it.  Can see some pretty high score lines while the kids get used to the new dimensions. 
 

Anyone else have games to go to this weekend? 

My son's just finished his second game, smashed in a nice goal from left back.  They still play 7 aside, with kick ins this season (mixed feelings about that) my boy has a long throw. They've won their first two games so he's happy.

 

[Silvio Dante]

30 minutes ago, Back of the Dolman said:

Yeah I coached my sons team until the end of their U16 season and I can’t say I miss it.

My boys weren’t too bad, but I wouldn’t of tolerated any bad behaviour.

On the one or two occasions they overstepped the mark I’d take them straight off to cool down and have a little chat with me.

Really only one parent I ever had to speak to as well.

But some teams were a complete nightmare, players with bad attitudes and to much testosterone fuelled by some unlikeable coaches but didn’t have too many issues with parents.

if society is anything to go by then I can only imagine what it’s like nowadays.

The biggest truth of all in youth football is that the team are a reflection of the coaches. If a team is misbehaving or being arses, its short odds the coaches are idiots as well. Particularly like the coaches who try to be nice at the start then when their team isn’t winning show true colours.

[Back of the Dolman]

5 minutes ago, Silvio Dante said:

The biggest truth of all in youth football is that the team are a reflection of the coaches. If a team is misbehaving or being arses, its short odds the coaches are idiots as well. Particularly like the coaches who try to be nice at the start then when their team isn’t winning show true colours.

Yes I suppose that’s true and probably in many other aspects of life as well.