Youth Development Review takes shape, and the future of the game is designed to increase the number of touches of the ball, develop confidence and skill in 1v1 situations while assissting with the long term player development of young footballers in this country.
On 28th May 2012, The FA formally ratified some of the recommendations of the Youth Development Review. Smaller pitches, teams and goals together with child-friendly competitions have been the outcomes following the review.
These positive changes have been put in place to improve enjoyment, fun and development of young players allowing more touches, on a better proportioned pitch with an increase of involvement in the game as a whole.
In Hampshire, we have continued to see youth football on the rise and are proud to boast 1,094 mini-soccer teams, 1,416 youth male teams and 139 youth female teams. Additionally a fantastic 81% of teams in Hampshire are FA Charter Standard; providing safe, fun, enjoyable and quality coaching for youth up and down the county.
There has never been a better time to get involved in the game as a child with all of this available.