Simon Millington is a passionate FA Vauxhall Youth Football Officer (London). He believes that Football is taking shape in areas where the structured game tends to over look. ‘There is plenty of evidence in the community that suggests football is alive and kicking’, says Simon. However, there is also evidence that young people feel the game is not meeting their needs, recognised by one of the many partners of the FA.
According to extensive study by HPI, commissioned by The FA and England Team Sponsor and FA Youth Partner Vauxhall, the main reasons for the decline in participation in the 14-17 age group is due to a realisation that they are not going to play professional football, club football becoming more competitive, the lure of other pursuits and external pressures including school work, travel arrangements and part-time jobs.
Football Mash Up is a dedicated programme aimed at 14 to 17 year old boys and girls who have either dropped out of football or are on the verge of doing so. Dedicated after-school sessions will be delivered by FA Vauxhall Youth Football Officers typically between 4 – 6pm in a high quality football environment (5-a-side centres). The FA coach will facilitate a fun and social session where the young people will play a range of 5-a-side games, with the focus on enjoyment rather than it being excessively competitive.
Charter Standard Club Mentoring Programme
On the FA’s Take Part in Football web page it states that in the coming months the FA Vauxhall Youth Officers will be showcasing the ideals of the Youth Development Review and Football Mash Up in Charter Standard Clubs to help clubs benefit from their expertise. There is some great work going on in football at community level right now so let your NCFA know what you think about playing under the FA’s new brand of football in your community. Please contact: info@thecfa.co.uk
To inspire a Mash Up in your community, school or football club you can follow the culture at:
https://www.facebook.com/FootballMashUp
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=g4smBk2mD3w
For more details contact:
Simon Millington | FA Vauxhall Youth Football Officer (London)
Football Services Division
The FA Group
Wembley Stadium, Wembley, London, HA9 0WS
Postal address: Wembley Stadium, PO Box 1966, London, SW1P 9EQ
M – 07534845335 | E – simon.millington@thefa.com| W – www.TheFA.com