Radical Football Conference, Oradea, Romania, 20 & 21 August 2024
This August, CFA Committee member and founder of Salisbury Rovers FC, Debbie Sayers, and her son Keir Doherty, were invited to attend the first ever Radical Football Conference in beautiful Oradea in Romania. Debbie was also asked to deliver a presentation of children’s rights in football and the importance of play.
The conference was the brainchild of the dynamic Flavius Andrisca, a man passionate about changing the game for children’s benefit. He was supported in organising it by football academic and co-founder of the Give Us Back Our Game campaign, Rick Fenoglio and Crystal Palace Academy Coach, Aslan Odev.
Speakers at the conference included former Man Utd head Academy Coach, Paul MacGuiness, Technical Director of Romanian Superliga Club Clug, Sandu Tabirca, Academy Coaches, Jake Pickles and Jesse Rawlins as well as the legendary Man Utd coach, Tony Whelan.
Conference attendees considered presentations and practical demonstrations from coaches. Passion and commitment was high for changing the game for children’s benefit and Debbie was able to promote the work of the Children’s Football Alliance, emphasising the importance of protecting childhood play.
The Radical Football movement is considering holding a further event, perhaps in another country. So, watch this space!
