One Two Magazine Edition 1 December 2015 One Two Magazine Edition 1 December 2015 | Page 7

Back to Basics Back to Basics In an age of data analysis, computerisation and ubiquitous statistics we thought it apt to ensure that prior to dissecting such developments in the game we ensured that the next generation were au fait with the fundamentals of football, that they understand the importance of a first touch, a second ball and a final third. In an environment of fluorescent boots, affluent attire and the mimicry of professionals we feel it imperative to educate them in the basics of the game, be that in a general sense or in relation to instilling good habits in their daily and sporting lives. We are able to do this, but equally mindful that we are dealing with young people and that in reference to the matches and training, I argue with the wife because I have another meeting to go to, I fall out with people as all ever say to them is donate for this sponsor this buy this it’s for the kids and so on.. The bottom line is grass roots football is dying and in years to come there will be no place for kids to play the beautiful game and I for 1 cannot let that happen. Sporting football club have been running since 1994 with 1000's of local kids playing our game but thing needs to change not just for sporting fc but for all grassroots footballs teams. The local council in their wisdom will charge us £10200 this year to let 130 kids play football YES £10200 just to latter we have to make allowances for the temptations and trials of youth. To this end we can emphasise fitness without enforcing an absence of so many of the pleasures of adolescence. We see little value in the creation of finely tuned physical specimens if they are mentally discontented and are approaching training or matches feeling unhappy above the neck even if below they are at their optimum. Gary Bennett, Dean Gordon, Julio Arca and I were fortunate enough to ascend the ladder and play at the highest level in the English game, our careers permitting us to play over a thousand professional games. We were, however, young and aspiring players at one stage. My own career, albeit brief in comparison to my fellow coaches, was cultivated in the narrow streets of Coatbridge whilst Gary and Dean developed in the mean streets of Manchester and South London respectively. Finalising the quartet is Julio; his dreams had their origins in Buenos Aires, Argentina, home to an endless conveyor belt of footballing talent, from Maradona to Messi and many in between. Back to Basics Coaching is still in an embryonic period, we are confident we can share a wealth of expertise and experience with the stars of tomorrow. We can provide them with the tools, empowerment and positive traits which may allow them to cut the grass and mark the line a few times a year. £10200 and they still take the goals down over the summer YES over the summer when all kids are off school and looking for something to do. It makes me so mad when money is wasted on things I read and see but ask for the local council for a helping hand and all I get is a big NO. I do believe that the council know we love what we do and even if we don't get help off them we will still carry on and do it and find the money we need ourselves and there are right (that's what we do) but I believe things need to change not only for the kids of today but for their grandkids I the future. If the pitches fees go up any more sporting fc will have to shut down and then where all the kids go?? take tentative steps into a profoundly lucrative and rewarding life. We can show them the merits of fusing application with ability, dictate that talent has to co-exist with desire but ultimately their willingness to learn is a cornerstone of their ambitions being realised. It would give us great pleasure in watching one of our students taking to the field in several years time knowing that we contributed, even in a small way, to where they have found themselves. In almost any walk of life we can only demonstrate our tricks and talent once we have mastered the basics. Football is no different. Kieron Brady Back to Basics Coaching Web - www.btbcoaching.co.uk Twitter - @BTBCoaching Facebook – BacktoBasics Coaching You will read in the papers that the FA are putting millions back into grassroots football but I can 100% tell you I will see none of that. September 2015 7