Byfleet Village FC

So, tonight is my LAST training session with my team. I thought I would never write this, but realistically it comes to all of us at some point, it is so hard to write my feelings down, but I’m going to try. After seeing my players grow up, after the all the wins, losses, draws, xmas parties, summer tournaments, after all the nets have been put up and taken down, after making so many friends, after enjoying the highs alongside them, and a few bad times (our team nearly folded twice over the years) tonight is my FINAL training session with my team, and Saturday is our last game. I thought I would be fine, I thought I would be pleased, my players aren’t kids anymore they’re now young men, I’m so proud of every single one of them and how they’ve turned out, I hope I’ve had a small part in that. None of my players will be pros, and that’s ok, that doesn’t mean they’ve failed or I failed. We set out on this journey over a decade ago with no expectations, what we’ve made far outweighs anything I could have imagined, but it still feels like I’m losing 17 sons all at once. They all have their own plans now, work, uni, travelling etc. So one last session tonight and I am going to make it count, my last session that I have planned is a simple one, I won’t need cones, ladders or hurdles, the lesson is to always remember that football is a game and is there to enjoy and have fun, no matter their level or age. 5 aside or 11 aside. This will be my final gift to them, and no matter where they go I will always be their biggest fan and I will always class them as MY team. To the coaches at the end of the journey, I understand exactly hoy you’re feeling, to the coaches starting or in the middle of their journey, enjoy every single second.

Ready, Set, Glow! Is a CPD session for coaches and referees focused on increasing the awareness of Neurodiversity and ADHD in football. Secure your place now: office.pulse.ly/0nlpprzajn @ARFC_Official #surreyfa #surreyfootball

This is DEEP. Let that sink in! 🥺 #juniorgrassroots

The Play Safe weekend is close! For players, this weekend is all about your safety. Have fun, be positive and support everyone. If something feels wrong or unsafe in football, talk to an adult you trust. Because on or off the pitch, players and children should feel safe, always.

Club Welfare Officers, this Play Safe weekend and beyond, check everyone knows how to contact you, ensure club policies and procedures are accessible, and put safeguarding at the forefront of all committee meetings Spread the word about Play Safe & make a difference in football

PlaySafe weekend champions safeguarding in football, helping to make it a game that is safe, fun, and enjoyable for everyone, everywhere, every time. For more information, visit our website surreyfa.com/news/2024/jul/…

The FA have introduced a new standard of behaviour for football. They are calling on clubs to ask their members to #RespectTheStandard Find our more here: surreyfa.com/news/2024/sep/…

PlaySafe Weekend 28th/29th September ⚽️ youtu.be/wV_k0ozBLv8?si…

APPRECIATON POST for all our Grassroots Refs this weekend, the premier league still get it wrong with cameras, multiple experts and VAR. So a big 👏 for our Grassroots Refs this weekend. #teamgrassroots #grassrootsfootball #YouthFootball #norefnogame #RedCardToRefAbuse #shoutout #saturdayleague #sundayleague #forall

Calling all youth players (parents you might have to help here) On the weekend of 28th/29th September 2024, football at every level will unite for Play Safe – a national campaign emphasizing the vital importance of safeguarding in the sport. Chance to win Thorpe Park tickets 👇

@Sheerwaterfc @AlfieMickley Wishing you a speedy recovery Alfie - from all The Islanders x

Wishing the Sheers no.1 a speedy recovery following an incident whilst travelling in Vietnam. Alfie is currently recovering in hospital, but is expected to make a full recovery over the coming weeks. All the best Alf, look forward to having you back between the sticks soon 🧤💙🤍

Humbled to spend the morning with Graham @gracedeartrust trying to raise awareness @FunFootball4All Awards Day.

@ACSCobhamSchool Thank you for hosting the @FunFootball4All Awards Day - 54 teams attended and over 900 medals were given to the division winners & runners up 👏

An important lesson for parents and coaches 🗣️⚽️ The journey through football can he extremely difficult for children; there’s often so much pressure to achieve, compete against others and impress those who are watching you. Now more than ever, in the spotlight of social media, so many children feel like they’re “not good enough” or that if they don’t win, they’re not worthy of being a footballer. Add this to the pressure of achieving contracts and maintaining spots in teams, the understanding of children’s emotions is extremely important for coaches and for parents too. Both in and out of football, I’ve learned a lot about myself emotionally, but more importantly, I’ve learned how crucial it is for me to support the emotions of the kids I work with. Especially within Foundation Development Phase (U7-U11), the process of helping children become better footballers and better people should always be the main focus, as well as helping them be themselves, and feel comfortable in expressing who they are. This picture from last Saturday is just one of many times I’ve experienced a player who has felt the overwhelming emotions of being on the losing side of a game. It’s never nice to lose, but it’s always massively important to show the players I work with how highly they are thought of, regardless of the match result. So, my message to you all… parents and coaches… Try your very best to remind our young players how amazing they are, regardless of a win, draw or loss. As long as they give 100% and show positive human values, they will make us proud for a very long time to come! 😁 Enjoy your weekends, Credit Coach Liam of Liam Davies Coaching #footballcoach #workingwithkids

FA Guidance for use of Shinpads in Grassroots Football teamgrassroots.co.uk/fa-guidance-fo…

Being a football coach isn’t just about turning up one night a week, to kick a ball around with some kids. It’s about helping build friendships, a community, a family. This is Si (aka Coach Carter) giving his coat to one of his players to keep him warm & dry. Si also coaches the Under 11’s team too & treats every single player like a son & best friend. The kids love him, the parents love him & he really does want the best for both his teams & the club. Here’s a big shout out of thanks, to all the amazing coaches that volunteer & treat our children as one of their own. #grassrootsfootball #Shoutout #youthfootball #MoreThanAGame #Jumpers4Goalposts

🤔 Thoughts #harryredknapp #teamgrassroots #grassrootsfootball #GRF

#Shoutout to ALL grassroots Refs. Without you, we have no game. #teamgrassroots #grassrootsfootball #GRF

The word "Academy" is being used increasingly in grassroots & causing alot of confusion. Parents paying signing on £, mthly £, £ for academy tracksuits but then ultimately playing in grassroots leagues. To help clear up the confusion Cat 1,2,3 academies don't charge any fees.

#Shoutout to every single grassroots coach out there, trying their best every day, making a difference to people's lives, providing the opportunity to play, keeping a generation of people healthy and active. If you get a chance this weekend, give them a little thank you.