East Lancs Alliance
ELFA u7s and 8s AHEAD OF THE GAME Young footballers in the East Lancashire Football Alliance (ELFA) have been pioneering the new initiatives laid down by the FA regarding the development of Youth Football through minisoccer. The ELFA has been recognised by the FA as one of the most progressive leagues in the country and has been featured in a series of ?lms entitled ‘Kids Football Is Changing’. Mini-soccer is designed to give children an enjoyable introduction to football, to help them learn the game and above all to have fun. With the Olympics having such and impact, football is competing with many other sports in trying to attract youngsters to the game. The ELFA bases its Sunday morning games for u7s and u8s at Blackburn Soccer Dome (BSD). Secretary Craig Wilkinson explains what the league is trying to achieve. “Our starting point comes from the FA’s Youth Module 1 Age Appropriate coaching course which is entitled ‘Creating the Environment’. That is exactly what we try to do inside on Sunday mornings, not just for the young players but for parents and spectators too. We believe strongly that we have to help young people enjoy the best game in the world.” Most people now recognise that the days of a coach barking orders at young players are coming to an end. The ELFA is looking to run the FA Youth Module courses at BSD to help more and more coaches get up to speed with current coaching practices. The success of development football for young players is there for all to see. Anyone who visits BSD on Sundays will see youngsters trying their hardest and competing in every game. But without the pressure of playing for points and in leagues they are allowed to develop their skills. Coaches too are encouraged to let the players experiment and play in di?erent positions and formations. The idea is to let these young players learn as much of the game for themselves without coach or parental pressure. As the great Johan Cryu? once said: ‘WHAT IT’S ALL ABOUT IS CHILDREN PLAYING FOOTBALL AND NOT FINDING IT A CHORE. SO THE BEST WAY TO TEACH A CHILD TO PLAY FOOTBALL IS TO ENCOURAGE, NOT SUPPRESS.’ Children aged u7s or u8s are not allowed to compete in leagues where results are published and trophies given. But
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