professional footballers is much more clear. Football
is being given to the brightest talents on a daily
basis through school, technique is king and at youth
international level we play 4-3-3 across the age groups.
Now we just have to wait 5-10 years... be patient.
6 The Player Pathway & Fun 4s/Super 5s
Two major issues have been conquered by the
introduction of the Scottish FA’s (in association with
the SYFA/SWF/SSFA/Club Academy Scotland) Player
Pathway. Young players are getting hundreds of extra
touches on the ball every week and young players across
Scotland are now all on the same page. It’s still a work in
progress and we are excited to see how it develops, but it’s
one of these things that makes you think ‘why wasn’t this
always here?’
5 Girls at grassroots
‘The fastest growing sport in the world’. And Scotland is
doing their bit. Every year more and more girls are taking
up the game; leagues are expanding; more festivals are
being organised; teams are starting younger. The current
rate of growth is quite remarkable. At the heart of it all,
football is now a ‘cool thing to do’ for young females.
Watch this space.
4 Positive Coaching Scotland
How many times have you witnessed a coach at youth
level shouting and bawling at a young player? ‘Far too
often’, is the answer for most. This is becoming a thing
of the past thanks to an initiative set up by the Winning
Scotland Foundation. It provides workshops, club and
individual development opportunities and educates
how a lot more can be achieved through more positive
methodology. All of the major stakeholders across football
and