FA's Youth Masterplan.
28th January 2011

The Football Association has revealed its vision for the future of youth football development with 25 proposals aimed at producing better young players.

Sir Trevor Brooking said, "These recommendations form the basis of our outlook of our national game for years to come."

These proposals have been approved by the FA board and council. When the plans are ratified they will produce a change to formats and facilities within youth football, making coaching more professional, and strengthen international team development.

The ideas are designed to complement the Future Game document that the FA published last year, detailing the governing body's blueprint for the way football should be played.

Although much of its vision is geared towards professional football, there are some of the proposals that may have an impact on clubs like Keelby United. Below is a summary of those points.

1. Agreed mandatory pathway for grassroots youth football playing formats

2. Public communications campaign to target teachers, parents and volunteers about the importance of player development

3. The FA to continue work with the other football authorities on whole game youth development issues, and to consider how youth development could be given greater prominence in the game’s governance

4. Expansion of The FA Tesco Skills Programme nationwide

5. Work with policy makers to ensure the protection of football provision in primary education sector

6. Identify opportunities for grassroots clubs to provide talent identification and development support to the professional clubs

7. Update The FA coaching strategy and promote The FA’s coaching philosophy across the whole game, including the development on an online resource

8. Ensure that age-appropriate qualifications are included in rules and regulations for the appointment of coaches

9. Establish a Coaches Academy network to bring together outstanding coaches of different levels and experiences on a regular basis for coach education opportunities

10. The FA to launch the Licensed Club for Coaches to kite-mark qualified and up-to-date coaches in the grassroots and professional coaching workforce

 Further Reading:

• FA Young Player Development Recommendations

• FA The Future Game

• FA The Coaching Pathway