Last weekend the Birmingham NEC hosted The Grass Roots Football Live, attended by over 20,000 avid football lovers, ranging from young children and their parents to young and aspiring coaches. The FA had a major presence at this year’s show with a stand and integral lecture theatre, with guest speakers throughout the weekend. Invited to speak on behalf of higher education was BUCS very own Football Development Manager, George Carney, who spoke about the workforce development initiatives which BUCS have introduced in partnership with The FA and highlighted the success that BUCS have had with introducing Futsal to the sector for both male and female students.

Other speakers included FA National Game Staff such as Donna McIvor, The FA’s National Development Manager for Education, who spoke about The FA’s strategy for increasing participation in schools, higher and further education, plus a focus on competition. The FA’s Head of National Game, Kelly Simmons reviewed the first season of delivering the 2008-12 Strategy, including key successes and future critical actions for achieving the objectives. The FA’s Skills Programme Manager, Nick Levett, ran a session aimed at coaches and those working in education, including practical tips on best practice coaching methods for young people. Les Howie, National Development Manager for Coaching delivered a session on the coaching pathway and latest coaching developments aimed at coach educators and tutors and finally The FA’s Respect Programme Manager, Dermot Collins, reviewed the first season of the Respect Programme and assessed its impact across the whole of football.

The event at the NEC attracts over 20,000 visitors over the 3 days, with a large variety on offer for those that come through the doors. Not only was there a host of equipment and kit exhibitors, but there was also the opportunity to pick up some coaching tips from some inspirational coaches, including former England Manager, Graham Taylor, Former England U21 Manager, Peter Taylor and League Manager and colourful character, Ian Holloway. There was also an opportunity to meet former greats from the game including legendary former AC Milan and Italy defender, Franco Baresi, Arsenal great, Paul Merson and the larger than life Neil Ruddock. There was also the opportunity to watch some of the best football skills freestylers Billy Wingrove and Jeremy Lynch, with a chance for some of the kids to show off their own skills.

In the afternoon, a packed FA Theatre hosted a Young Leaders Presentation for young volunteers across England who have participated in The FA’s Young Leaders programme and Step into Sport projects in further and higher education. BUCS Football Development Manager, George Carney, gave an overview of the excellent football volunteering in the HE sector before calling upon football legend, Sir Trevor Brooking to make individual presentations to BUCS National Award Winners.

Shaun Smith from the University of Teesside was selected for his three years of excellent work on the SUNEE 2nd Chance Football Project, which helps to rehabilitate people from the local community who are recovering from drug and alcohol abuse. His planning and coaching skills have been enhanced by being part of this project and without his commitment it would not have been such a success. Shaun has grown in confidence and become a role model for many and has become a qualified coach and referee in the process.

Next up was Marc Richards from UWE Hartpury, who has played an integral part in the development of Futsal at his university and in the local region, hosting the BUCS events and qualifying to be a Futsal referee. His team have become part of the FA National League and beat Middlesbrough 3-1 and lost to Helvecia 3-0 on the Sunday while showcasing Futsal to an interested crowd. 

 

Last to be presented was Jonathan Simmons from the University of Birmingham, who has played a significant role in the intra mural development on campus. With 27 11-a-side teams and over 100 small sided teams to look after, his organisation of fixtures, facilities and officials was a massive help to so many students. He has recently set up an international Futsal league for international students after a successful international football festival at the start of the year. 

George Carney commented “Volunteering is a great way to get experience and enhance your CV for the future and stand out from the crowd. You can develop a lot of skills that will be useful in the future, get some superb contacts and make some lasting friendships both in and out of the HE sector. Our award winners should be proud of their achievements and I hope that they continue to be part of football development in the future.”