May's Community Football Surgery

Mike Burchett visited the Phoenix Studio on the 3rd May for his Monthly Community Football Surgery. 

Questions addressed this month;

John Griffin from Hutton e-mailed in "I’m part of a small club and we are thinking of running our own summer tournament.  What advice do you have?"

Mike's advice;
"Must get affiliated – apply to Essex FA for affiliation number
Get support – need quite a few volunteers/helpers
Start small and build from there.  First year – invite a few clubs over that you know – have a mini tournament
Decide how to run it:  Refreshments for example: get in a catering van or do it yourself?  More profit, but more help needed!
May be too late for this summer – go along to a few tournaments this year and see how they are run."

Joe Hamilton e-mailed from Billericay "I’ve heard previously about campaigns running about misconduct from supporters.  Can you remind us what they are?"

Mike's advice;
"Don’t X The Line campaign -  www.dontxthelinecampaign.com
Originated in Liverpool.  Can join, get merchandise, etc.
Volunteers around the country going to clubs/games to promote better behaviour.
Keep It Shut campaign - www.totalyouthfootball.com/keepitshut
Led by Total Youth Football magazine – questionnaire to complete – can get badges, etc
Have other resources – Zero Tolerance Policy Card
Give Us Back Our Game campaign - www.giveusbackourgame.co.uk
Game not run by adults – let kids play – not win at all costs – use the game and experience to teach the kids"

Luke from Basildon text in "How do you normally structure a kid’s training session?  My team are currently U9s."

Mike's advice;
"I always follow a set structure:
Warm-up – make it interesting, not boring – kids will turn up late.
Maybe use the ball in the warm-up – could play games (tag, etc)
Technique  - do a practice of a skill (passing, dribbling, long-ball kicking, etc).  Focus on the key factors on the technique.
Drill – try and use the technique you have just practised in a drill of some sort (possible ‘opposed’)
Small sided game – again look for the techniques."

To listen again click here

Mike Burchett our very own grass roots community football expert and Forest Glade FC coaching development manager.  www.forestgladefc.com.