Pete
@sturge_p
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Husband,dad, grandad, coach.Views are my own and designed to be positive and constructive, our website provides lots of ideas for coaches.
Wigan
Joined May 2012
1/2 I never thought that I would voluntarily walk away from the best and most rewarding job I have ever had but the end of March 2023 sees the end of my full time employment with the FA. Retirement beckons and hopefully a new and exciting phase of my life will begin. I have had. .
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I could not be prouder having been inducted into the FA’s “Hall of Fame” at an awards dinner last night. Congratulations to Martyn Thomas and Les Howie too. What a special night, thanks to all involved 👏👏.
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Hi coaches, rumours of my “demise" have been greatly exaggerated. I feel very strongly for my colleagues who have lost their positions but the drive to raise the standard of coaching continues. Take care everyone and good luck for the future.👍.
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So very proud to receive this recognition as it reinforces the important role the coaches working with our youngest children perform. Truly humbled and honoured.
News | 🗞️. In 17 years with the @FA, @sturge_p's work has been transformative, shaping the future of @EnglandFootball. His dedication & impact earn him the 2023 Lifetime Achievement Award 👏. We will be celebrating him at the #UKCoachingAwards. Read more ➡️
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OMG I love this. This needs to go viral. If you have encouraged this kind of freedom, creativity and self expression it is the perfect example of how players might respond. I take my hat off to you and urge every other coach in the Foundation Phase to watch this😉.
@sturge_p followed your work on hive, local roadshows, DNA cup at St George’s Park etc. Same players from u7’s to now u11’s. Always been encouraged to stay on ball, excite and create their own solutions👍🏻.
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Let’s get behind the DNA momentum and, as a footballing community, prioritise skill development for our young children. Smaller formats when young (let’s start with 2v2 at U7 & U8) include Futsal for all and encourage creativity and skilful play👍👍.
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If you didn't realise it already it was as clear as daylight last night that we need to produce a different kind of player. We have enough that can pass back and sideways. We need more Grealishs. A player that can make things happen and is prepared to look, play and move forward.
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2/2 the best time ever working alongside some brilliant people and I will miss them all. Not sure what will fill the void left by not being able to work with our youngest players. I will still be involved in some FA projects so not completely going but a massive thanks to you all.
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Not sure if you are winding me up but at U9’s why would I advocate sideways passes or switching play (which would be difficult for most U9’s)?Help them become better dribblers and more creative. The boring stuff can come later. Don’t put out the fire this early😡😡.
@sturge_p - any advice please on how to coach my u9s to look for sideways passes/switch play rather than try to dribble or pass directly through opponent’s defensive block?.
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Jack Grealish is the perfect example of using your technical skills in a tactical way. He attracts defenders, he moves them out of position with his trickery and ability on the ball and then he is sooooo creative with his passes to teammates at exactly the right time. Love it😀.
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Many coaches want the adulation and recognition that comes with coaching and managing older players BUT there is nothing like knowing you have given a child a brilliant start to their sporting life. The FP is where the magic happens #playphase.
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Hi coaches, I’m looking into how we establish another community group to replace the vibrant and motivated group on Hive. The FA's new platform will be different but we can still make it a great place to share information and support each other. Watch this space.
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Started my last week of full time employment with the FA. But, I am discussing some exciting plans to continue to support FP coaches so look out for more information in the coming weeks and months.
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Tag and chase games are always a winner but this includes scanning and deception too which is great.
@LapalColtsfc training the other night , doing a bit of S A Q training the kids loved this one 👍🏻⚽️ @Stanno_UK @BC_CoachesClub @sturge_p @BirminghamFA #lapalcoltsfc @Teamgrassroots_
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Foundation Phase coaches (in fact coaches of all age groups) please acknowledge the value of tag and chase games. They are such a brilliant way to work on so many things. This is a great example being used at the highest level.
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Disgusting in light of how we are trying to develop respectful young people through football. Hang your head in shame.
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In my defence, I, and thousands of others in the Foundation Phase, are working tirelessly to change some of the antiquated approaches that are still found in junior football. We now need to stand up against this. We owe it to our young players.
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I love this game and would play it a lot as well as adding other progressions. Give it a go and feedback to me. Your players might surprise you as when this option is taken away (no pass back) young players develop other ways to cope #FPDNA.
If players are denied the opportunity to pass the ball backwards, they must come up with other solutions ⚽. Use this 'no going back' game from @Sturge_P to introduce the idea of finding space and playing the ball forwards whilst under pressure 👇
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Glenn, please look at our Foundation Phase DNA priorities and key messages as we are advocating a real mastery of the ball👍Please throw your enormous credibility behind our push to improve standards @GlennHoddle.
Hoddle says dribbling and 1v1s only from 5 to 8. Passing comes later.
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I know our weather can be very unpredictable but including a break for Futsal during the traditionally poor months is an absolute must. Too much development is lost and Futsal is such a great addition to any player’s experiences.
Not looking good again this weekend. Is it time we change the Grassroots football season ?
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All coaches of futsal will recognise this kind of practice. It is part of the staple diet for Futsal players and demonstrates another strong link between Futsal and how it will help to develop young players👍.
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Wow, well done to these young players and their coaches👍.
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If it’s good enough for England seniors then why would we deny this movement development, enjoyment and engagement for our youngest children? Come on England.
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Coaches, if you believe that it will harm your young player's development if they move up to the next format having missed a lot of this season (and the one before) then you MUST push to stay at the same format. It is in your power to make this happen.#doitfortheplayers.
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Here we go coaches. Our new website to support coaches is now live A new session will be added each week to give you time to try things out. Let us know what you think and how they go. #thesessioncollective.
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Massive congratulations to Gareth and our senior team following tonight’s performance. It gives us in the Foundation Phase a huge boost to know that we are supporting the DNA key messages when our senior team are so brave in possession and willing to explore even at that level👏.
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Heartbreak for a nation but such a bright future for the squad, Gareth and all the young players who must be desperate to replicate what the team have done in this tournament👏👏👏👏.
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Great achievement by the England Futsal squad, Mike Skubala and Ian Bateman in qualifying for the FIFA World Cup main round. Massive progress. Well done to all concerned. Now let’s take this game seriously 😡😡😡.
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I support the FA’s drive to develop more skilful players and I encourage problem solving, creativity and player ownership in my coaching approach. Please retweet so that we can have more and more days like today England 6-2 IR Iran👍.
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Massive thanks to everyone involved at UK Coaching and the FA for giving me such a memorable and special evening. I am so proud to be recognised in this way. #ukcoachingswards.
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Developing players capable of better “individual possession” can add to the teamwork, tactics and formations that are a feature of the adult game. This capability begins in the Foundation Phase. Don’t put out the flame too soon. Foundation Phase DNA 👏👏.
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The answer doesn’t lie with our older players. If you want permanent change, work in the Foundation Phase and help produce players with a different mindset,capacity and capability. This starts with the skills,creativity and love of the game we instil in our young players# FPDNA.
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2021, despite all the obvious trial and tribulations, MUST be the year when we really get to grips with young player development and look to implement the Foundation Phase DNA key messages across all levels of the game. Retweet and help spread the word😉.
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Staying on the ball and being confident in possession, even under the most intense pressure, can bring its rewards👍
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If you are just starting out on your coaching journey and let's say you have an U7 team. Success is everyone of those players wanting to come back and play in your team the next season. If they don't come back we cannot possibly develop them or inspire them further.
@Dale83McLean @Fatpepe1 @sturge_p Really good point about winning isn’t the only measure of success. How do you judge success, what does it look like for you in your context?.
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Underestimate our young children at your peril. We have no idea what potential each child possesses. Our job when coaching is to release any potential they have NOT shut it down in the name of football 😡😡.
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England DNA=no fear👍 Absolutely brilliant 👏👏👏Well done Gareth and the squad.
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Momentum seems to be building around the importance of small sided games. We must halt the race to 11v11 for all the benefits other, smaller formats bring. THEN, the challenge is to situate this learning into the adult game.
📊 We counted every action in a ten minute 3v3 game played on a 30x20 metre fenced pitch by U9s:. ▪️ The ball was in play 100% of the time.▪️ Every outfield player had a whopping 71 touches on average.
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I, for one, am totally behind Raheem and the rest of the team. It’s time for the nation to follow Gareth’s fantastic example and give his players a chance rather than be quick to criticise. If you want Raheem to perform better, show him we are right behind him😡.
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If you are self-motivated you don’t always need a coach structuring everything for you or giving you objective after objective in order for you to improve. Just get on the ball👏👏.
9-year-old Pedrito Juárez from La Masia Academy, Barcelona FC. He’s Captain of Under 11s and given time to rest, he does this? Play Tennis or Footy with a tennis ball.🤷🏼😉Love the Ball
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Let's be totally honest - who is getting anything out of this type of tactic? Certainly not the outfield players. Its such a shame that valuable development time is hijacked by this kind of thing.
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Loved doing this with my son Tom, great fun and great memories👍.
Add a little friendly competition to your day with a skills challenge - you vs your kids ⚽🔥. Who better to demonstrate than .@FA. technical lead (5-11) @Sturge_P 👇. #FootballsStayingHome | #MondayMotivation
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Hot off the press.Plans are being made to take the Foundation Phase DNA roadshow events to each CFA again from November. New presentation,new practical ideas for you to try with your team. Supporting you to become best the best you can be👍.
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Coaches, there are lots of sessions floating around. Please remember that if it’s a new one for the players (and you) be careful about adding lots of progressions. The game should be designed for learning something, its difficult to do this if the focus keeps changing👍.
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Futsal: the thinking player's game that doesn't hurt the head | Football | The Guardian. Thanks, Jamie. The word is spreading and Futsal continues to grow👏👏
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If we still insist some 7 year olds cannot cross the halfway line just in case the team gives a goal away then we will never get this. If we label 8 year olds as "defenders" then we will never get this. I could go on!!!!.
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For all those critics of Gareth, be careful what you wish for. He was a great coach and had created something quite special during his tenure.
BREAKING: Gareth Southgate has stepped down as England manager, days after a second successive defeat in the European Championship final. #BBCFootball
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3v3 tournaments are brilliant for both training and weekend fixtures. We have to have a serious look at the variety of opportunities that we provide for our young players👍.
No wonder they are top of the premier league. I can't wait to see the kids' faces tonight when they turn up to training.
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Our Lionesses are changing the face of football in the UK. They are an incredible group of players and staff. We should all be extremely proud of their achievements👏👏.
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Who said coaches don’t want to do CPD and develop themselves further? They do if we engage fully with them and try to make it relevant to their context. The Foundation Phase DNA events are for you and your players👍.
👏 We’re delighted to announce 2️⃣4️⃣7️⃣ coaches are in attendance for tonight’s #FPDNA CPD. A huge thank you to every coach who has given up their time to come and watch @sturge_p tonight. #TogetherWeAreFootball
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My own preference would be to “scale” formats from the 2v2 format that forms part of our Play Phase approach for 4-6 year olds. Then, at U7&8 play 3v3 with the introduction of 5v5 only coming in for our U9&10 year olds. #skilfulhappychildren.
💬 ''Studies have consistently shown that games with fewer players, such as four, five, or six per team, are far more effective in developing the skills of young players.''. #grassrootsfootball ⚽. (1/2)
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Passing the ball effectively is a great way to break defensive lines but for our youngest players this can be difficult so give them alternatives. If there is a space, travel into or towards it, now what are options? This pass, pass, pass mentality is reducing other solutions.🏴.
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Here we go, the countdown has started. At 17:00pm in 7 days time (3rd May) our new website to support coaches working with our youngest players will be available. We will continue to add content (podcasts, blogs etc) but to begin with it will have lots of practice ideas👍.
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Biting my lip listening to this😡.
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Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year for 2022. If you work with our youngest children, let’s make is positive and memorable as they are the future and full of potential. Our job is to help release it. Good luck everyone and I hope you and your loved ones stay fit and healthy.
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Great day today, voted on as a Trustee for Walsall FC Foundation. I was blown away by the reach, the dedication and the support the Foundation give to the children and people of my home town. Fabulous work by all👏👏.
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This is such a positive endorsement for the value of small sided football. Let's slow down the rush towards 11v11.
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I love the collapsing players right at the end - the pitch can be of different sizes to manages distances and physical load. Try it on areas of different sizes and look at the returns you get😉.
🏟️ 𝗧𝗵𝗲 𝘀𝘁𝗮𝗱𝗶𝘂𝗺 𝗴𝗮𝗺𝗲 🏟️. Your players will love this fast-paced game from @Sturge_P 😍. Plus, it will help them develop their decision-making skills, confidence and ability on the ball ⚽
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New study dispels myths about what makes youth sports fun for kids via @medical_xpress. Interesting findings.
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I really hope that smaller formats are introduced as well for the youngest children. 5v5 at U7 is still too many. Let’s be brave having done the research, looked at our competitors and gathered all the information needed. To have done this and still not change is crazy.
The FA are introducing a new touchline restart law in all affiliated grassroots youth football between U7 and U11. Pass-ins and dribble-ins will be phased in over the next three seasons, replacing throw-ins. This short video explains the new law and shows it in action 🎥
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An old man being bullied in the name of the England DNA-scandalous😱Great group of girls at Blackburn RTC tonight.Some great individual possession.👍👏
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Interesting comment from a coach at the top of his game👍.
“We need to change players from being reliant on structures to having the confidence to play unstructured. You’ve got to coach the players to play the game, which in the most part is chaotic.” Eddie Jones, April 2017.
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Already too many unaffiliated leagues.Its not so much a change in the rules+regs it’s about a change in our thinking and our priorities at young ages.Put the children first and leave your egos at the gate if you are coaching in the Foundation Phase 👍.
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5 days to go until we launch our new website for coaches working in the Foundation Phase (and all ages if you love Futsal, individual development and small number practices👍.
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Happy New Year Coaches. We have important Foundation Phase coaching to do so make sure you are not left behind as more and more coaches access free specialist support and help from our DNA resource. We owe it to our players😉.
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I am overwhelmed by the very kind words. My journey has been filled with many lovely moments and I am grateful to have shared them with so many different people, coaches and young players. Thank you.
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Is it possible to send me the video clip as I would like to use it in future presentations? It is such a mature yet exciting and skilful application of our FP DNA messages.
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Clare, I share your concerns. Let's slow down this mad rush towards 11v11 (and 9v9) and treat our young players to the joys of playing and learning through smaller formats. You improve your technique and decisions by being ON the ball not running around without it.
@sturge_p already seeing u10’s coaches requesting 9v9 friendlies in January ready for move up in age group. Is this really necessary? I’m really not keen, seems a shame even at u11 to reduce time on the ball 😔 #foundationphase.
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What a journey you have both taken us all on. However important the destination is - please don’t forget the growth, development and enjoyment along the way. Good luck for the final steps you have to take. We are all behind you🏴👍.
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Coaches, just a reminder of the fun and development that can be had in the Foundation Phase. Love the ball and grow to love the game👍
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Found this and smiled as it captured all of the fun and engagement from this session with a great bunch of young girls. A truly magical moment😉
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This needs to go viral and the whole game needs to be more appreciative of the work volunteers do across the game👏👏👏.
Message from an Unknown Coach. Today I heard a comment made about me behind my back, I started to turn around and look but decided better of it, I know I make mistakes.
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Merry Christmas and let's hope 2021 is as memorable as this year but for very different reasons. Good luck with your teams and your young players. Make every opportunity a positive and memorable one for them too.😉.
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Want better players, more creative, technically capable, exciting and ready for the modern game? Then we have to become better coaches so that we can maximise development opportunities 👍.
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Young players - stay on the ball like @JackGrealish and cause chaos for opposition defences. Stop, start, change direction, deceive and disguise your intentions. Come on coaches, prioritise these things for our youngest players.
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Is your Foundation age team playing football or Futsal this weekend? Ensure the experience is both positive and memorable. Does your approach allow the young players to fall in love with the game? It is important that it does for many reasons😉.
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Amelia, in the nicest possible way - NO!!! There is so much fun to be had with U6’s before the pressure and demand to “pass it” kicks in. Introduce them to the magical land of individual skill development and lots of touches and time on the ball (please).
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This is a very powerful message about respecting others and valuing what they do (in grassroots - FOR FREE) If you are one of those adults that shout, swear and berate young children and officials - STOP IT!!!!!.
Basketball 🏀coach Frank Martin brilliantly details🕹parents who live vicariously through their sporting child. If we want to develop resilient, independent young people, let them:. 🗣”Embrace challenges, learn from failure, grow through hardship” - Dominic Mann💪🏻. #SundayShare
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OMG I just love this and it is brilliant that this was captured on film so that he will have this forever. His face is an absolute picture and signals the joy of doing something amazing. Thanks so much for sharing and well done young man👏👏.
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Huge thank you as we bid a final goodbye to our brilliant FA skills team.Their legacy will continue for a long time.THANKS-your biggest fan👏.
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Inspired and extremely proud of our England seniors and the creative young players that are now emerging? This all starts in the Foundation Phase of their development so if you coach our 5-11 players you can play a vital role. Join our DNA group on Hive NOW😉.
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European super league?How many more ways can you think of to generate cash, deny homegrown players opportunities and take the mickey out of genuine fans?Put more money into development.
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Class act. I applaud you Graham Potter👏👏.
Graham Potter's epic rant about pundits who claim he doesn't get angry enough is a sight to behold! 👀
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Congratulations to Gareth and the seniors.Further proof to spur us on in the Foundation Phase.The experience we provide for our young players MUST be in line with our DNA key priorities. In doubt? Remember how great you feel now after the win v Croatia. We want more of this😉.
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Training Ground Guru | Coaching revolution that took Belgium to top of world Much of this resonates with our Foundation Phase DNA key message. Come on coaches, get on board👍.
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Being humble and kind is a great thing to be even if you are one of the World’s fiercest competitors. You can still be all of these things👍.
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The brilliant Glenn Hoddle reinforcing our FP DNA messages and certainly the FA’s new Play Phase approach for children aged 4-6 years. Kids are gonna love it❤️. Thanks Glenn👍.
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