The 2023 Bedfordshire FA Football Futures Day was held at Bedfordshire FA HQ on Wednesday 23rd August. The annual day was held for young leaders aged 12 years and above that show interest in volunteering within football.

The day itself consisted of many different workshops for the 31 young leaders to experience. On arrival, the young leaders took part in various icebreaker activities designed to integrate all young leaders and increase confidence levels when meeting new people. The young leaders were out of their comfort zone straight away but were able to enjoy the team building activities that were centred around a positive learning environment.

The first workshop of the day focussed on refereeing and was delivered by Isaac Blakey (Referee Development Officer and Level 4 Referee). The workshop was titled 'Grassroots to the Premier League' and provided a clear understanding of the Referee Pathway, an appreciation of the key skills required to carry out the role as well as the decision making process that underpins the key role of the official to be carried out.

Following this workshop, the young leaders got an insight into the importance of CV & Personal Development as delivered by Marc Di Carlo (Senior Football Development Officer). This workshop covered goal setting, the benefits of being a young leader and future development opportunities that can arise through volunteering.

Following lunch, the young leaders experienced a workshop that had a focus on Coaching - 'Technical Coaching Masterclass'. This workshop designed by Jose Gomes (Football Development Officer & Coach Development Lead) aimed to help young people understand the best way to plan and deliver a football coaching session through understanding the following areas: Player development four corner model, Principles of play, Practice Spectrum and the STEP Principle. Young Leaders all had the opportunity to plan and deliver practices to their peers, which was followed by a review for each group to support them with any future delivery and reflections.

Amrit Bains, (Football Development Officer - Disability & Inclusion) delivered the final workshop of the day titled 'Introduction to Inclusive Football'. This workshop delved into how young leaders can ensure that sessions and practices are as inclusive as possible to connect and include all participants. The young leaders participated in a number of thought provoking practical activities to increase the inclusivity of football activities delivered in the future.
To close the event, James Petty (Head of Football Development) encouraged all young leaders to continue their enjoyment and involvement in the local game to make a positive difference. There are career pathways for those with an aspiration to pursue a career in football but equally it is vital that invaluable time is given back in a variety of roles by the up and coming volunteers of the future.

It was a very successful day with all of the young leaders gaining essential networking skills and experience across many different areas of the game.

To find out more about the Football Futures programme please contact: Marc.DiCarlo@BedfordshireFA.com

Further Football Futures Day images and updates can be found via:
Facebook
Twitter