The 2024 Bedfordshire FA Football Futures Day was held at Bedfordshire FA HQ on Tuesday 20th August. The annual day was held for young leaders aged 14 years and above that show interest in volunteering within football.

The day itself consisted of many different workshops for the 36 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.

Jack Young, (Football Development Officer - Disability & Inclusion) delivered the next workshop which was 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.

The final workshop in the morning focused on refereeing and was delivered by Dean Carney (Referee Development Officer and 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 lunch, the young leaders experienced a workshop that had a focus on Leadership & Developing as a Young Leader. 

The final workshop of the day looking into Coaching. The young leaders where provided with a introduction to coaching and also received an update about the coaching pathway and different courses and areas of support. 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 practices/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.
 
To close the event, all young leaders were encouraged 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 and the Bedfordshire FA's Youth Council please contact: Marc.DiCarlo@BedfordshireFA.com