YOUTH FOOTBALL FEVER IN THE EAST MIDLANDS

According to the Football Association in England over four million children play in youth leagues.

Apparently, more people watch their young would-be Beckhams playing football at weekends than the professional game.

Nowhere is youth football exploding more than in the East Midlands, home to West Bridgford Colts.

One of the biggest Football Clubs in the UK, it organises over thirty sides.

Youth tournament

Getting in some practise

This summer West Bridgford Colts organised a youth tournament for over a hundred teams, both girls and boys.

It took place during a vital World Cup weekend for England.

Passions were high and support was strong on the touch lines from hundreds of parents.

Baz Najdan the Club Chairman says, "It couldn’t survive without the work of all the parents".

Many of them are novice managers and referees whose dedication extends to regularly sacrificing their weekends.

For many, this youth football tournament is an exciting day out.

But for some young hopefuls, this may be the start of something special.

Liverpool and England striker Emile Heskey’s talent was spotted in similar humble circumstances in the East Midlands.

Children are not the only ones who may be able to develop their weekend football into something more.

Now East Midlands parents can enhance their Soccer Parent skills too

The Football Association has launched a scheme called Soccer Parent.

It is designed to help parents develop key skills to enhance their children’s football experience.

Parents can attend training courses or complete an on-line version of the accredited F.A. course.

Successful completion will result in an official certificate.

Owen shares some O'Neill knowledge with his team

Among all the novice managers at West Bridgford Colts is Owen O’Neill, brother of Celtic’s Martin O’Neill.

Whilst his professional brother is in Scotland, Owen is doing the job with a team of under 13 year olds.

Whether parent or child, it appears that youth football in the East Midlands is a family affair.

It is a core part communities across the East Midlands and everyone appears to get more out of it than a simple kick around.