The right words in the right ears at the right time can make a huge difference to a football match. Motivation and psychology are crucial factors in the success of football teams, but how do you leverage them to your advantage?  An effective team talk — whether it’s before a match or during half-time — is often the difference between...

The football world stood up and took notice when the verdict of the 2002 inquest into the death of former England striker Jeff Astle was handed down. “Death by industrial disease” was the opinion of the coroner, and for the first time ever, a legal link between heading in football and long-term brain injury was established.  Astle was just 59...

Subs in grassroots football have to sit on benches during the coldest of winter days. And that’s if they’re lucky enough to have somewhere to sit at all. But this isn’t just an uncomfortable inconvenience for players — it poses a serious problem. Taking to the field of play with cold muscles often leads to pulls, strains and tears. That’s...

We’re now approaching the final days of summer, but there are still a few days of sunshine left before the autumn winds begin to bite. If you’re looking for an exciting way to stay fit on the beach, we’ve got just the thing for you — beach football.  Also referred to as beach soccer, sand football and beasal, beach football...

Rishi Sunak has come out in support of grassroots football in the UK more than once since he became Chancellor. But when he made an appearance at Gunnersbury Park Sports Hub last month, there was cause for real optimism.  With more than 20 girls in attendance at Brentford FC Community Sports Trust’s new training facility, the Chancellor spoke of what...

Put a football at the feet of an 18-month-old toddler, and the chances are they’ll kick it. The beautiful game isn’t just a sport — it’s a human compulsion. Once that first ball has been kicked, there’s often no turning back.  But how do you channel that primal instinct into something more skillful? And how do you turn that first...

When Christian Eriksen collapsed during a Euro 2020 match last month, most people watching expected the worst. It was clear that something catastrophic was happening, yet knowing he was in the best of hands gave everyone cause for optimism.  Doctors and physios were at Eriksen’s side within seconds of his collapse. Had they not been, the happy ending that transpired...

Scoring goals is what makes the beautiful game… well… beautiful. While there’s a certain beauty to a perfectly timed sliding tackle or a brave headed clearance, nothing beats the spectacle of a sweetly hit ball crashing into the back of the net.  Whatever your position, learning how to shoot effectively in all situations is crucial if you want to be...

The footballs used in organised games are graded in different sizes to suit different age groups. It makes sense that the ball that a young player would use will not be the same size as an adult. The size and weight of a ball are set out in the FA guidelines and followed by leagues and schools throughout the UK. How...

Buying a new football can be an exciting experience, but it’s important to know exactly what you’re getting. Not all footballs are the same.  Take the Size 5 football, for example. It’s the professional football for under-15s and older. If you’ve ever watched a Premier League match, you have seen this ball in action.  But what is different about the...