403 Forbidden

Heading in football has been something of a hot topic in recent years. Things came to a head this year when the FA published new guidelines on the issue.  But despite the new rules, heading is still part and parcel of the game. And you can practice and improve this vital skill safely and in line with the FA’s guidance. ...

Football Pitch Size Guide: Football Pitch Size Explained Have you ever watched a football game on TV and thought about the official football pitch size for professional games? Some of the football pitch dimensions differ, depending on the club’s preferences and the size of the stadium, however, so the answer is not a simple one.  Asking “how big is a...

Children love to play and participate in sports — and they love spending quality time with their parents. By teaching your children how to play football, you can embrace both of these activities for unforgettable bonding experiences.  For young children, the priority must be fun. If your football coaching sessions aren’t fun, your children will quickly lose interest — maybe...

The equipment you have at your disposal as a football coach can give you an edge over the competition. If you can make your coaching sessions and team talks more effective, you can increase your team’s chances of success on the pitch. And the right tools are the key to this success. We’ve compiled a list of must-have items every...

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...