FA unveil development review

The FA have released their Young Player Development review, which has the aim of improving the game.

Horne and Brooking present plans

The Football Association have released their Young Player Development review, with 25 recommendations made with the aim of improving the game at every level in the country. The review was delivered by the FA's general secretary Alex Horne and director of football development Sir Trevor Brooking to the FA board and council. It revealed the 25 recommendations, which include extensive changes to the grass-roots of the game, while also looking to enhance the coaching system throughout every level. The youth football programme is also in line for a major re-shape as the FA confirm their intention for players to have more 'contact time' with the ball. The proposals come on the back of the FA's Future of the Game plans and one of the new core beliefs is to have a consistent philosophy throughout the English game. The FA is looking to kick-start a new era in their coaching development programme, which will be centred around their new St George's Park training HQ in Burton, which they hope will become a world-leader in coaching development. The FA also confirmed that as part of these plans, mandatory player release for England teams would be brought in, in an attempt to establish a 'clear and consistent' approach to national selection.

Fundamental

"The recommendations are fundamental in helping us to ensure that we produce more and better English players, and that everything possible is being done to help ensure their transition into successful international teams," said Horne. "The FA must ensure that the highest quality coaches are available to the game, and that these coaches are trained with the right skills to specifically work with young players at every age across clubs from grassroots to elite level. "We must ensure that the clubs and our international teams are working together in the interest of the individual player's development, and towards the ultimate success of our England teams. "I believe that the development of future generations of the highest quality young English players is the central challenge facing English football today. The good news is that the game is willing, and as I have experienced during the consultation, is at its best working together. "I am confident that with the unanimous support of The FA Board, alongside the hard work of Sir Trevor Brooking and his Development team, they will be delivered." Brooking added: "Following on from the release of The Future Game document last year these recommendations form the basis for the outlook of our national game for years to come. "A rigorous consultation with the whole game informed the process, which was followed up with a number of workshops, reviews and technical expertise." The FA added that the recommendations would be phased in over a period of a period of time, with a schedule to be put to the board in April. To read more about the initiative visit the FA's official website.