Here at twofootedtackle.com we’re all about the grassroots. The statistics that come out of the game are generally quite damning. Over the last couple of years, the Football Association has been seeking to address the difficulty the game has in attracting referees and the dramatic drop-off rate in the number of players between the ages of 15/16 and 18, and we were all taken aback when The Guardian reported on the number of qualified coaches in England compared to Spain and Germany.
I even pitched up in one of the FA’s recent videos, donning a referee’s kit in the changing rooms on Hackney Marshes to support the ‘Whatever Your Level’ campaign. Now, refereeing forms just part of ‘Football Needs You’. We’ll brush over the involvement of Chris Foy, because I think he’s an absolutely appalling referee, but the fact is football does need referees, players and coaches at all levels. That’s what the latest campaign is all about. And let’s be honest, you wouldn’t say no to Stuart Pearce, would you?
The aim of the campaign is to enrol 50,000 new Level 1 coaches by 2011 and 8,000 new referees by 2012. It’s a lofty ambition, but it’s so important to remember that without these people football simply doesn’t exist at grassroots level. And without grassroots level there is no football in England, no matter how strong we perceive the Premier League to be.
If you want to get involved in the game as a coach, a referee or a volunteer, now’s the time. Visit thefa.com/footballneedsme for details on how to do your bit.