The Revival Of Street Football

3v3 Tournament

Playing freely with the ball, having fun and scoring goals are the main reason why children fall in love with the beautiful game. As always football evolves and new ideas / tactics come into play; team playing out from the back, playing through the thirds and possession based football are the go to principles of play (both at the professional, academy and grassroots level).

Through this, are we starting to lose out on producing footballers who are that independent thinkers?, creative and expressive on the ball? A player who is capable of producing that piece of individual brilliance to completely change a game.

The revival of street football games programme encourages all players to play with that sense of freedom. To be as creative as possible, to try skills and tricks, to take risks on the ball and most importantly forcing players to stay on the ball. By encouraging players to stay on the ball we are further enhancing their technical ability, their decision making and their awareness. This will drastically improve confidence and self belief.

Having studied and visited some of the best academies in world football for producing players / player development (Ajax, PSV, Liverpool, Arsenal, Benfica, Sporting Lisbon, and Dinamo Zagreb) their were several factors as to why I believe they produce exceptional footballers.

• 1 coach to every 6/8 players further enhances player development through more contact time and a higher level of detail from the coach.

• 1v1 is a big part of their philosophy. Encouraging players to dribble, manipulate the ball, try skills and tricks

• They understand that making a mistake is part of developing and continue to encourage/nurture players to try again.