Bit of a long one but I felt I needed to explain.... Screen time has become an increasingly important and yet overlooked by many in youth sport development. Excessive use can affect physical performance, cognitive development, sleep, recovery, and mental wellbeing. While technology has many benefits for learning and performance analysis, unmanaged recreational screen time can negatively influence the development of young footballers. Ill explain the effects this can have below, but before reading on try to (honestly) think about your approach to screen time as a play, parent or coach of youth footballers. Sleep Quality and Recovery (Greatest Impact) Sleep is one of the most important factors in youth athletic development. Excessive screen use, particularly within 1–2 hours before bedtime can: - Delay the release of melatonin due to blue light exposure. - Increase the time it takes to fall asleep. - Reduce total sleep duration. - Lower deep sleep quality. For youth footballers, poor sleep results can lead to… - Slower reaction times. - Reduced concentration. - Poor decision-making. - Increased fatigue. - Reduced muscle recovery. - Lower growth hormone release, which is essential during adolescence. Cognitive Performance Excessive recreational screen time, particularly rapid-paced social media or gaming, may contribute to: - Reduced attention span. - Increased distractibility. - Difficulty maintaining concentration. - Mental fatigue before training or matches. Conversely, appropriate use of technology such as video analysis or cognitive training apps can improve tactical understanding and perceptual skills. Physical Activity Displacement Time spent on screens often replaces: - Outdoor play - Free movement - Football practice - Physical literacy development Consequences can include: - Lower aerobic fitness. - Reduced coordination. - Poorer balance. - Less movement variability. - Increased sedentary behaviour.

Bring it on 💪🏻💪🏻💪🏻

Because I'm not attached to a team on Sundays anymore I decided to get a cheap shirt for training and trial games Still kept my favourite number

I have just read this Anonymous post online and cannot believe it I have a GK on my team he’s a good little keeper he has 121 and group session specialised for GK. At the weekend I shouted at the keeper for not playing high enough up. After the game the parent contacted me about my approach to the way I spoke to them, as they were offended (I probably did go over the top) but she asked if you have a specific task / request / or approach you want them to follow then can you work on it in training so there is a clear directive. The issue I have is neither me or the other coach want to break off and just work on the keeper, are we being unfair? And should the 121 coaches be covering this with the keeper For context it’s u9 This has to be a wind up surely????

Guys, GOOD LUCK this weekend ? Where and who are you playing, and what do you think the outcome will be ? Also, remember guys… Go out with ONE mission… And that is to enjoy your game and have as much fun as possible. Good luck Everyone Ray