Watching how a child moves during a match gives useful clues. Some kids stay close to the action; others drift wide. A few scan the field constantly. Those who move toward the ball and pass quickly may feel comfortable in midfield. Children who stay alert near the goal may lean toward attacking or defending roles. […]

You know where you are with a Brazil team. Attack minded, adventurous in possession , technically excellent, and usually containing enough stellar talents that they can win despite the lack of a decent goalkeeper. Holland? A passing game, circulating the ball in order to create space for two pacey wingers in the final third. Players […]

Watching the Cup Final coverage on the BBC last Saturday, and basking pleasurably in the warm glow of nostalgia brought on by their excellent coverage, I was struck by the tendency of football fans to hark back to imagined golden eras, when every stadium was full, the goals flowed, and each team had a hard […]

Playing any sport properly to a good standard brings a whole range of benefits for a young child, and can have a massive impact on their physical and mental well-being. Many parents assume that sporting talent is innate; a genetic inheritance that enables certain children to excel, whilst their friends might struggle. However, high quality, […]