As the nation fixated on England’s men playing their first final since 1966, the FA issued a briefing on Friday emphasising most strongly the importance of grassroots football and its clubs. It featured a quote from Southgate barely relating to the England team, instead stressing the grassroots, where every player starts. Gareth Southgate’s development is itself the result of dedicated planning far beyond the FA’s previous record. Photograph: Tom Jenkins/The GuardianThe strategy stated: “Everyone must be made to feel welcome on our pitches and our terraces,” and features a picture of England players taking the knee. That is the same for children at grassroots level and the England players – and it is important for coaches themselves to understand their own values, as Gareth does.

Source: The Guardian July 10, 2021 16:52 UTC