Messi - The Good Friend & Colleague

"I like to score goals, but I also like to be friends with the people I play with. It’s good to be valued as a person, it’s important that they have a good concept of who you are beyond being the guy that scores a lot of goals." - Lionel Messi

In a recent interview with Spanish daily newspaper El País, FC Barcelona and Argentina striker Lionel Messi spoke of his desire to be remembered as a good friend and colleague to his team mates rather than as the best player in the world.

To hear such a comment from arguably the greatest ever footballer in the history of the game and who still has the best years ahead of him is an incredibly powerful tool for coaches and teachers working with young people.

http://www.fcbarcelona.com/football/first-team/detail/article/leo-messi-im-more-concerned-with-being-a-good-person-than-being-the-best-footballer-in-the-world

The Youth Development Review

"I can't understand why people are frightened of new ideas. I'm frightened of the old ones" - John Cage

The English FA, after 2 years of intensive research headed by national football development manager Nick Levett, have finalised and approved changes to how youth football is organised in England.

"These positive changes have been put in place to improve enjoyment, fun and development of young players allowing more touches, on a better proportioned pitch with an increase of involvement in the game as a whole."

The link below takes you directly to some of the excellent resources the FA have produced in relation to the youth development review. They are a must read for any coach and parent involved in youth football.

http://www.thefa.com/my-football/player/youth-football/youth-development-review