Grassroots Summer football

[Frankie Burrows Cap]

Always thought that local leagues and kids football should consider this.

I’m surprised it’s only 60% of games postponed in December & January, There’ve been seasons when teams have hardly played between November & February and you end up playing 3 games a week in April.

Historically there was an issue with clashing with cricket but I’d imagine less of an issue these days.

Could be a benefit to the Swans too with those playing (juniors and seniors) being able to attend more games - especially with all the 1230pm kick offs these days.

Thoughts??

“Grassroots switch to summer under discussion​

By then, the FAW will also have made recommendations whether to move the grassroots game to the summer after beginning a consultation with member clubs.

While it has been long been a talking point at senior level, increasingly poor winter weather has forced a growing number of cancellations at junior and local level. Around 60% of games were lost last December and January.

"We have zero prejudice and will be led by the clubs as to what is best for the game," said Mooney of the plans. A recommendation is expected before Christmas”

 

[Smurph]

I wonder if there would be an appetite for both a winter and summer leagues?

 

[JustJack]

Summer is 3 months at best, you cant squeeze a season into that

Not to mention an overly dry field is just as unplayable as an overly saturated one, there would have been very few games played this Summer.

We need investment in resources, the weather will always be a problem no matter the time of the year

 

[Frankie Burrows Cap]

Summer is 3 months at best, you cant squeeze a season into that

Not to mention an overly dry field is just as unplayable as an overly saturated one, there would have been very few games played this Summer.

We need investment in resources, the weather will always be a problem no matter the time of the year

Agree with the investment into pitches. We’re slowly catching up with the rest of northern Europe in terms of 3G pitches which at least gives kids a fighting chance of being able to play during the winter.

I don’t think they actually mean ‘summer’, rather a March-October league like Ireland and most of the Nordic & Baltic countries.

 

[Gors Buster]

Been coaching kids grassroots for a few years now and I’m 100% for this for the little ones.
Even if a game is on 3G, driving wind and rain on a Saturday morning, freezing temperatures… nobody wants to be there.
It’s a different story in spring and summer with training and friendlies, nobody wants the sessions/games to end.

 

[Deleted member 1454]

Agree with the investment into pitches. We’re slowly catching up with the rest of northern Europe in terms of 3G pitches which at least gives kids a fighting chance of being able to play during the winter.

I don’t think they actually mean ‘summer’, rather a March-October league like Ireland and most of the Nordic & Baltic countries.

Yeah a March to October season sounds about right to me. I think it's a cracking idea.

 

[BanosSwan]

My son's cricket games are played in the week evenings anyway