5th July 2008 at Prees FC. This year, Shropshire FA’s Football Development team organised and ran their McDonalds Charter Standard Football Festival at Prees FC. This year was different though in that it was run in a flexible format based around the work previously done within the county around the Give Us Back our Game (GUBOG) campaign and 4 v 4 football.
The day consisted of a number of different 4 v 4 games, some games with goalkeepers some without, line ball game and the four goal game. Charter Standard clubs from across the county attended the event with a total of 70 boys and girls attending and not only did they played with their own team mates but during one session teams were split up which allowed players from different clubs to play together.
‘A lot of work has taken place this year in partnership with the Shropshire Junior Youth League around the idea of flexible football and respect from the touchline so we decided to run our festival in this format, the playing area was roped off and children played with different players. From a playing point of view it was great to see the children solving problems when faced with new games themselves instead of relying on the input from the touchline, this really shows that the game is the teacher.’ (Andy Taylor, FDO, Shropshire FA)
The event was a real eye opener for both parents and coaches:
‘The lads thoroughly enjoyed the day helped by fantastic organisation, a great venue and a refreshing approach to junior football. It was fantastic to see the lads play with a smile on their faces and without the pressure and expectations that we have become accustomed to at mini soccer tournaments.’ (Simon Lee, Shrewsbury Up and Comers)
Shropshire FA have been working very closely with Give Us Back Our Game and the Junior league has already run two in-service events and hope to continue this work next season.
"We applaud the Shropshire FA for their development of 4v4 in the County and the 4v4 Charter Standard Festival. It is a format that is both child and player centered with players getting many touches of the ball and having more involvement in the game"
‘Paul Cooper, Give Us Back Our Game’.