The Future Game:

The Future Game, The FA Technical Guide for Young Player Development, outlines a philosophy and vision for youth development in English football. 

Central to the message are the principles of creativity and innovation, for both coaches and players, and a playing philosophy based on quality passing, possession and building play through the three thirds of the pitch. Out of possession, the philosophy calls for a tactical approach to defending in which all players contribute.  

The guide provided a response to calls for The FA's Football Development department to communicate its beliefs on the future of elite player and coach development. 

 

Vision

The Future Game vision is intended for the whole game, with the same underpinning values applicable for coaches from grassroots to elite level. 

A vision for players: 

To produce technically excellent and innovative players with exceptional decision-making skills. 

A vision for coaching: 

To train, develop, qualify and support more innovative coaches, who are excellent teachers of the game. 

Innovation is a theme embedded in both vision statements, underlining the aim for a more progressive and original approach to player and coach development, one which understands and predicts the trends and demands of the ever-changing modern game.

 

Coaching Philosophy:

Effective youth coaches possess the skill to make the game relevant, appropriate and enjoyable to the players in their care. This can be a complex process, requiring appropriate technical and tactical knowledge and an appreciation of the affect that age, stage and level of development have on a young player. 

 

As such , The Future Game does not promote any one strict way of coaching the game. The intricacies of adapting method and approach according to circumstance and situation are integral to The Future Game coaching philosophy. Flexibility and adaptability are crucial skills for effective coaches of young players. 

 

Playing Philosophy:

The Future Game playing philosophy outlines an overarching vision for the English game, a statement for coaches and clubs to develop their own bespoke and individualised coaching programmes. 

 

The Future Game playing philosophy is broken down into the following principles: 

In possession:

 

• A possession based approach played through the three-thirds of the pitch 

• Quality passing and intelligent movement and support off the ball 

• Penetrative, incisive and varied attacking play , allied to good finishing 

 

 

The Future Game playing philosophy reflects many of the styles and approaches demonstrated by high-performing teams at European and world level. It is important to note, however, that The Future Game philosophy isn't a replica of any particular country's approach, and is underpinned with England's own DNA in which desire, work-rate and competitiveness are continually encouraged. 

 

Additionally, the playing philosophy actively encourages the individualistic player. Players with varied and unique dribbling skills and the dexterity to go past defenders, particularly in the final-third, are fundamental to success in the future game.