GROUNDHOPPING ARCHIVES: SOCCER AID FOR UNICEF 2018

To keep myself busy I've got another groundhopping archive game for you all.

This one however details a trip to Old Trafford back in 2018, and is at the moment my most recent one as I was going to go last year but unfortunately circumstances prevented that from happening. It was of course for Soccer Aid for UNICEF, the charity game in which professional footballers and celebrities join together for a ninety minute game of football between England and the Rest Of The World (or World XI/Soccer Aid World XI as they are Now known as).

This was a cracking contest as England took the lead in the 13th minute through former England International Darren Bent, after a brilliant crossfield ball from the left wing from Olly Murs released the England striker one-on-one with former Dutch keeper Edwin van Der Sar, with Bent showcasing some brilliant skill to outwit the ex-Manchester United legend and send him to the ground too early to leave the ex-Ipswich Town & Sunderland (and many more) man the easy task of moving back towards goal and slotting home into the empty net from about 14-yards.

England then raced into a 2-0 lead in the 17th minute, an audicous left-wing cross from Wright went all the way through to F2 Free styler Jeremy Lynch unmarked at the back post to instinctively guide a sidefooted half-volley into the bottom middle section of the gaping net.

Nine minutes later however, the World XI halved the deficit in somewhat bizarre fashion. Another great cross in from the left-wing, this time from New Zealand Rugby legend Dan Carter, found Robbie Keane free in acres of space in the middle of the box to simply take a touch- albeit heavy- forcing Seaman off his line to smother the original shot but Keane managed to squeeze the ball past him at the second time of asking, getting past the diving keeper to tap home into the empty net from point blank range.

Moments later though Olympic sprinter Usian Bolt was released through by Keane to poke the ball home but was ruled offside, whilst Veron levelled proceedings shortly before the interval. The ex-Manchester United midfielder reached a loose ball in the box first to turn past Phil Neville and Wes Brown and fire the ball home to tie the game up at two apiece.

Into the second half meanwhile, Usain Bolt was once more unlucky not to get on the scoresheet, thundering a cracking strike towards the goalline off the underside of the crossbar but there was no goal line technology in place to give it or not.

Old Trafford was then treated to some absolutely fantastic skill as the World XI took the lead, ex-Arsenal and French midfielder Robert Pires fed Clarence Seedorf, who in turn played a clever one-two with Patrick Kluivert before firing home into the corner of the net.

For the final 20 or so minutes Manchester United legend Eric Cantona then made his appearance and in my eyes looked the best player out on the pitch, arguably unlucky not to get himself on the scoresheet, instead though it was England who were the next to find the net.

Jamie Redknapp finding the space to shoot just outside the box to thunder a cracking strike off the inside off the post with Michael Owen showcasing his poaching talents once more after being the first to the rebound to slot home and draw England level as the match ended 3-3.

Onto penalties (which just the celebrities could be involved in), Usain Bolt took first for the visitors and duly dispatched his spot-kick into the net. Cricket legend Freddie Flintoff however made it 1-1 with the resulting penalty. Fongho was next for the World XI, also putting away his penalty. Joe Wicks then did likewise to keep the shootout level at 2-2. South African born England cricketer Kevin Pietersen however was the first not to convert, whilst Mark Wright took advantage to give England a 3-2 lead.

Goalkeeper Nicky Byrne then bizarrely stepped up next, but the Irish man was unable to beat David Harewood. The World XI stopper though was let off as TV legend Paddy McGuiness hit the world's softest and poorest penalty comfortably at Byrne to dive immediately to his right to gather. Strictly Come Dancing pro Brendan Cole then gave the visitors a lifeline, dispatching a cool penalty under pressure into the bottom corner before proceeding to take a knee slide in celebration. Lee Mack however could have still won it for England, but failed to take advantage, although Canadian actor Hayden Christensen couldn't keep the World XI alive giving Inbetweeners actor Blake Harrison the chance to be an unlikely hero and win the shootout for England 4-3 on penalties.

Teams:

England:-
1 David Seaman (46' 20)
4 Mo Farah (46' 16)
12 Phil Neville (81' 21)
6 Wes Brown
5 Mark Wright
14 Myles Stephenson (54' 22)
13 Danny Murphy (46' 23)
8 Damian Lewis (42' 18)
7 Jeremy Lynch (66' 17)
9 Darren Bent (56' 10)
11 Olly Murs (capt) (75' 15)
Subs:
20 David Harewood (GK)
18 Jack O'Connell (70' 19)
23 Jamie Redknapp
16 Darius Vassell
22 Paddy McGuiness
10 Michael Owen
17 Blake Harrison
19 Andrew Flintoff
15 Joe Wicks
21 Lee Mack

World XI:-
1 Edwin Van Der Sar (46' 16)
2 Ashley Fongho
6 Jaap Stam (46' 4)
5 Kevin Pietersen
12 Danny O'Carroll
14 Dan Carter (46' 8)
18 Juan Veron (46' 10)
67 Martin Compton (77' 11)
42 Yaya Toure (73' Cantona)
7 Robbie Keane (46' 9)
9.58 Usain Bolt (capt)
Subs:
16 Nicky Byrne (GK)
4 Claude Makelele
8 Robert Pires
9 Patrick Kluivert
10 Clarence Seedorf (81' Keane)
20 Brendan Cole
7 Eric Cantona
11 Hayden Christensen
3 Gordon Ramsay (unused)
15 Iaon Gruffudd (unused)

Goals: Bent (13'), Lynch (17'), Owen (82'); Keane (26'), Veron (43'), Seedorf (57').

Penalties: World XI: Bolt ✔️, Fongho ✔️, Pietersen ❌, Byrne ❌, Cole ✔️, Christensen ❌.

Penalties: England: Flintoff ✔️, Wicks ✔️, Wright ✔️, McGuiness ❌, Mack ❌, Harrison ✔️.

YouTube video

PROGRAMME REVIEW: AD ALCORON 2019/20

Apologies in advance as I'm not totally sure what this programme is for as I don't speak Spanish, but I was kindly sent these programmes (2 Irish ones from 2014 too) by a fellow programme collector Alex and I thought they deserved some appreciation, even if I have no idea what's written in them as they are very nice collector pieces, meaning I now own from some time frame or another a Spanish team programme, a German team programme and a French team programme.

I really like the front cover of the programme too, nice design which looks really cool, with a player and a Lion on the cover. Again I don't speak Spanish but this game from September took place between two teams at the time towards the top of the table as 4th place Real Zaragoza visited 5th placed AD Alcoron.

Inside is a nice introduction article below.

Below is the following page which features a look back at Alcoron's last two outings, detailing both teams line ups which is a neat feature.

Moving on I like the idea of the section about the visitors including their previous line up, giving supporters a little taste of what to possibly expect (good to see Shinji Kagawa I believe on that list!) with some stats in the table beneath it.

Next we see the league table for the Segunda Division, which is the second tier in the Spanish league football pyramid (I think?!) on the very next page to the above, which Real won comfortably (yes I've done some research).

Next we come to part of a three page interview with one of the Alcoron goalkeepers which is a very nice feature, but again a shame I don't speak Spanish!

Following that there is also a nice double page photo of the aforementioned goalkeeper.

Another double page spread article, which I believe is about the league or something, but don't quote me on that!

Moving on we have a nice piece about the club academy I think or something? They look really nice articles, so I might just learn some Spanish so I can do them justice!

Same as the above for the below photos.

I have to say I thoroughly enjoyed reading it and looks like a real nice programme and contains some very decent content for the Second Division of Spain in the 26 pages and I hope I've managed to get that across despite not knowing a word of Spanish myself! PS, the other two programmes are about 50 or so pages so I might do those another time! Also got my programme collection blog post in progress too so stay tuned for that! Feel free to suggest some ideas for what I should write about next (programme or not etc) as I'm sure we are all bored here looking for something to do! Stay safe, and rest assured I have plenty more articles done (some I haven't yet posted but will in the next couple of days).

INTERVIEW: Cemal Ramadan

Cemal Ramadan Interview:

Continuing the theme of interviews, Bury Town striker Cemal Ramadan was next to give a bit of insight into his career so far and the season just gone.

Me: For a bit of background what clubs have you played for previously?

CR: Ipswich Town, Bury Town, Maldon and Tiptree, Cambridge City, Leiston.

Me: What is the highlight of your career so far?

CR: Has to be a hat-trick on my Ireland debut in my youth days.

Me: Who's the best player you've played with and why?

CR: Very tough one this. If I go back to my youth days would have to be my good mate Teddy Bishop he can do things on the ball that know else can. In terms of non league, I’d probably go with Byron Lawrence when he is on it he is unplayable.

Me: Who is the best player you've played against and why?

CR: Adel Tarrabt in a reserve game vs QPR he was unbelievable

Me: Name an eleven of the best players you've played with and why for each?

CR: Gk - Jacob Marsden: my roommate for 5 years at Ipswich. One of the best shot stoppers I’ve seen and could probably play in midfield with his technical ability. (Very harsh on Marcus Garnham).

Cb - Tom Bullard: nest centre halve in Suffolk for years now. leader of men. He’s a player that when he’s not playing you really miss his leadership.

Cb Joe Hood: calmest defender I’ve played with, not the biggest but rarely gets beaten in the air and never seen him get beat in one vs one. Can play in about 4 positions as well.

Cb - Connor Hall..only played with him briefly at bury but he has got everything and was so clear that he would go onto have a career in at least the national league.

Rwb - Kyle Hammond: played with Kyle since we were kids and still yet to see a better right back in non league.

Lwb - Seb Dunbar: quick, strong, loves a tackle and is the perfect modern day full back.

Cm: Ryan Horne - didn’t appreciate how good this man was until he got injured. Controls football matches and never gives the ball away.

Cm: Byron Lawrence - got the best left foot I’ve ever seen and on his day is unplayable.

CAM: Jake Chambers Shaw  - (tough to leave Ryan jolland our of this team) but this man is a little magician can do some outrageous things with the football. Created plenty of chances for me over the last few years.

Striker: Matt Blake - the steak has to be in there . (Only if he is happy) the most natural goal scorer I’ve played with.

Striker: Olly hughes. Think I have scored 70 odd goals for bury town and I think 40 of them have come because of this mans work rate. A managers dream and has scored some unbelievable goals over years which he doesn’t get enough credit for. (3-5-2)

Me: What's the best ground you've played at and why?

CR: Stadium of Light. Facilities, pitch and everything about it was unreal.

Me: What is your Favourite goal you've scored at club level?

CR: 25 yard winner away at Cambridge city on New Year’s Day

Me: What was it like to represent Ireland at youth level?

CR: A massive honour, my Nan came to watch one of the gamesand I scored a couple of couples, that was a special moment I’ll never forget as shes so proud to be Irish.

Me: Tell us a bit about your time at Bury so far, what is it like at the club, best moment so far etc.

CR: It’s a great club and in truth the only club I’ve ever properly settled at. The whole club is like one big family and I think you see that after games in the clubhouse. The gaffa is a massive reason why I returned to the club and I think from the chairman to manager to players we all get on so well. Never seen a better team spirit than the one amongst us players. Best moment would have to be my two goals away at Tilbury on my 3rd debut for the club where there was a lot of expectation.

Me: How do reflect on the season just gone overall and did you achieve any goals you set out to achieve before hand?

CR: Personally feel the season should have been finished whenever it was possible to do so. But we set out to be in the play offs and win the Suffolk cup and we were on course for that. I always set out to get 30 goals and wasn’t too far off that with plenty of games to go.

Me: Apart from the goal v Cambridge City you mentioned, what moment this season stands out to you?

CR: Probably the win vs Histon, the last winner really helped us kick on. We had so many injuries and had some tough results just before that.

GROUNDHOPPING ARCHIVES: Bury Town U18 v Sporting 87 Nov 2017

Bury U18 v Sporting U18 23rd Nov 2017, Ram Meadow, Thurlow Nunn Youth League South Division

Another 2017/18 game that never got the write up it quite deserved, and another thrilling victory for Bury Town Under-18s on their way to being runners up to champions AFC Sudbury.

It's a bit harsh to only write up about the goals but considering we're over two years since this game it's easier this way, but in case you didn't know how I'm writing this up I've taken the Tweets I did on the games at the time on the Bury Town U18 twitter account (@burytownunder18), which whilst it looks unlikely there will be anymore matches this current season if we can try and grow the following of that account it would be massively appreciated!

Bury Town Under-18s again hit a flurry of goals as they thrashed local rivals Sporting 87 6-0 at Ram Meadow. 

It didn't take the Blues long to break the deadlock, Charlie Cook doing just that by tapping home from a pass across from the right-hand side at the near post, 1-0 Bury in just the second minute.

Sixteen minutes later however Bury doubled their lead as Tommy Robinson dribbled through numerous Sporting defenders in order to get through on the left-hand side and slot home in superb style, 2-0 Bury.

On the stroke of the interval meanwhile it was 3-0, Oli Selfe getting on the scoresheet after smashing home with the ball falling kindly for the striker from close range.

Midway through the second half Bury added their fourth goal of the night, with Charlie Cook helping himself to a brace, volleying home Harry Moore's great cross to the back post, 4-0 Bury on 64 minutes.

It was then high fives for Bury with 12 minutes remaining, Freddie McCracken getting in on the act - having got through on the left-hand side to finish into the bottom far corner, 5-0 Bury.

Just as Bury did at the end of the first half, the young Blues struck a third goal of the half just as the game was entering stoppage time, this time around Robbie Hunter was released by Freddie McCracken through on the right-hand side, however the striker's shot was saved by the keeper down to his right-hand post albeit Robbie Dyson was on hand to tap home, 6-0 Bury.

Fittingly for Bury that was the final action of the evening as the home side picked up another comfortable three points.

TEAMS:

Bury: Michael Bett (GK), Aaron Ely, Mitchell Wright, Harry Moore, Jay Proctor, Archie Pether, Joshua Revell, Joe Keylock, Oli Selfe, Tommy Robinson, Charlie Cook. Subs: Robbie Dyson, Robbie Hunter, Freddie McCracken, Cameron-Jay Smith.

Sporting: Stephen Clarke, Ellis Edwards, Thomas Halliday, Daniel Hill, Timothy King, Kerrin Lawrence, Eddy Martin, Ethan Page, Joshua Thomas, Christopher White, Harry Williams. Subs: Tom Alberts, Rui Gigante, Liam Orchard.

Booked: Ethan Page, Christopher White.

INTERVIEW: Guy Hayes

After working together a bit at Team Bury FC I caught up with Debenham LC Manager Guy Hayes to get his insight on coaching, Debenham and more.

Me: Could you give a bit of background to your coaching career so far?

GH: Youth coaching wise I started assisting at Chantry Grasshoppers with their under 7s and Ransomes Under 15s from the age of 17/18.  I then ran my own  under 8s team while playing football in the SIL. Not long after the reserve team manager left and I was asked to step in short term as they knew I was running a youth team. Short term ended up being the rest of the season going from bottom to mid table. This was the first time I experienced working with players older than myself. I then left to set up Chantry Grasshoppers men’s team being joint manager of a new side. We won the league in our second season then I took up the position of Reserve Team manager at Ipswich Wanderers. With only 3 players from the season before and no first team players available due to the gap in standard, we managed to have a really successful season getting promoted at the first time of asking. I was then approached by Rick Andrews to become first team coach at Stowmarket Town. After half a season I struggled to adapt from being the manager to “just” the coach so left to coach and manage a couple of SIL sides. After completing  my UEFA B license I took over Team Bury for a year and a half and later joined Debenham firstly as assistant manager before taking over a few months later. As well as this, I started off coaching at Peterborough United in their development centres then at Norwich City’s Suffolk franchise before being approached by Ipswich Town to firstly work with their elite players and then at the academy.

Me: How did the idea of the Footstars coaching come about?

GH: I was working self employed for a number of coaching providers picking up hours where I could but felt there wasn’t enough hours to pay the bills for my young family so decided with another coach to start up our own session starting with three children. After a year I wanted to grow the company so decided to run it myself by running more football centres and then into schools which has resulted in us working with around 1500 children a week.

Me: What would say has been the highlight of your coaching career so far?

GH: Helping around a dozen children get signed to professional football clubs.

Me: Who would be the best player you've coached so far?

GH: Youth football I would say a young lad Owen at Ipswich who must be about 12 now. Great left foot and his balance going past players was a joy to watch. Didn’t get to coach him as such but a young man Marcelo now at Arsenal will be a very good player.
In terms of adult football Joe White and Matt Collins. Both moved up to play higher and rightly so. In the next 2-3 seasons they will be well sought after by clubs across Suffolk.

Me: If you could name an XI of the best players (ideally adult football or those who have gone onto play adult football) you have coached who would you pick and why for each one?

GH: (4-2-3-1 Formation) Gk - Tyler Hursey
Was 16/17 at the time training with Ipswich Town and playing in my one season at Ipswich Wanderers with my reserve team. His first taste of men’s football and was a class above. Technically one of the best keepers I have worked with who seems to of gone off the local football radar recently since leaving Needham Market. Worthy mention would be Sam Chilvers who is my current keeper at Debenham. Signed not long after I took over and was our best player rest of that season pulling off some outstanding saves.

Full backs - Jed Wigley rarely actually played left back for me, more in central midfield but made a few appearances for a Bury Town first team at left back. Loves to do the “Jed chop” which opponents consistently fell for. Great left foot who has some how got into uni much to my surprise. Right back another former Team Bury player who finished as my captain, Matt Skevington. Some young players coming into men’s football don’t show enough will to win, this lad certainly was the opposite. Consistently good week in week out in a young side.

Centre back - Joe white calm and collected on the ball. Was outstanding at times and was already on the cusp of the Bury Town first team. Scored a memorable goal vs Needham Market Reserves. Brings the ball down on his chest under pressure, shifts the ball past the striker, beats the midfielder then lobs the keeper from the half way line. My other centre half would be Andrew Crowe skipper at Debenham because he doesn’t want to be a centre half! He gets in for that reason alone, but does excel there and has shown the centre half’s how it’s done when filling in there.

Holding midfield - Matt Collins who I worked with at Team Bury after he was recovering from a leg break. Took a few games to get going but then was clear to see he was a level or two above his peers. Great attitude and someone who I look forward to seeing play higher again when he chooses to do so! My other centre midfielder would be Chris French who played holding midfield for Chantry Grasshoppers scoring  27 goals in 15 games. A much lower standard but the way he flew past players and could strike a ball was a great to watch.

Left midfield - Kyron Andrews scored 12 goals in 10 games at the age of 18 at Ipswich Wanderers Reserves. He then moved up to Step 5 playing for Felixstowe and Walton and more recently Hadleigh United. I resigned him recently for Debenham. A quick and talented player that can score all sorts of goals.
Right midfield - Dan Hammett who played in my first season at Team Bury before going to uni. Very similar player to Kyron, loved to take on the full back beating them for fun. Only real shame was his lack of goals in that season. Loves an injury.

Attacking midfield - Marcus Taylor who I have worked with at Ipswich Wanderers Reserves and most recently at Debenham. His first touch is magic. Technically very good, creates and scores. Known for a dead trim.

Striker - Ronaldo Wright
Only worked with him for a small period during my brief period at Ipswich Athletic. 37 years old but played like he was 17! Bundles of energy and what I would define as a “proper” striker. Big and strong, excellent in the air and not fazed playing with his back to goal. Only regret is I didn’t get to work with him earlier.

Me: What would you say its like to be a manager? Give as much insight as you can into the whole process.

GH: Relentless. At times it can feel like having another full time job with all the work that goes into it. After 90 minutes that winning feeling makes it all worthwhile but as a manager you don’t get to enjoy the wins for too long as you have to start preparing for the next game. Some previous clubs/players you have to spend time between matches and training keeping in touch with your players, massaging egos or reviewing the previous game. Thankfully with the current group I have, this is minimal but I have learnt in the last 3/4 seasons as you go up the levels the more egos you have to deal with. Dealing with players individually alongside planning/taking training, recruiting players, keeping players, match day preparation, committee decisions. The manager has a hand in all things football at their club.

Me: Moving onto more current times, how would you assess your time at Debenham so far & could you give a bit of an insight of what it is like being part of a Thurlow Nunn club such as them?

GH: All I want is progress. I feel we have started to achieve this after the turmoil after taking over. We have a strong nucleus of players who are here to be competitive and click socially. Initially it was patching things up to get through to the end of the season. A hardworking pre season and some changes in personnel put us on the right path, making us more competitive on the pitch and a positive atmosphere around the club. 

Each Thurlow Nunn club is different. There is no right or wrong way to operate just finding a way that works for your club. We have to manage our budgets under financial constraints as we don’t have a “money man” funding the club like some others or huge financial sponsorship. We rely massively on club fundraiser events and some modest sponsorship from local companies. Things such as our average home gate increasing this year goes a long way to help a club like us. Where as we are coming up against some clubs with three times the budget we have so we have to recruit and build a team that is cohesive fighting for the same goal. I would say in the Thurlow Nunn Premier all this increases in how clubs operate both football and financially. I would say there is less travelling on average in comparison to our league with more financial gain for players which can prove difficult. Players need to be recruited baring in mind will they do Kings Lynn away midweek or will they find an excuse. Some players will want to negotiate over £5/10, all to play the game they apparently love.

Me: Despite the current situation how would you look back on the current season, I know you kind of touched on it but if you could assess it from your point of view?

GH: Pleased with the progress we have made from last season but frustrating with our inconsistency which has been our achilles heel.

Me: If you had to pick one game so far this campaign that you've enjoyed the most, which would it be and why?

GH: The 3-0 win away to Ipswich Wanderers. To beat one of the pre season favourites for promotion so convincingly on their own patch was particularly pleasing. My business is also based there so was getting some stick in the build up to the game from the ground staff!

Me: What is your favourite goal Debenham have scored this season and why?

GH: Baden Holmes lobbing the goalkeeper from 25 yards in the game mentioned above. We all loved that one! That and Andrew Crowe’s 90th minute goal away to Diss Town to seal the 3 points. Having lost the first game of the season, to win the second game was crucial. Could of been very different had we not got that win early on.

Me: Moving away from present times for now, if you could relive, in person, any major  sporting moment ever in history what would you pick and why?

GH: England winning the World Cup. So many are so focused on club loyalties... how can you not want your country to be the best in the world!

Me: Are there any professional or more local coaches that you inspired you to take up coaching & if so how it they inspire you?

GH: Used to enjoy watching Swansea coming up through the leagues both under Martinez and Brendan Rogers. Played some great attacking football in each division. Jon Beck the former Cambridge United manager was my UEFA B tutor. He is a rather marmite character but I really appreciated and respected the feedback he gave me having seen the success he had in his career.

Me: I understand it's a tough thing to talk about right now but what do you think would be in your eyes the best way to end the current season (resume later, or use PPG etc)?

GH: In an ideal world I would like to resume when possible so teams finish where they rightfully should. That said I can’t see games resuming in the next month or so, which would effect next season massively so doing it PPG basis would probably be next best thing. From a personal perspective it would leave us just under the fa cup places which was 1.8 to qualify and we would be 1.6. With all the bottom 6 left to play I would like to think our PPG in reality would be good enough to get us into the FA cup but at this moment in time there’s more important things to worry about.

Me: In regards to the FA banning children from heading in training, what are your thoughts on that decision from a coaching point of view?

GH: Personally doesn’t make a difference to me. With younger children there are far more important things to be coaching kids. They havnt stopped them heading in matches so it’s just stopping the ignorant coaches who want them to header for a whole training session instead of having a ball at their feet.

Me: Do you think heading could cause effect to players, if so in what way?

GH: I wouldn’t know enough of what research has taken place but kids shouldn’t be doing repetitive heading exercises to avoid any possible issues anyway.

My thanks to Guy for agreeing to the interview, and a pleasure to do so, I would also like to wish him, his Footstars coaching & Debenham LC all the best and hopefully one day will be able to visit Debenham in the near future.

INTERVIEW: KURTIS BEVAN

Continuing with the interviews, yesterday (Monday 23 March) I exchanged a fair amount of questions (over messages) with Elmswell FC Reserves captain/AFC Elmswell player-manager Kurtis Bevan to get his views on a whole range of topics, here's how it played out.

Me: To start of, can you provide a bit of background of your playing career so far (clubs played for youth to present etc) & highlights of it so far?

KB: As most people do I started at school in year 1/2 but at U10s I joined Moreton Hall Youth B. 

We merged at U11s for 11 a side and was named captain which I don't know why because I was very quiet and not the best footballer but it brought me out of my shell as someone who would talk (or shout) on the pitch and I really started picking up an interest in tactics and different ways of playing (which helps me now as a manager)

I stayed there as captain until U15s when we folded after that season and joined Elmswell as I had some friends there. 

First game the man the manager named as captain didn't want it so he gave it to me which didn't fill me with confidence. We never won a game all season and by the end the manager kind of gave up and to help with my development he allowed me to start picking the team and we had some close games but ultimately never won.

When we went up to U17/18s Jamie Barter took over our team and he also managed the Elmswell first team on Saturdays. He was the one that brought me into mens football with Elmswell at age 16 which I think at the time I found more comfortable of a transition than I thought mainly because I didn't know my limits or abilities in comparison to mens players. Unfortunately Jamie stepped down after a few months from the U17/18s and we folded.

I played for Elmswell reserves for the first couple months of the season then the week after I turned 17 I moved up to the first team and stayed there for a couple seasons. Since then I've mainly been with the reserves, apart from last season where I was with the first team as a bit of a utility man and this season I've gone back to the reserves as captain.

As for Sundays I joined a year after starting Saturday football and was there for 2 years when on a midweek game our manager said he couldn't do it anymore and basically said because I was there every week I should it, which I did and still do.

The main highlights would be being made captain of MHYFC, making the transition to mens football with relative ease and my first games as captain with Elmswell as I think the youngest in the team. 

Me: Moving onto more recent times, how would you sum up the current season so far from a personal perspective?

KB: It's been a bit hit and miss. Like I said last season was different for me as I played as a bit of a utility man and i basically played wherever I fitted in best. (Usually CM, across the back or as a wing back/wide midfielder) which honestly I didnt enjoy because it changed every week and I wasnt playing well because of it.

This season I've probably played 10x better but still not at the level I know I can play at. On saturdays I've been center back every week u fortunately missed most of January and February through injury but I'm slowly getting back to form I feel.

As for Sundays I've played a bit less usually starting on the bench or not playing at all if we have a good amount of players or good amount of defenders. I've mostly played across the back 4 but have had to play on the wing a couple of times because of injuries or being short handed. As a team we're doing the best in the league we've done since I've been manager (this is my 4th season I think) and promotion is in our hands with games in hand and games to play against contenders. As well as being in a cup semi final as well. Hopefully the season resumes.

Me: Meant to ask you after the game v Needham A what your thoughts were on that & how you thought it went - so going to now instead?

KB: Haha, first half was good obviously going 4-0 up at half time although I dont think we actually played that well. It was almost like we didnt try no disrespect to needham but first half they just didnt seem to deal with us going forward which made us all probably too confident. 

2nd half they came straight out the blocks and I think got a goal then we pulled off Will who was running the game and was on a hat trick, then put Ryan at left back who is our top scorer on sundays with 26 goals or something. I shouted over at the manager saying "What the f*** are we doing" Needham brought it back to 4-3 and I gave away a penalty, although i felt i could and thought I did get the ball I can see why the ref gave it becaise when I stopped the ball with my foot it doesnt make it seem like I got it. Luckily we got our 5th and rode our luck for the rest of the game we were very lucky to get away with a win. 

Me: Should we be able to resume, hopefully we can, what would be your aims for the remainder of the campaign at either Saturday or Sunday football?

KB: Saturdays just finish as high as we can because we're not playing for anything really but I'd love to see the First team boys get to the Primary Cup final at Portman Road. Theyve done amazing things this season and to top it off with an evening there with hopefully the whole village and more watching would be incredible.

As for sundays we have to aim high, I want to get promoted which is tough but it's possible and also we want to win the Div 4 cup, we made the floodlit cup final a couple years back and lost out to mellis who finished 2nd/3rd in div 1 that year in extra time and I've been wanting to get back to ram meadow since. We beat smiler in the league 4-2 the other week who are probably favourites for the league so if we beat them in the semi finals I believe we could go the whole way.

Me: What would be your highlight/ game of the season so far? (can be either Saturday or Sunday or one of each etc - up to you)

KB: As a team the other sunday against smiler we played really well and was probably the best win we've had as a team since I've been here. Going 4-0 up against a team who were unbeaten and believed they were going to go unbeaten was great. I feel like for the 75 minutes we dominated before they pushed men on we could have beaten anyone we played that well. 

My personal highlight was my last minute winner against Chedburgh which I know you were there to see haha. We played awful that day but seeing as i missed a load of chances and I dont get many goals so that one felt good.

Me: What is it like to be player/manager for a Sunday team? Give as much detail as you can.

KB: Where do I start haha. Firstly i always wanted to get into management and still aim over the next few years to get my badges and hopefully work my way up through saturday football. 

It's actually a lot easier than I think a lot of people think. I do everything currently by myself including secretary & treasurer which hopefully is changing next season but honestly it's not really much difficult work at all. 

The hardest part is getting the team together or leaving people out especially as their your mates and no ones getting paid they just want some fun which is why I dont play when we have a full squad. 

It's basically like a routine and if you stick to it, it's easy.

You'll start the monday probably texting the other team and refs about the location and kits etc then you text your players early so you know what numbers you have.

Then if you have to midweek you'll go mark the pitch and if you need to do it again on the sunday morning if its been raining etc then I'll do that.

Then I'll usually have an idea of the squad and lineup by thursday night and let everyone know the squad which always changes by Sunday morning because a lot of lads play Saturdays and get injured or go out and cant play the next morning especially with a young team like we have. 

Then you'll turn up on a matchday and do all your bits you need mark the pitch if needed, do the team sheets open up the changing rooms and it's all go from there. 

In terms of actually being a player manager it doesnt seem unnatural I guess because at this level you do get a lot of player managers but you do definitely see the game differently from playing to being on the sidelines. You'll always know roughly what subs you can make because players only usually play a couple of positions but I know the lads that will do the job in other positions if needed. As for tactics it's a lot easier to see for the whole team when I'm on the sidelines so if I notice theres a team playing with 2 in midfield I can switch to a 442 and have confidence we can out battle the other team with even numbers and I can see what is going wrong at the back whereas when you're playing you sometimes cant see it. 

I definitely would say if there is anyone out there that perhaps knows their manager is stepping down and would like to give it a go then do, its certainly an experience but it's not a tough ask at all especially if you can get an assistant and some people to help you out.

Me: More general speaking now, if you could pick any sporting moment past or present (whenever or whatever it was) to relive in person what would it be?

KB: That's a really tough one straight into my head is the world cup in 66 and Ipswich winning the UEFA cup or the playoffs, but theres so many! Kobe Bryant's 81 point game as a basketball fan would also be amazing but I could probably list one hundred different events. I think I'd say Ipswich winning the uefa cup in 81 because theres way too many. 

Me: Who would you say is your favourite pro player and why?

KB: Another tough one again theres so many. I admire Luke Chambers as a leader and as a defender I love watching Van Dijk and Chiellini. I think overall my favourite player of all time is Paolo Maldini. I dont think theres really been anyone as good as him since. 

Me: Who would be the best player you've played either (or both) alongside or against?

KB: Best player I've played with is either George Bugg or Niall McPhillips. They both joined us on sundays at the same time. 

George now plays at Brightlingsea on a saturday and Niall is at Walsham but Dual registered with coddenham.

George just scores goals for fun and Niall runs games from midfield.

Best I've played against I'm not too sure when I was younger i played against Jack Lankester at school but obviously he was playing a few years up so it was probably a bit easier than if we were the same age I think he was in year 6 and I was in year 8 so there was a big difference at that point but he was still very good. Similarly strangely enough when I was at primary school I always got told to mark Georgia Allen who was at Arsenal and went to America to play as part of a scholarship and shes played every age group for england women so she was very good then as well.

Me: What would be your XI made up of players you've played with and why?

KB: Another tough one as I've played with so many but they're mostly at a similar level. But I'll do my best 

GK: James Curtis. Best shot stopper I've played with and kept us in so many games last season.

RB: George Lines (joined us on sundays this season and played 4/5 games been the best player every game)

CB: Jamie Crissell (good leader, great player to have on the pitch and off)

CB: Phil Isaac (Probably my favourite partner at CB, worked well together and just a great bloke)

LB: Dan Scott (will do everything he can to win and great left peg)

CM: Josh Daly (So good all round, gets about and makes tackles and can play a killer pass)

CM: Dylan Peskett (again gets around, dribbles around people for fun)

CM: Niall McPhillips (Runs games from midfield, can turn a bad 11 into a good one just from his passing)

RW: Kalum Benham (Only been with us for 2 games but can tell hes class and have played against him many times)

ST: George Bugg (Joke of a player, quick, strong, scores goals can create them as well)

LW: Ryan Jolly (Natural Finisher, scores nearly every chance he gets).

Me: If you had to pick 1 Elmswell teammate to be in quarantine with, who would it be and why (can be Saturday or Sunday)?

KB: I could give you a long list of who it wouldnt be 😂 some of them do my head in especially the sunday lads. I'll probably have to say Josh Daly just because we speak to each other all day on playstation at the moment anyway and we've known each other since we were 5/6 so an easy choice.

Me: What's your favourite sport, if any, other than football and why?

KB: Theres a couple darts and basketball. 

Basketball I still watch but I played when I was at school and could have gone to play for Ipswich instead of playing football but stuck with my football. As for darts my family have always played and we've always had a board. I started playing in a team when I was 16 but only recently got back into it and am loving it. Playing at least 2/3 hours a day at the moment.

Me: What is the best ground you've played at?

KB: Yeah it definitely does. I've not played at any big grounds but I've played at all the local ones near enough Walsham, Mildenhall, stow and Bury. 

Bury was probably the best of the bunch and I scored which was nice too.

Me: As a defender what are your thoughts on the FA banning kids from heading in training?

KB: I think in training it's fine, I never really remember doing any heading drills as such so most of the heading young players do would be in a game. Personally I'd get young players playing futsal where the ball doesnt bounce but then theres not enough facilities for that I guess.

Me: Do you think heading the ball could cause an issue, if so why?

KB: I'm not 100% sure behind the science behind it but I believe it's been said it has an effect on the brain but I'm not sure if that was older footballs or not. Newer footballs are obviously lighter but if you head a ball 5000 times that has to have some sort of effect.

Me: Finally, how do you see the current season being resolved for football overall and your specific leagues? (Null & void, resume, Points Per Game etc)

KB: I really cant tell. I think for tournaments like the champions league and FA cup they might just have to go to single leg ties and the league can be finished in relatively good time with most leagues having 10 or so games left. And tamsin will have 6 weeks or so to get that done. 

As for our season at a lower level I'd say we just resume when possible and then have to play more midweek games or potentially make more leagues with less teams or remove cups for a season.

My thanks to Kurtis for agreeing to do the interview and wish him and Elmswell all the best for the future. 

GROUNDHOPPING ARCHIVES: BURY TOWN U18 V FELIXSTOWE U18 2018

Next in my groundhopping archives series is one of my favourite ever games:

Bury Town Under-18s beat Felixstowe & Walton United U18s in a dramatic penalty shootout, which saw Bury progress to the 2017/18 Suffolk Boys U18 Midweek Cup Semi-Finals, of which they would go onto make the final at Colchester United.

Originally though this tie was due to be played at Ram Meadow in February but after some frustrating weather the tie had been pushed back until April 3rd,when it was switched to Felixstowe's Goldstar Ground.


Bury trailed though at half-time, after Preston had given Felixstowe the lead in the first quarter or so of the contest. Early into the second half though Felixstowe were reduced to ten men as Dan Poxon left a crunching challenge on Tommy Robinson four minutes after the restart.

With the game edging into its final 13 minutes, Bury desperately hunted an equaliser as Robinson's free-kick on the left wing edge of the box was saved well by the diving keeper at his far post.

Freddie McCracken was next to go close, the striker's shot from the left-hand side in the box being stopped low down by the keeper with 10 minutes remaining.

With four minutes remaining though Bury did restore parity after Smy & Preston had forced saves from Bett in the Bury goal. Robinson's 30-yard free-kick in a central position was saved low to his left by the keeper although Josh Revell was on hand to tap home the rebound, 1-1.

Bury then turned the game on its head, taking the lead in the 91st minute. After catching the Felixstowe defence sleeping at the back, Josh Revell was able to get the ball onto the right-hand byline to square across to Freddie McCracken who tapped home at the back post, 1-2 Bury.

Felixstowe however created some dramatic scenes of their own, five minutes into added time as the Seasiders packed everyone up into the box for a corner, which Lewis Owen headed home into the top right corner to send the contest to penalties.

That in itself was a bucket full of nerves for those either watching or participating on the pitch. Evan Bolt took first for the hosts, dispatching the opening spot-kick into the left-hand corner. Oli Selfe meanwhile levelled for Bury, hitting his penalty straight down the middle whilst the keeper dived to his right, 1-1 after 1 each.

Lewis Smy then stepped up for Felixstowe, slotting home into the bottom right-hand corner, whilst Bury's Robbie Hunter replied by slotting home into the opposing bottom corner to make it 2-2.

Isaac Scott then just found the same corner as Hunter, though Michael Bett in the Bury goal wasn't far off from stopping it. Harry Moore though did likewise to tie the shootout up at 3-3.

Joe Hunt then blasted his penalty home into the top right-hand corner, whilst Cameron Jay-Smith narrowly beat the keeper after dispatching it into the same place to keep it level at 4-4.

Jake Preston was up next for the Seasiders, blasting his spot-kick into the bottom right-hand corner, but Tommy Robinson smashed his home into the roof of the net to make it 5-5 after 5-a-piece.

Then came the first twist in the tale, Lewis Owen seeing his penalty saved brilliantly by Bett down to his right-hand side, whilst Joe Keylock hit a carbon copy with Fisher dealt with.

Dan Horton then slotted home into the bottom left-hand corner, whilst Henry Hall scored low down the middle, 6-6 after 7 each with the tension building with each spot-kick that passed.

Rory Porter though smashed the crossbar, leaving Bury centre-back Jay Proctor with the chance to win it for the Blues, doing so by firing low into the bottom right-hand corner to win it dramatically 7-6 on penalties.


Seasiders: Oliver Fisher, Dan Horton, Louis Donovan-Perry, Tyler Howell, Lewis Owen (c), Matthew Hazell, Evan Bolt, Rory Porter, Jake Preston, Joe Hunt, Daniel Poxon
Subs: Donte Butler, Lewis Smy, Isaac Scott, Marcel Lincoln-Francis, Tom Lygo
Bury Town: Michael Bett, Cameron Jay-Smith, Henry Hall, Harry Moore, Jay Proctor, Jack Stone, Freddie McCracken, Joe Keylock, Oli Selfe, Tommy Robinson ©, Josh Revell.
Subs: Robbie Hunter, Jack Wass, Arthur McCourt.

GROUNDHOPPING ARCHIVES: BURY TOWN U18 V FC CLACTON U18 24.8.17

Since we find ourselves in a weird position on a Saturday, a lot of us wondering what to do with ourselves with football currently suspended I had previously began sharing old match reports I have written, but today I'm doing that with a twist. 

At the time this was my highest scoring match I had went to, ironically the first time I ran the Bury Town Under-18 Twitter Account (and still do which you can find @burytownunder18) but I never wrote up a report for this at the time, so I thought I might as well do it now whilst I'm searching for things to do. Since it ended in a fourteen goal-fest I'll just write up the goals, using my tweets from that day. Enjoy!

Bury Town Under-18s hit Clacton for 12 in their second home game of what proved to be a successful 2017/18 season for the Young Blues in the Thurlow Nunn Youth League South Division.

It was the Blues who struck first at Ram Meadow, as early as the third minute as a free-kick was blocked by the wall but was turned home by the Blues at the far post, 1-0 Bury.

Bury then doubled their advantage in the seventh minute, volleying the ball home in style from outside the box, 2-0 Bury.

The home side tripled their lead meanwhile on 14 minutes, as the keeper came out off his line the Bury forward slotted the ball home past the onrushing shot-stopper, 3-0 Bury.

Two minutes later it was 4-0 Bury, the home side firing home from long range once more, this time into the bottom left-hand corner.

Six minutes before the interval, Bury hit five after a scuffed volley found a team mate in the box, who placed home into the top corner, 5-0 Bury.

The on fire Blues added a sixth goal four minutes after the restart, a shot blocked fell back to the same player who showed off some superb skill before slotting home from close range, 6-0 Bury.

Bury then notched a seventh goal on 50 minutes, a ball up top saw the striker roll his defender well before hammering home into the top corner, 7-0.

Twelve minutes later, it was 8-0, the home side firing home into the bottom corner after working the ball around well to the edge of the box.

Clacton however grabbed two consolations in the space of three minutes, the first saw a half cleared free-kick end up beating the rooted Bury keeper, 8-1 on 69 minutes. 

Clacton's second goal meanwhile saw a good ball through find the visitor's striker who found the bottom right corner from close range, 8-2 after 72 minutes.

Bury though hit back with five minutes remaining, squaring a good ball across the box which was tapped home with ease, 9-1.

Bury then struck three more times in quick succession as the game entered stoppage time, the home side reaching their ton for the evening by working the ball across into the box to then dispatch home into the far corner on 92 minutes.

Sixty seconds later, it was 11-2 after the ball squared across on the byline was tapped home from a yard out.

Bury then rounded off a fantastic evening for the home side by adding a twelfth goal four minutes in added time- hammering the ball home into the top left-hand corner from inside the box.

FULL TIME: Bury Town U18 12-2 FC Clacton U18

Teams:

Bury Town Under-18:-

Luiz Gustavo Mariano
Kailum De'ath
Henry Hall
Mitchell Wright
Harry Moore (x2)
Charlie Cook
Matthew Harris-Hercules (x1)
Robbie Hunter (x3)
Joseph Keylock
Tommy Robinson
Joshua Revell (x1)
Subs Used:
Robbie Dyson (x1)
Freddie McCracken (x3)
Cameron Jay-Smith (x1)
Ben Stannard
Sub Unused:
Jay Proctor

Clacton U18:-
Daniel Coleman
Jack Eastman
Harry Harvey
Jack Justice
Adam Keep
Connor Needs (x1)
Robert Newman (x1)
Brandon Roberts
Tyler Russell-Read
Oliver Seymour
Subs:
Christopher Liddle
Connor Starbrook-Doherty

Brandon Town Community v Kitchener Traveners 15.3.20

142: Sunday 15 March 2020, 2:30pm, Denny Bros Ram Meadow Stadium, Suffolk FA Sunday Cup Semi-Final, Brandon Town Community v Kitchener Traveners

Brandon Town Community progress to the Suffolk FA Sunday Cup Final after beating Ipswich Sunday League leaders and Champions Kitchener Taverners on penalties at Bury Town's Denny Bros Ram Meadow Stadium. 

It was the Ipswich side who had the first chance, through close to goal down the left-hand side to put a dangerous ball into the box, finding a man from point blank range at the near post but shot wide for a goal-kick in the third minute. 

Kitch then struck as early as the sixth minute, through on the left byline the ball fell to Cunningham on the edge of the box who placed a great finish into the bottom left-hand corner, 0-1 Kitch. A good save from the Brandon keeper six minutes later however prevented Kitch from adding a quick second, getting across well to his near left-hand post to palm the ball behind. 

Brandon drew level though on 15 minutes, a left-wing free-kick from long range was finished well by Kyle Dyer into the bottom left-hand corner, 1-1.

Kitch meanwhile went close on 17 minutes, the corner into the box however was headed narrowly wide of the bottom right-hand corner from the far post. Eight minutes later, Kitch went even closer as Cunningham's 35-yard right-wing free-kick beat the wall but dipped just wide of the bottom near corner and into the side-netting.

Brandon on the other hand had a decent opportunity to take the lead on 38 minutes, after seeing a 30-yard free-kick blocked, the ball fell to a man on the edge of the box but his volley was blocked as far as a Brandon shirt in the box, who fired their shot just wide of the bottom far corner. 

Baker then almost restored Kitch's advantage in the forty-fourth minute, the Ipswich side threaded Baker through into the box, but the shot across goal was helped on its way narrowly wide for a corner by the keeper. Kitch then got through dangerously down the left byline a minute later, squaring across goal but great defending from Saunders saw the Brandon full-back intercept and put the ball behind with a Kitch man lurking.

Kitch then cut inside to the edge of the box but saw the low strike well saved by the keeper at his right-hand post three minutes into added time, whilst Brandon took the lead a minute later as Shaun Avis was set through on goal, one-on-one with the keeper from 25-yards out to thrash a great volley over the keeper and into the roof of the net, 2-1 Brandon at the break.

HALF TIME: Brandon Town Community 2-1 Kitchener Taverners

The second half began with Kitch hunting an equaliser a minute after the restart, the cross into the box finding a Kitch head close to goal at the back post but was straight at the keeper who gathered possession. Five minutes later meanwhile the Brandon stopper was forced into a very good save, diving across well to beat behind a fierce shot to the far post from Cunningham having got through in the box. 

Kitch however were awarded a penalty on 52 minutes after a man leapt to get on the end of a cross but was shoved to the ground by Saunders. Up stepped the Kitch forward who dispatched a great spot-kick into the bottom right-hand corner, just out off the reach of the Brandon keeper, 2-2 after 53 minutes.

Brandon though went close ten minutes later, a great cross in on the right-wing almost found Avis sliding in at the back post but the ball just evaded the striker. 

Kitch then found Regan Pelling eighteen yards out from goal from a throw-in, as the volley towards the top right-hand corner but was claimed well by the alert keeper as the ball looked to just sneak in on 73 minutes. The more time passed the more the contest became tense, as Avis shot narrowly wide of the bottom corner with 7 minutes remaining. 

The Brandon striker then went even closer to winning the tie for Brandon as the game entered stoppage time, whilst a Brandon free-kick four minutes later forced a good save out off the diving keeper.

Kitch however tested the Brandon shot-stopper with the very last action as a shot was saved by the keeper down at his bottom left-hand corner but the rebound was fired over from close range, which after a bit over ten minutes of stoppage time the two sides could only be seperated by a penalty shootout.

FULL TIME: Brandon Town Community 2-2 Kitcherner Taverners 

Brandon took the first penalty, dispatching the spot-kick into the bottom right-hand corner, despite the keeper going the right way, 1-0 Brandon. Cunningham took first for Kitch, levelling it up by finding the same corner, but sent the Brandon keeper the wrong way, 1-1. Saunders then smashed his penalty into the top left-hand corner, putting it well out of reach of the keeper, 2-1 Brandon. Kitch's second penalty however hit the inside of the left-hand post and stayed out, despite the keeper gathering anyway, but wouldn't have an impact as Avis' penalty at the bottom left-hand corner was saved well by the keeper as the score remained 2-1. Tevan Allen however couldn't take advantage, firing his shot at the bottom left middle section of the net but the keeper got his legs across to bounce the ball away well. Brandon then made it 3-1 with a great penalty, easily slotting home into the bottom left-hand corner, sending the keeper the wrong way. Kitch though gave themselves a life-line by dispatching their 4th penalty into the bottom left-hand corner, sending the keeper the wrong way. Brandon though won it with the next penalty, firing home into the bottom right-hand corner, sending the keeper the wrong way to progress to the Suffolk Sunday Cup Final, where they will meet Gym United at Needham Market FC (providing this virus is over by then, fingers crossed).

FULL TIME: Brandon Town Community 2-2 Kitcherner Taverners (4-2 pens) 

Penalty shootout record:

Brandon  : ✅✅❌✅✅

Kitchener: ✔️✖️✖️✔️

Kitch 

8 Baker

66 Tevan Allen

88 Danny Cunningham

98 Regan Pelling

12 Anton Clarke(?) 

Brandon 

1 Gammo

3 Saunders

9 Shaun Avis (capt)

Booked: Cunningham (29'), B4 (33'), Baker (39'), B5 (41'), K92 (89'), Saunders (90'+2'), B21 (90'+8'), K (90'+9'),

Goals: Cunningham (6'), (53'pen)

Dyer (15'), Avis (45'+4').

Goal log: 0-1 (Kitchener) 6 mins, 1-1 (Dyer) 15 mins, 2-1 (Avis) 45+4 mins, 2-2 (Kitch, pen) 53 mins.

Dangers of Heading a football - Research findings

As some of you may already be aware I am currently in the process of creating a documentary on the dangers of heading a football in an attempt to provide some insight to the ever growing question - does it actually cause problems for players?

Evidently the point of this blog is to share my findings with everyone and try and gain as much opinions and information on this topic as I can - whether that is the actual dangers of heading a football (players, coach or physio perspective) or thoughts on the FA banning children from heading the ball in training, the change in footballs used today to the old leather balls and so on. Huge thanks to those who have helped out in this process so far, I extremely appreciate it - but if you haven't quite got involved and wish to do so here's the LINK to the survey I am carrying out, if you can share it around as well that would be fantastic.

Anyway, enough about that time to talk about my opinion to all this first, before I then talk about the findings so bare with me.

I think heading a football could cause brain damage, certainly if you head it on the top (skull) of your head. I have done this before and it does hurt (briefly) and has left me feeling light headed before in the past - though I never really head the ball much myself (even when outfield but I tend to be in goal more). As to the kids being banned, I feel this won't make too much difference really - albeit I don't know what really goes on in their training but I'm somewhat certain they are not taught to head it anyway, so whilst this is quite a good prevention technique I don't think it would have a great impact.

However, I don't think heading should be banned from games, since it is a part of the game and would make no sense to take it out - people like Peter Crouch wouldn't have a career for example. I do think though that the change in balls to the ones today are a lot more cushioned so they are much more comfortable to head (albeit saying from what I've witnessed rather than physically experienced).

Having done the survey long before the FA announced the heading ban mentioned above, I missed out on the chance to really get an overview on the topic on that survey, so I instead elected to take it to a Twitter poll, though some did respond with some interesting insight I feel it could've gained more opinions/votes than it did. It ended up gaining 12 votes with all 4 options ending equal on 25% - which albeit shows how close it is and how interesting of a debate it creates it doesn't really give me much to go by.

I also conducted an interview with fellow groundhopper Gareth Thomas on Monday night, should you wish to read that then click HERE.

From replies to my original tweet on twitter (embedded below) ranged from it not being dangerous to some believing it could be. Here's what the responses said:-

The first Tweet I can see suggests against the ban: "The danger is not heading the ball. Games are going on week on week year on, it will be like touch rugby soon."

In response though it was argued by somebody else "The evidence suggests differently so where are your findings on it not being dangerous? And if it wasn't a danger why are the Scottish FA banning kids from heading the ball? Also if you think it isn't a danger told Jeff Astle's daughter and many other ex football players now suffering brain damage due to constant heading of a football that it's not dangerous."

In a different conversation, when asked about the kids being banned from heading in training, one response was "In my opinion it's a bit of a joke because heading the ball is such a massive part of the game .. kids will eventually be to scared to head the ball and I think it will ruin the gameCalling all football fans, players, coaches, physio ect. I'm researching into the dangers of heading a football for a documentary, so would appreciate all help I could get."

That commenced a discussion with somebody else adding "They’re not stopping heading, just heading drills. If kids head naturally in a match in training and the same in an actual match then thats fine! Don’t know what the fuss is all about. As a coach at U8s level, I’ve got players who don’t want to head and I’d never force them too."

Reply: "This is what the whole thing is about to see all players and coaches opinions about the matter because there making a big deal about it"

Other response: "I'd discourage it as much as i can at a young age. Kids don't need to learn to head a ball under 12 in my opinion. Plus I'd like to see my players master their technique with their feet first. I coach an under 7s and senior side, don't think I've ever put on a heading drill"

Below is a survey, which would be appreciated if you could help fill out: https://t.co/XlF3psmQ0p

— Drew Kendall (@drewney2000) January 15, 2020

Moving onto the survey findings so far etc:

From the 22 people who answered the survey, 27.3% feel that heading a ball can cause brain damage whilst 31.8% say no, with the remaining 40.9% unsure - choosing the maybe option. 

When asked to explain why they answered the above here is what they said (new line denotes new answer):

One of the most prolific header specialists in the sport, Sergio Ramos, is also very well spoken, a musician and lover of the arts. I am sure people can be injured if not trained properly, as you can for any activity, but when properly trained it is most likely has few ill effects for most players.

Repeatedly bashing head, it’s obvious.

It’s a ball. Toughen up.

Anything that involves the head can cause damage in some form.

Like anything things can always go wrong, but overall I don’t think it causes brain damage due to the period of time in which it has been occurring in sport without significant documented evidence.

I believe the heavier balls years back has caused problems but not sure the balls today have.There needs to be tests so a more conclusive answer can be found.

Could end up headbutting someone else.

Suffered myself.

Evident with past generation of footballers when the ball was much more firm.

It's a bag of air.

I’m not an expert in this area, however, I do think it has an negative impact, but the ball is so «soft», therefore I don’t think it would be enough to cause an serious damage.

The force the ball hits the head and the amount of time the ball is headed away.

Own experience - head traumas as a result of heading footballs from a young age.

Studies done previously have found a link between the two. Although could be to do with the footballs used in the old days.

If you’re heading it properly then shouldn’t be an issue as effectively your forehead is extremely strong and durable. Granted, not always possible to head it with your forehead but the vast majority of the time it is possible.

I don’t believe heading can cause severe injuries, apart from concussion as I have seen this.

I think that a lot more research should be done in to the matter as I believe it could in some rare cases cause brain damage

Not proven so far, but extensive use of the head to ball you can see that it's a possibility.

Modern day footballs are too light and the way football is played in the modern day now does not involve constant heading the ball like in the past.

I assume its presence in the media must have some basis in fact. I haven't however ever seen its effects first hand.

There are cases of of neurological damage in players from previous eras in later life, however this may be attributed to a number of factors i.e. heavier balls, different training techniques etc.


Continually heading a ball over a period of time may cause damage, research would be needed to confirm.

Further from that, I tried to expand on the answers I received by asking people to add what issues heading a ball can cause, here are the results. 

Continuing on I asked people to add what effects they think it could have on the brain and how severe that could be, below is what I received.


Don’t know. Not a doctor.

None.
It could have any effect and at any severity.

I think heading it in the wrong way or in certain circumstances such as with a high speed ball there could be issues like concussion but nothing too severe except in exceptional circumstances.

It could cause dementia.

Quite severe.

Unsure to the extent.

Constant concussions aren't good for long term brain health.

Not very.

I don’t think it has any major impact on the brain.

I think it could knock years off a persons life and I think it’s very severe.

Effect the development of the brain, sensitive areas that cause traumas when impact occurs.

More long-term effects, as time goes on it gets more severe.

Small effects.

Not entirely sure to be honest, needs more education to the public.

I personally think it could contribute to some minor cases of dementia.

I think it can cause an issue although balls are different in weight etc since say the 1960s.

Very minor and recoverable brain trauma that is so small it goes unnoticed.

The answers above, and pretty severe.

Memory loss, blood clotting.

Brain damage.


More importantly I wanted to ask should heading be banned, unsurprisingly the vast majority said no:

I then asked people to explain why they thought that:

The reality is the current professional players will not stop using headers, especially in set piece situations. When kids are the pros do it, they will try it. Better to train them to do it properly than have them trying it on their own and really injuring themselves when they don't know what they are doing.

Because it’s part of the game.

Coz it’s part of the game. How can you ban heading?

Part of the game, don’t ruin it.

Because I don’t think there’s an issue and I believe it’s a big part of the game. There are other far more physical sports such as rugby and boxing which result in trauma to the head which continue to operate.

Because we need to find a conclusive answer.

Although it's dangerous, many football fans might not like it to be a new rule.

Every sport has risks.

The risk it has can be reduced by only allowing it in adult football age groups however it is something that has been in football since the start so it would be hard to ban it.

Cause it will ruin the game.

Because duels is the most common part of the game, remove heading = remove all interest
It’s a key part of the game.


Brain/skull not fully formed or developed in youth.

Its part of the game.

It’s a massive part of the game. What are we going to introduce next? No over head height rule? Under arm throw ins?

Integral part of the game but youth should get extra protection as they don’t understand the potential risks and damage.

It's such an important part of the game VAR IS ruining the game as it is so we need to keep heading the ball in the years to come maybe a slick design head wear my be the way forward.

Until its proven why change?

As mentioned before I dont think it causes any noticable type of brain damage and the way football is played now means heading is not as prominent.

I think it's too important an aspect of the game at all levels.

Technology has advanced, balls are lighter etc - further research should be done to limit the impact. Head height junior football could be introduced as a pilot.


Part of the game, ball lighter then previous generation.

Next on the agenda was whether they had previously known somebody who has suffered from head related injuries and whether they play(ed) football.

Getting more specific I asked people if those people used to head the ball regularly and if so for how long:

Finally, I then asked if people could add any additional information to the topic, here was what was said:

No.

No.

No - Thanks for the opportunity to participate.


Stupid idea to ban heading.

It will be interesting to find the results, it will be interesting to know what the weight of the ball was back in the 60s especially when it rained compared to now, I would certainly recommend testing by mri scans to see if today’s footballer show any signs, it’s too late for some of the older generation but not going forward.


I've received concussion within the last month due to ball to head connection.

Personal experience of suffering head traumas from heading football.


So, the fa has stopped children heading a football at training/games until 18ish years of age. How much time does that give the young players who already struggle to break into first teams at any level to practise the heading technique for adult football? Very minimal is the answer. This will reduce the players being given any decent amount of time in first teams because let’s face it, would a manager want a to give young centre halves in particular a lot of time int he first team when they will cost the team goal after goal because he/she doesn’t understand/know how to head a ball properly, probably duck out of heading a vital interception because that’s exactly what they’re used to from playing youth football. Will kill the game. Next up, the fa ban all tackling and will be a touch sport like when we was kids and played touch rugby etc.

My mum's uncle played professionally in the 60s and died of dementia a few years ago, studies must be carried to find out if there is a link between heading balls and brain injuries.

That concludes current research, should you wish to get involved, contact me on the Twitter account linked above or through the survey. With the recent virus, if anybody would be interested in helping me out with the production and you have some interesting thoughts and or information on the project then please send me a message and we can see if you can help me out - as with the documentary I'm going to expand my footage to possibly Skype/Discord video calls or if people are willing to answer a few question in a personal video. Let me know if and how you can help, thanks! Stay safe people.