By Daily Sports on October 19, 2017

England U21 manager Aidy Boothroyd says Nigeria could still be trying to take his top talent.

The Young Lions manager remains on alert after reports Tammy Abraham was considering switching allegiance to the Super Eagles.

Swansea’s on-loan Chelsea striker Abraham quickly denied the claims last month and reiterated his commitment to England, while Nigeria also made an approach for Liverpool’s Sheyi Ojo last year.

Arsenal’s Alex Iwobi elected to commit to Nigeria in March 2016 and Boothroyd conceded the country may try their luck again.

“They still might be trying – you don’t know – but you can’t blame them because they’re good players,” he said. “These are lads who have played for England who have an affinity with us and a relationship. When it happens with Sheyi I can pick the phone up, the same with Tammy.

Alex Iwobi began his international career as a youth with England, but later switched allegiance to Nigeria.

“It’s a hard one. I can’t guarantee they are going to play always because the group is so good. Tammy didn’t start the game before last but that’s just one of those things. Perhaps other countries will see that and get into him, promise him the world and get him in the first team.”

The coach spoke avout the fake news that appeared that Tammy Abraham had chosen to play for Nigeria’s Super Eagles.

“It’s an interesting one [with Abraham]. I saw like you all did on the TV. The good thing is we have a relationship and I can pick the phone up and say ‘what’s going on mate?’

“He laughs and says he doesn’t know where it came from but it certainly didn’t come from him. Twenty minutes later it comes across in yellow again: ‘Tammy Abraham says he’s going to play for England’.”

A youth league in England introduces new rules to improve grassroots kids football development

Slide tackles are banned.

When goalkeepers have possession, the opposition must retreat to the halfway line.

And if any team goes four goals up, the other team may field an extra player until the goal difference is reduced to three.

These are just some of 12 new rules put forward by a Manchester Junior League to improve kids’ football.

The move comes following a recent youth review by the English FA to improve the grassroots game.

The emphasis is on creating a calmer and safer environment, while aiding faster development for young players and designed to help them become more skilful and see games become more competitive.

The rules have been published and pioneered by the Manchester Junior Respect League who are keen to promote ‘calm, safe, fun’ football for young players.

They are as follows:

CALMER AND SAFER

-Silent sidelines rule

Spectators are encouraged to applaud both teams (e.g.. clap when a goal is scored) but must not shout or call out. [Law 1]

-Slide tackle rule

On medical advice, no slide tackles are allowed. A free kick will be given in every instance. [Law 12]

-Blue card rule

A blue card is shown for any cautionable offence resulting in a 2 minute Sin Bin (5 minutes at 9v9). [Law 12].

-Respect marks rule

After every match, referees will marks to players, coaches and spectators from both teams. [Law 12]

MORE SKILFUL

-Retreat line rule

When goalkeeper has possession, opposition must retreat to halfway. Keeper must pass to own player in own half. [Law 16]

-Pass back rule

Because goalkeepers need to practice their footwork, they cannot pick up the ball from a pass back. [Law 12]

FASTER DEVELOPMENT

-No instructions rule

Coaches may ask questions that prompt players to think for themselves but must not shout instructions during matches. [Law 1]

-Equal playing time rule

All squad members must receive equal playing time with at least 50% per player for each game. [Law 3]

-All positions rule

All squad members must be given regular experience playing in all positions, including goalkeeper. [Law 3]

MORE COMPETITIVE

-Mixed teams rule

To maximise competition, clubs must field teams of similar ability - ie. not ‘A’ and ‘B’ teams. [Law 3]

-Power play rule

If any team goes 4 goals ahead, the other team may field an extra player until the goal difference is reduced to 3 goals. [Law 3]

-Equal numbers rule

If a team has too few players, the other must lend them willing subs or withdraw players to make hungers even. [Law 3]

The FA introduced their ‘Respect’ campaign almost a decade ago in 2008 with the message ‘good behaviour makes for a great game’.

Earlier this month, the Hampshire FA in the UK staged their third Silent Weekend to ‘showcase football that puts the needs of the players first’.

In a series of youth fixtures, coaches and spectators remained silent throughout games to ‘raise awareness of the need to create a positive and pressure-free environment in which children can enjoy football and learn to love and develop in the game’.

The success of the scheme has been extended across other county associations, who are also set to implement it this season.

Source Daily Sports

Posted October 19, 2017

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