Welcome to the second edition of our magazine!

First and foremost, I want to extend a big thank you to everyone who took the time to share their feedback on our inaugural issue. Your thoughts and insights are invaluable in shaping this magazine into something more meaningful for grassroots football communities. If you missed the first edition, don’t worry—you can still catch up here.

This month, we’re excited to bring you a range of articles and features that we hope will both inspire and inform. Inside, you’ll find:

A deep dive into team identity and how it can transform a club’s culture.
A thought-provoking piece on viewing parents as customers and why they matter.
Data that supports a feature from our first edition about Champions League revenue distorting the domestic game.
A couple of training drills following on from the last edition - a warm up that includes technical and physical aspects, alongside a simple fitness drill incorporating a ball, and why you can develop your own similar drills for the same outcome.

We hope you enjoy this month’s magazine. Please keep the feedback coming—we’re always eager to hear your thoughts on what you’d like to see in future editions. Together, we can make this magazine a valuable resource for the grassroots football community.

David Platt

Founder - Golazzo

Club identity

"MORE THAN A CLUB"

Photo by Nick Fewings on Unsplash

In grassroots football, a club’s identity is its heartbeat. It’s what sets one team apart from another, creating a sense of pride, belonging, and professionalism for players, parents, and supporters alike. A strong club identity isn’t just about the crest on the shirt—it’s about the values the club stands for, the image it projects, and the unity it fosters both on and off the pitch.

The Power of Looking Professional

First impressions matter, even in grassroots football. A smart, professional appearance can elevate a club’s reputation and instill confidence in players. It attracts other players to the club, other parents want their children to be a part of it, and growth is stimulated because of this. The players themselves, proud to be involved, become ambassadors in the playground, relating stories to their peers about how their club is one to join.

Let's start with the easy fix.

Teamwear: A smart, uniform kit which all teams play in and look the part is the cornerstone of a club’s identity. Not only does it create a cohesive look, but it also strengthens the sense of unity among players. Clubs that invest in quality teamwear and apparel send a clear message: “We’re serious about what we do.”
Footballs and Equipment: Good footballs and clean, well-maintained training equipment show attention to detail. The performance of a football is fundamental. How good are the balls you use, do the players complain, they are the best feedback because they are the ones that play with them.
Consistency Across Teams: From the first team to the youngest age group, uniformity across kits, footballs and training gear reinforces the club’s identity. It ensures that every player feels part of something bigger.

Living the Club’s Values

A club’s identity isn’t just visual—it’s deeply rooted in its values. These values should guide everything the club does, from how it treats its players to how it interacts with the community. Key areas to focus on include:

Respect and Sportsmanship: Encouraging fair play and respect for teammates, opponents, and officials.
Inclusivity: Ensuring everyone, regardless of background or ability, feels welcome and valued.
Development: Prioritizing player growth, both on and off the pitch, over winning at all costs.
The Community - treating parents as customers, serving them

Most clubs understand and implement, the first three points, but do you actually prioritise parents and reward them for being your valued customers?

The Impact of Uniformity

Uniformity across all aspects of a club creates a sense of professionalism and pride. Whether it’s matching kits throughout the age groups, apparel for training, and coaches dressed the same on the sidelines, these small details have a big impact. They show that the club is organized, forward-thinking, and committed to excellence.

Why Club Identity Matters

A strong club identity has far-reaching benefits:

Attracting Players and Sponsors: A professional-looking club with clear values is more likely to attract talented players and secure sponsorships.
Building Community Pride: A club that looks and acts the part becomes a source of pride for the local community.
Fostering Loyalty: Players and parents are more likely to stay loyal to a club that invests in its identity and values.

A Call to Action for Clubs

Grassroots clubs have the power to inspire and unite their communities. By investing in professional kits, quality equipment, and a clear set of values, they can create an identity that players and supporters are proud to be part of. Sure, it's a financial investment, but in the end it will prove to be a wise one.

The big clubs don't care about it

But the stats tell you different?

The Champions League Effect: Have Domestic Cups Become Afterthoughts for Elite Clubs
The UEFA Champions League has undeniably reshaped the footballing landscape, creating a financial juggernaut that has transformed the priorities of Europe’s elite clubs. With prize money skyrocketing by 364% between 2004 and 2018—from £420m to a staggering £1.95bn—it’s no surprise that the competition has become the pinnacle of ambition for clubs like Manchester United, Liverpool, Arsenal, Manchester City, and Chelsea. However, this relentless pursuit of Champions League glory has had a profound impact on domestic competitions in the UK, particularly the League Cup and the FA Cup, or has it?

Domestic Cups: The Forgotten Prizes
The League Cup and the FA Cup were once cherished trophies, steeped in tradition and a source of immense pride for clubs and their supporters. Yet, in the modern era, these competitions have become secondary considerations for the clubs that dominate English football. For teams consistently qualifying for the Champions League, domestic cups are often treated as opportunities to rest key players, fielding weakened lineups as they focus their resources on the Premier League and European competitions.
Yet, despite this apparent lack of interest, the same elite clubs continue to dominate these competitions. Since 2005, the “big five” of Manchester United, Liverpool, Arsenal, Manchester City, and Chelsea have claimed the League Cup 17 times out of 20 editions and the FA Cup 18 times out of 20. This dominance speaks volumes about the financial and, by default, talent gap created by Champions League revenue, which allows these clubs to build deep squads capable of competing on multiple fronts—even when they don’t field their strongest teams.

The Financial Divide
The financial disparity between Champions League regulars and the rest of the footballing pyramid is stark. With consistent participation in Europe’s premier competition, these clubs enjoy an influx of revenue that dwarfs the earnings of their domestic rivals. This financial windfall enables them to attract and retain world-class talent, build state-of-the-art facilities, and invest in the infrastructure needed to maintain their dominance.
For smaller clubs, the League Cup and FA Cup represent rare opportunities to compete for silverware and the financial rewards that come with it. Yet, the overwhelming strength of the elite clubs often renders these dreams unattainable. Even when the giants field second-string teams, their squads are filled with international-caliber players who are more than capable of dispatching lower-league opposition.

The Champions League’s Ripple Effect
The prioritization of the Champions League has also led to a shift in fan and club expectations. Success in Europe is now seen as the ultimate measure of a club’s stature, often overshadowing domestic achievements. Managers of top clubs are judged more harshly for early Champions League exits than for poor performances in the League Cup or FA Cup, further devaluing these historic competitions in the eyes of the elite.
This ripple effect extends beyond the clubs themselves. Broadcasters, sponsors, and even fans have shifted their focus to the glamour of European nights, leaving domestic cups struggling to maintain their relevance. The result is a vicious cycle: as the prestige of the League Cup and FA Cup diminishes, so too does the incentive for elite clubs to take them seriously.

The Illusion of Competition
While the dominance of the big five may create the illusion of competition, the reality is that these clubs are operating on an entirely different playing field. Their financial muscle, bolstered by Champions League revenue, allows them to outspend and outmaneuver their domestic rivals at every turn. Even when an underdog - and an underdog in the modern game means a club outside the Big 5 - manages to reach the latter stages of a cup competition, they are often overpowered by the sheer depth and quality of the elite squads.
This predictability has drained much of the excitement and unpredictability that once defined the League Cup and FA Cup. For fans of smaller clubs, the dream of a cup upset has become increasingly distant, replaced by the grim reality of a footballing hierarchy that feels more entrenched with each passing season.

The Way Forward
The dominance of Champions League clubs in domestic cups raises important questions about the future of these competitions. How can they regain their significance in an era where European and domestic league success take precedence?
One potential solution lies in redistributing revenue more equitably across the footballing pyramid. By providing greater financial support to smaller clubs, domestic competitions could become more competitive and compelling. Another approach could involve introducing incentives for elite clubs to prioritize domestic cups, such as guaranteed European qualification for winners or increased prize money.
Ultimately, the challenge lies in balancing the allure of the Champions League with the need to preserve the integrity and excitement of domestic competitions. With the financial and competitive disparities created by Europe’s premier tournament unlikely to disappear, it's just a forlorn hope that the League Cup and FA Cup can reclaim their place as cherished cornerstones of English football.
The dominance of the big five serves as a stark reminder of how the Champions League’s riches have reshaped the footballing landscape, leaving domestic cups to fight for relevance in an era defined by European ambition.

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Parents in Grassroots Football: Problem or Untapped Potential?

Introduction: The Question That Divides Grassroots Football

When Golazzo recently advertised with a company that runs a forum for grassroots football, a single question sparked a heated debate:

“What is the biggest problem in grassroots football?”

With over 33,000 followers, the forum saw a flood of responses, but two recurring themes stood out—the state of pitches and parents! While the state of pitches is a topic for another day, the issue of parents raised an important question:

Are they truly one of the biggest problems in grassroots football, or is this just a knee-jerk reaction?

The Reality of Problem Parents

One of Golazzo’s founders, who also chairs a grassroots junior club with 31 teams and over 350 players, provided some valuable insight. When asked how many parents at his club were genuinely difficult or caused problems, his answer was surprising: just 3-5%.

This statistic contradicts the perception that parents are a significant issue. However, it’s important to dig deeper. The term "problem parents" is too broad—are we talking about parents who are too vocal on the sidelines, overly pushy, unsupportive of the club, or trying to coach from the stands? Each scenario presents challenges, but they are far from universal.

Understanding the Parent Perspective

To truly address the issue, clubs must understand why parents might feel disillusioned or frustrated. Common reasons include:

Lack of Communication: Parents may not fully understand the costs involved in running a club—league registrations, referees, pitch hire, insurance, and equipment. When training is cancelled or matches are postponed, they may question the value of their investment.
Unmet Expectations: Some parents believe their child should receive more game time, while others want the coach to prioritize winning by playing the strongest team. Many parents also hope their child has a shot at professional football and may question whether the standard of coaching is high enough.
Human Nature: At the end of the day, parents are paying customers. They invest time, money, and emotional energy into their child’s football experience and naturally expect a return on that investment.

Why Clubs Shouldn’t Focus on the Minority

It’s a mistake for clubs to focus too much energy on the small percentage of parents who cause issues. This approach not only wastes time but also detracts from more meaningful efforts that could benefit the club as a whole.

Instead, clubs should shift their focus to the majority of parents:

Supportive Parents: These are your ambassadors. They offer unwavering support and can be invaluable in fostering a positive club culture.
Indifferent Parents: This is the largest group. With the right approach, they can be nurtured into becoming more engaged and supportive.

The Untapped Potential of Parents

Rather than viewing parents as a problem, clubs should see them as an untapped resource. By recognizing and rewarding their contributions, clubs can foster loyalty and strengthen their community. As one of the Golazzo founders put it:

“What other business would continue to ask of their customers without giving something back?”

Initiatives that reward your customers should be actioned. By offering parents tangible benefits—such as discounts, fundraising opportunities, or exclusive perks—clubs can create a win-win situation. Parents feel valued, and the club benefits from increased loyalty and engagement.

A Call to Action for Clubs

Parents are not the enemy. They are an essential part of the grassroots football ecosystem. Without their support, clubs simply wouldn’t function. By shifting the focus away from the minority of problem parents and investing in rewarding and engaging the majority, clubs can create a stronger, more united community.

Grassroots football thrives on community, and parents are at the heart of that community. It’s time to stop seeing them as a problem and start recognizing them as the incredible resource they truly are.

Coach's Corner

Drill

Simple warm up drill that can be adapted to suit. It has many coaching aspects;

Weight of pass

Receiving with an open body

Movement of the front man (4)

Warm Up Grid can be planned so that all players are constantly moving (increasing physical aspect) and can easily be adapted for Right / left foot practice. The introduction of a 'fast feet' for Player 3 prior to receiving from player 4 can also be incorporated.

Classic Louis Van Gaal Drill, though the calibre of player he worked with enabled him to increase the technical aspect. It's a physical drill, but incorporates technical aspects alongside tactical schemes relevant to the Van Gaal 4-3-3. Simple and effective drill, players going both ends of the pitch.

It's important to take on board the concept of the drill, don't just copy it. Use your imagination and the way you want your team to play tactically in offense to create the right drill that covers all 3 aspects of physical, technical and tactical.

Paolo Maldini: The Epitome of Footballing Greatness

When discussing football legends, few names command the same level of respect and admiration as Paolo Maldini. A player who defined an era and redefined the role of a defender, Maldini’s career is a masterclass in consistency, elegance, and sheer excellence. From his debut as a teenager to his enduring legacy in football, Maldini’s story is one of loyalty, leadership, and an unwavering commitment to the beautiful game.

A One-Club Man: The Heart of AC Milan

In an era when loyalty in football is increasingly rare, Paolo Maldini’s unwavering dedication to AC Milan stands as a beacon for players and fans alike. Over an extraordinary 25-year career, Maldini made 902 appearances for the Rossoneri, becoming the beating heart of the club and a symbol of its identity.

Maldini’s journey with Milan began in 1985, when he debuted as a 16-year-old against Udinese. Even at such a young age, his composure and maturity on the pitch were evident. Over the next two and a half decades, Maldini became synonymous with Milan’s success, helping the club to an astonishing 26 trophies, including:

5 UEFA Champions League titles
7 Serie A championships
5 European Super Cups
1 Coppa Italia
2 Intercontinental Cups

His longevity and consistency are unparalleled, with Maldini playing at the highest level well into his 40s. His final match in 2009 marked the end of an era, but his legacy at Milan continues to this day.

The Art of Defending: Maldini’s Unique Style

What set Maldini apart wasn’t just his longevity or his trophy cabinet—it was the way he played the game. A natural leader and a tactical genius, Maldini redefined the role of a defender. His style was characterized by elegance, intelligence, and an almost telepathic ability to read the game.

Maldini famously said, “If I have to make a tackle, then I have already made a mistake.” This philosophy encapsulates his approach to defending. Unlike many defenders who relied on physicality or last-ditch tackles, Maldini’s game was built on positioning, anticipation, and technique. He had an uncanny ability to neutralize threats before they even materialized, often making his job look effortless.

His versatility was another hallmark of his greatness. Whether playing as a left-back or a center-back, Maldini excelled in every role he was assigned. His adaptability made him a cornerstone of Milan’s defense through multiple generations of players and managers.

Leadership on and off the Pitch

Maldini wasn’t just a great player—he was a great leader. As Milan’s captain for much of his career, he led by example, inspiring his teammates with his professionalism, work ethic, and unshakable composure. He was a calming presence on the pitch, someone his teammates could always rely on in the most pressure-filled moments.

Off the pitch, Maldini’s leadership extended to his interactions with fans, the media, and the wider football community. He was known for his humility and grace, qualities that earned him respect far beyond the boundaries of Milan.

A Legacy That Transcends Generations

Even after hanging up his boots, Maldini’s influence on football continues. As a director at AC Milan, he has played a pivotal role in shaping the club’s future. His focus on youth development and maintaining the club’s values has ensured that Milan remains true to its identity.

Beyond Milan, Maldini’s legacy can be seen in the countless players who cite him as an inspiration. Modern defenders like Virgil van Dijk and Giorgio Chiellini have spoken about Maldini’s impact on their careers, praising his intelligence, composure, and ability to lead by example.

Maldini’s Influence on Grassroots Football

While Maldini’s career was spent at the pinnacle of the sport, his values and approach to the game resonate deeply at the grassroots level. His emphasis on fundamentals—positioning, discipline, and teamwork—serves as a blueprint for young players and coaches alike.

Maldini’s story is also a reminder of the importance of loyalty and community in football. Grassroots clubs can draw inspiration from his commitment to Milan, fostering a sense of belonging and pride among their players and supporters.

Why Paolo Maldini Matters Today

In today’s footballing landscape, where flashy skills and big personalities often dominate the headlines, Maldini’s career serves as a powerful reminder of what truly matters. He was a player who let his performances speak for themselves, earning respect not through words but through actions.

Maldini’s story is one of dedication, professionalism, and a love for the game that transcends individual glory. He played for the badge, the team, and the fans—a philosophy that remains as relevant today as it was during his playing days.

Conclusion: A Legend for the Ages