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Give Us Back Our Game Fun Dayshow did they go? |
The first Give Us Back Our Game 4v4 Fun Days were held in the UK and in many other countries on the weekend of 15/17 June 2007. |
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It's becoming clear that the event was a massive success. Thousands of children played football just for fun - not for the benefit of adults - and had a great time. Just as importantly perhaps, many of the adults involved in youth football were given a demonstration of just what is possible when children are left to organise their own games. |
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You can read some comments from soccer coaches who were involved in setting up Fun Days on the footy4kids coaches' forum by clicking here. By way of contrast, this thread on the forum clearly shows the awful consequences of allowing adults to get too involved with the 'beautiful game': http://www.websitetoolbox.com/tool/post/stevethefootycoach/vpost?id=1967303 |
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The report and collection of quotes below was sent in by the GUBOG champion - Paul Cooper. |
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“Play is the universal language of children”
The criteria were simple:
Quotes from the day “I scored my first ever goal!” Player-Wiltshire
“Best of all the kids smiled, laughed and joked the whole way through, not caring if they won or lost, scored or missed, even a couple of own goals didn’t dampen the enthusiasm in the slightest.” Coach-Scotland
“What a day! 50 children played football, being supported by their parents and no fewer than 262 goals in two hours.” Event Organiser – Northern Ireland
“When the kids were asked they said they loved it, loads of fun and FREEDOM to play.” Event Organiser-Kent
“The event in my humble opinion was fantastic, the football was great and the kids enjoyed themselves.” Club Chairman-London
“When I asked the kids what the best bit was from the day, they virtually all said playing without coaches, referees or parents telling them what to do.” Coach-Football Holiday Camp-Spain
“Great day, well organised and nice to see the kids play with no adult influences.” Parent-Wiltshire
“The whole day was brilliant and changed quite a few opinions about the amount adults had taken over the game.” Parent-Oxfordshire
“Players who never normally get to score goals were having the time of their lives banging them in!” Coach-Kent
“We got all the kids together at the end and asked, how much did they enjoy themselves? The noise was deafening” Event Organiser-Hampshire
“I am moving to Australia; please tell me you are doing this over there.” Mum-Hampshire
“It was tremendous to see some of the youngest kids struggling to leave their parents side, reluctantly getting involved, then gradually losing their inhibitions through football.” Event Organiser-Scotland
“A great afternoon. The children enjoyed the freedom and friendship. It was well organised, with a balance of competition and fun. Good to see the mixing of ages with older children helping the younger ones. Ages 5-8 worked well.” Parent-Wiltshire
“I had a brilliant time” Player-Wiltshire
Next year’s fun day will be held on 4th-6th July 2008
Paul Cooper http://giveusbackourgame.co.uk
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The
worldwide fun day was a fantastic success with events taking place in
sixteen countries. I would like to thank everyone who gave up their time
to make sure the kids had fun. Your kindness and generosity will be
remembered forever.
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futsal (futebol de salăo) |
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