In order to keep youth football being played through the winter months and therefore helping to support player development, Cheshire FA has been encouraging our leagues to look at different ways of structuring their fixtures and formats and provide flexibility where possible to ensure fixtures are fulfilled.

One example of where this is currently successful, is through the great work of the Wallasey Junior Football League (WJFL), which we highlighted to all our youth leagues at our recent League Development Day.

The above video showcases the work of the WJFL, who have introduced futsal in to their league structure as part of a wet weather programme to ensure games are still played even if there are adverse weather conditions that would normally see grass games postponed. 

A programme like this is about setting the right environment through futsal to support player development, with a focus on players which are within the foundation development phase which is U7s - U11s.

This project was a pilot by the league and the video exemplifies this to encourage more of our clubs and leagues to want to be part of delivery within their league during the winter months.

We hope that by showcasing the work of the WJFL it can inspire other leagues in the county, and regionally and nationally, that by adapting to the needs of the players there is no reason why youth football can't continue to diversify its offer.

To access the video directly through YouTube please click HERE.