Football, back to grass roots!

Football, friends and fitness. In simple terms, this is what the New Malden Little League has offered to boys aged between 8 and 11 years of age each season since it was founded in 1978. This football season, the league celebrated its 30th birthday, an impressive landmark considering it is a volunteer organisation, so, what are the secrets behind this successful league?

Each year, trials are held at Manor Park for boys to enter the league. Once chosen and put in one of the teams, each boy is guaranteed at least half a game every week regardless of ability. In this way, it serves the whole community and because of the supportive way it is run and coached, it encourages and maintains a good standard of football. As it is run entirely by volunteers and is essentially a non-contributary league, it promotes inclusiveness and places a great emphasis on the pure joy of playing football for fun. New Malden Little League is part of a nation-wide Little League Football scheme and the most able players can represent their league in annual tournaments against the other leagues.

At this time of year, following the trials, the potential teams are being put together and it is an exciting time for the prospective players waiting to see which team in the league they have been selected to play for. It’s a good opportunity to meet new friends and to mix with pupils from other schools in the area and pull together as a new team.

Every Saturday in the football season Manor Park in New Malden is transformed into a miniature Wembley, ablaze with team colours and buzzing with enthusiastic volunteers and loyal supporters. It’s great to see the local park used so extensively for a worthwhile and healthy activity and brings the glossy world of football right back to its roots, as a participatory sport for young people. That said, there is no reason to assume that a new England international player won’t be found passing through the “ranks” in Manor Park!