MEMORIES FROM OSLO (4)

The last day of the course (Thursday, 11TH), began with a chat with Fernando Hierro (ex-player R. Madrid), Stig Bjornebye (Liverpool, among others) and Ioan Lupescu (Dinamo Bucharest and Borussia Moenchengladbach and current UEFA Technical Chief), moderated by journalist Graham Turner (who was a translator at Barcelona in the press conferences of Terry Venables). They talked about their beginnings as players, matches in the street with friends, the beginning in organized football (where there was only 11-a-side football and huge pitches for children like them (9-10-11 years old): the three agreed on the importance of existing formats 4v4 or 7v7 (8v8 in some places), as steps up to 11v11.Also highlighted the importance and influence of the grassroots coaches and their role as trainers/educators for youngsters.

Then, we had a review of the Discussion Groups, with the presence of the Leaders of each group and moderated by Per Omdal. There were two basic issues raised: 

1) What are the benefits of implementing the "UEFA Grasroots Charter" and how  UEFA could help increase the number of players, girls, etc. 

2) The establishment of a "Quality Club Charter "

The results were similar in all groups. Everyone said that the implementation of the Charter had been interesting and beneficial, it did raise the quality levels while establishing quality standards for all european countries.

An important point is the retention of players once they arrive to 18; here, the problem is different depending on the country, having enough influence its size. In small countries it is the case that many players leave the game for the simple fact that they have to go study to a foreign country.

It's considered important the introduction of the Charter for Clubs (in fact, some Federations have already done it) but, again, there are differences between large and small countries. When the country is more professional, easier to establish a Charter. It was also quite clear that they must be Professional Clubs who should be in front of these implementations. 

After a short break, Frank Castillo (New Zealand) and Martin Roberts (Australia), spoke of the social programs that are made outside Europe, in this case, the Pacific area, where discrimination against women and the disabled is high (the disabled are seen as "sick"). They want to have more disabled players and coaches, so people will have a different view of their role and function in the society. They talked about programs where, beyond football, is the idea of ​​introducing regular physical activitity and healthy eating habits. 

After lunch, they talked about "Innovative Projects in the Grassroots". Timo Hutunnen (Finland), spoke of the "Fortum Tutor" (Fortum is a sponsor), which has created a kind of consulting to offer support for Clubs and Coaches. The sponsor pays 80% of the wages of these tutors and clubs the other 20%. Each "Tutor" meets their "coaches" 3-4 times a year. Needless to say that "on-line" platforms for all these projects is very high.

Steen Jorgensen (Denmark) said that in his country there is a similar project, called "Project Consultants" with the idea to support the clubs and help them, as each club is different (size, facilities, volunteers, etc..). Help is free for Clubs requesting it.

Then Ghenadie Scurtul (Technical Director of Moldova FA) explained the case in his country. They have 6 "Stars" on the Grassroots Charter, having created an appropriate structure within the Technical Department, which has served to increase the number of players, the Coach Education level, support for volunteers (a small pay, or sports equipment , etc..), increasing the number of facilities thanks to a good relationship with the government (national and regional) and obviously a promotion in all media (press, radio, TV).

The last act of the course was a chat moderated by Karen Espelund (Member of the Executive Committee of UEFA and one of the persons who has done and does more for women's football), with the participation of representatives of Norway, Montenegro, Iceland, Belarus and Malta. They talked about the importance of women's football and how to increase their participation, as there is great potential.They talked about how they started their countries, and that in general, all them are going to look for the girls at schools, organizing events, lectures, etc.

Finally, we had a review of what we have seen during the three days of the course with Frank Ludolph and Ioan Lupescu and later, we had a dinner hosted by UEFA.

This is what has been given to us in this "UEFA Grassroots Workshop". I will make one last entry explaining some curious things I've found in Norway. For some it will be known and, for others, no.

I hope all of you enjoyed this series of posts!