The Impact of England’s Euro 2024 Success on Youth Clubs
As England’s players prepare for the final of Euro 2024, the impact of their achievements in Germany is being felt back home at the clubs where their journeys began. The success of players like Harry Kane, Phil Foden, and Kobbie Mainoo has sparked a wave of interest and excitement among their former youth teams.
For Richard Hubbard of Cheadle & Gatley JFC, the rise of Kobbie Mainoo has created what he calls “Mainoo Mania”. Mainoo played for Cheadle and Gatley in the 2011-12 season when he was just six years old before joining the Manchester United academy. Hubbard remembers Mainoo as a naturally gifted player who stood out even at a young age. The club takes pride in Mainoo’s success and every conversation with kids and parents revolves around England, the Euros, and Mainoo.
The stories of England’s current stars making their mark in youth teams is a common one. Joe Makin, chairman of Reddish Vulcans, recalls the early days of Phil Foden when he was just seven years old. Makin describes Foden as a small, quiet child who possessed incredible control, movement, and change of direction. Foden’s skills were not only impressive but also instrumental in winning games for the team.
Similarly, Harry Kane’s journey began with Chingford-based Ridgeway Rovers. Kane initially volunteered to play as a goalkeeper before demonstrating his brilliance on the outfield. Ian Marshall, chairman of Ridgeway Rovers, recalls Kane’s dedication to improving his game. Even as a young player, Kane would work on his fitness after matches, showing his commitment to constant improvement.
The connection between England players and their youth clubs is invaluable to these amateur, volunteer-run teams. Young players look up to them as role models and take pride in the fact that they played for the same club. The involvement of top players like Foden, Mainoo, and Kane gives confidence to young players and inspires them to work hard to achieve their own dreams.
However, these youth clubs face challenges in the current landscape. Post-Covid, there has been a generational change, and finding volunteers who have the time and resources to contribute has become more difficult. People’s time has become increasingly scarce, not just in football but in other volunteering groups as well. The next generation of volunteers needs to step up and support these clubs.
Despite the challenges, these youth teams provide more than just a platform for future stars. They offer a sense of community and keep children off the streets. Ian Marshall shares a touching story of how a child involved with Ridgeway Rovers was able to escape a dangerous environment due to his involvement with the club. Football becomes an extra support system for these children, providing them with opportunities and keeping them on the right path.
In conclusion, the success of England’s players in Euro 2024 has a profound impact on their former youth clubs. The achievements of players like Kane, Foden, and Mainoo inspire young players and create excitement within these clubs. However, these clubs also face challenges in finding volunteers and resources. Despite this, they continue to provide a safe and supportive environment for children, offering them opportunities for growth both on and off the field.