In Future of Football, Pete Sturgess— one of the UK’s most respected youth development coaches—shares his vision for the evolution of football coaching. His message is clear: the future of football lies not just in developing better players, but in developing better people.

Sturgess begins by emphasizing the importance of the Foundation Phase (ages 5–11), a critical period where children form their earliest impressions of sport. He argues that this stage should be about more than just technical drills or tactical systems. Instead, it should focus on creating joyful, engaging, and developmentally appropriate experiences that foster a lifelong love for the game.

A central theme in Sturgess’s approach is the concept of “play with purpose.” He believes that structured play—where children are encouraged to explore, experiment, and make decisions—offers the best environment for learning. Rather than over-coaching or controlling every moment, he urges coaches to step back and allow children to discover solutions on their own. This, he says, builds creativity, confidence, and resilience.

Sturgess also highlights the importance of movement diversity. In the early years, children should be exposed to a wide range of physical activities—not just football-specific drills. This helps develop coordination, balance, and agility, which are essential for long-term athletic development. It also keeps sessions fun and varied, which is key to maintaining engagement.

Another key message is the need for emotional safety and connection. Sturgess stresses that coaches must create environments where children feel valued, supported, and free to make mistakes. Positive relationships, he explains, are the foundation of effective learning. When children feel safe and encouraged, they are more likely to take risks, try new things, and grow.

Looking ahead, Sturgess envisions a football culture that prioritizes holistic development—where success is measured not just by goals scored or games won, but by the growth of each child as a person. He calls on coaches, parents, and organizations to align their practices with this vision, ensuring that football remains a force for good in young people’s lives.

His presentation is both a reflection and a rallying cry: a reminder that the future of football depends on how we treat its youngest participants today. By embracing play, empathy, and child-centered coaching, Pete Sturgess believes we can build a brighter, more inclusive future for the beautiful game.

You can watch the full presentation below