English Schools' Football Association

Andy Buckingham : School football is the best football of your life

School football is the best and most memorable football you will ever play - so savour every minute because it flies by. Playing with your best friends and sharing the highs and the lows will be times that you will never forget. I still have a couple of medals tucked away in my bedside drawer that remind me of finals I was lucky enough to play in as an Under 15 for my school and for my district team, South Norfolk, in 1977!

As coach/manager of Lancashire Schools’ U16s for 14 years, I have been privileged to work with boys who have progressed into the professional game at all levels, including the Premier League. When meeting them again it always strikes me how they speak with such fondness about the times they too played with a freedom and love for the game - nothing else.

As manager of the ESFA U18 flagship international team for the next 2 seasons, I am in a very privileged position. I want the boys I choose to look back with fondness on their experience and to have a sense of both achievement and camaraderie that this great game of ours offers.

Finally, to your teachers and parents, I would l like to say ‘thank you’ on behalf of all young players. Players - you should thank them for giving you the opportunity to represent your school team and maybe representative team. Teachers, coaches and parents are the inspiration and the guideswho will instil the principles that will shapeattitudes to the game both now and in the future. Mr Lund was that person for me. His belief in me and praise for me is what I remember most. As Bill Beswick, the former Manchester United FC psychologist once said to me many years ago:“Ten‘well-dones’ to everyconstructive‘not-so-good’ will bring out the best in in your players”.We all respond better to praise.

Have a good season everyone and try your best - no-one can ask for more!

Andy Buckingham, ESFA U18 Team Manager