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AS someone regularly billed as England’s last remaining old-fashioned centre-forward, it might surprise some to see Kevin Davies taking such an active role in Bolton’s footballing future.
The man who spilled blood and battered Premier League defences in Wanderers colours, who regularly riled Rafa Benitez, Arsene Wenger and Sir Alex Ferguson, was not always given credit for his more subtle touches on a football pitch.
But these days the former England international has had his eyes opened by Futsal, a modified brand of the game aimed at encouraging close control, possession and creative play. In short, the kind of continental football which exists at the opposite end of the scale from the direct, high-tempo brand he grew up with on the streets of Sheffield as a youngster.
And he is very keen to spread the word around his adopted home town.
“Back when I was a kid it was kicking a ball about on a street until 10pm,” he told The Bolton News as he prepared to play in a special exhibition game at Manchester Velodrome, which might yet include a couple more famous faces of Wanderers’ past.
“I’d seen bits and pieces of Futsal but it was only after I went down and watched a game that it became clear what benefits it could have for younger players.
“It’s fast, it’s exciting, it’s skilful – people might say what am I doing playing it – but since we started to promote it in the Bolton and Bury District Football League, running a coaching course through the FA and an Under-13s summer competition, I’ve really got into it.”
Played with a slightly heavier ball, with smaller sides and indoor pitches, the game is embraced in countries like Spain, Brazil and the US.
More importantly, says Davies, it can be played in the winter months when English facilities often make it difficult for youngsters to get a game.
“I moan a lot about the climate – especially in Bolton – and what impact it has on the football you can play,” he said. “Using this form of the game is great for development because kids can take those skills and apply them to the longer form of the game on a Saturday, or it might be something you stick with.
“You want kids to express themselves with the ball. Too often I see them looking over at their coach or their parents and be concerned with making a mistake, but that’s wrong. Kids shouldn’t be worried about making mistakes, they should be having fun.”
An Under-13s Futsal competition attracted 24 teams, the final of which will be played at 3pm on Sunday at the Velodrome, near the Etihad Stadium.
At around 4.30pm, Davies will lead a team to face Manchester Futsal Club, his team-mates including some of Europe’s top Futsal players and some familiar footballers such as ex-Swansea star Lee Trundle and former Manchester City midfielder Antoine Sibierski.
Two other former Wanderers – one Spanish, one Finnish – are as yet unconfirmed.
Davies is on a mission to help the BBDFL get more qualified coaches in Bolton in the coming months, which he hopes will have a positive effect on the game as a whole in the town.
The 38-year-old wants to extend his own playing career next season following his release at Preston – but remains motivated to make a difference.
“It’s something from within, I think I just like making things better,” he said. “Once I get my head down and decide to do something, I want it done well.
“When I first started doing my badges as a player I wasn’t too sure about coaching, but seeing what you get out of it now, I’m so glad I got into it.”
“I guess I’ve found it quite refreshing. I’ve been involved with the game a long time and you see players chase money, see the ruthlessness, it can be hard to swallow at times.
“Yet since I’ve been involved with the Summer League I’ve seen volunteers get up at 7am to start cooking, seen people assemble 36 goalposts, the organising, the planning – it’s all done for nothing, just for the love of it.
“It just feels nice to be involved and see what the youngsters get out of it.”
Tickets can be bought at manchesterfutsal.com or bought on the day priced £5 for adults and £1.50 for children.
http://www.theboltonnews.co.uk/sport/wanderers/13439869.Why_Wanderers_legend_Kevin_Davies_wants_to_change_the_face_of_youth_football_in_Bolton__one_step_over_at_a_time/
The man who spilled blood and battered Premier League defences in Wanderers colours, who regularly riled Rafa Benitez, Arsene Wenger and Sir Alex Ferguson, was not always given credit for his more subtle touches on a football pitch.
But these days the former England international has had his eyes opened by Futsal, a modified brand of the game aimed at encouraging close control, possession and creative play. In short, the kind of continental football which exists at the opposite end of the scale from the direct, high-tempo brand he grew up with on the streets of Sheffield as a youngster.
And he is very keen to spread the word around his adopted home town.
“Back when I was a kid it was kicking a ball about on a street until 10pm,” he told The Bolton News as he prepared to play in a special exhibition game at Manchester Velodrome, which might yet include a couple more famous faces of Wanderers’ past.
“I’d seen bits and pieces of Futsal but it was only after I went down and watched a game that it became clear what benefits it could have for younger players.
“It’s fast, it’s exciting, it’s skilful – people might say what am I doing playing it – but since we started to promote it in the Bolton and Bury District Football League, running a coaching course through the FA and an Under-13s summer competition, I’ve really got into it.”
Played with a slightly heavier ball, with smaller sides and indoor pitches, the game is embraced in countries like Spain, Brazil and the US.
More importantly, says Davies, it can be played in the winter months when English facilities often make it difficult for youngsters to get a game.
“I moan a lot about the climate – especially in Bolton – and what impact it has on the football you can play,” he said. “Using this form of the game is great for development because kids can take those skills and apply them to the longer form of the game on a Saturday, or it might be something you stick with.
“You want kids to express themselves with the ball. Too often I see them looking over at their coach or their parents and be concerned with making a mistake, but that’s wrong. Kids shouldn’t be worried about making mistakes, they should be having fun.”
An Under-13s Futsal competition attracted 24 teams, the final of which will be played at 3pm on Sunday at the Velodrome, near the Etihad Stadium.
At around 4.30pm, Davies will lead a team to face Manchester Futsal Club, his team-mates including some of Europe’s top Futsal players and some familiar footballers such as ex-Swansea star Lee Trundle and former Manchester City midfielder Antoine Sibierski.
Two other former Wanderers – one Spanish, one Finnish – are as yet unconfirmed.
Davies is on a mission to help the BBDFL get more qualified coaches in Bolton in the coming months, which he hopes will have a positive effect on the game as a whole in the town.
The 38-year-old wants to extend his own playing career next season following his release at Preston – but remains motivated to make a difference.
“It’s something from within, I think I just like making things better,” he said. “Once I get my head down and decide to do something, I want it done well.
“When I first started doing my badges as a player I wasn’t too sure about coaching, but seeing what you get out of it now, I’m so glad I got into it.”
“I guess I’ve found it quite refreshing. I’ve been involved with the game a long time and you see players chase money, see the ruthlessness, it can be hard to swallow at times.
“Yet since I’ve been involved with the Summer League I’ve seen volunteers get up at 7am to start cooking, seen people assemble 36 goalposts, the organising, the planning – it’s all done for nothing, just for the love of it.
“It just feels nice to be involved and see what the youngsters get out of it.”
Tickets can be bought at manchesterfutsal.com or bought on the day priced £5 for adults and £1.50 for children.
http://www.theboltonnews.co.uk/sport/wanderers/13439869.Why_Wanderers_legend_Kevin_Davies_wants_to_change_the_face_of_youth_football_in_Bolton__one_step_over_at_a_time/