A SERIES of leading football figures today (Tuesday) officially launched Grass Roots Football LIVE at the NEC, Birmingham.

FA Director of Football Development Sir Trevor Brooking, former England national team manager Graham Taylor, former professional footballer Stan Collymore and Professional Football Coaches Association Chairman Dave Richardson were all present to unveil plans for Britain's leading national football show.

Over 15,000 visitors are expected to attend the event at the NEC, which runs from Friday 30 May to Sunday 1 June 2008.

Grass Roots Football LIVE Event Director Steve Chittenden said: "Without doubt, this is Britain's number one football show.

“It will educate and entertain thousands of parents, coaches and all those involved in our national sport by providing them with the only event of its kind.

"Working with leading specialist coaching and development organisations, we have been able to develop a fantastic line-up of top coaches and former footballers to provide a superb programme for the event.

"Grass Roots Football LIVE is aimed at everyone involved in the grass roots game - coaches, parents and young players themselves - our intention is to provide everyone who has an interest in football with a great day out.

"We are in our third year and the programme and calibre of guests we have attracted this season is a quantum leap forward for the event.”

Graham Taylor, a brand ambassador for Britain’s leading sports training aid brand Precision Training, said: "Grass roots football is a subject which is currently dominating the football agenda and rightly so.

“It is vital that everyone involved in our national game concentrates their time and energy into developing our children, encouraging them to enjoy football and helping to prepare our next generation of future players.

“I am a passionate believer that we must do everything possible to give our children every possible opportunity to succeed and Grass Roots Football LIVE is a great vehicle to harness everybody together and move forward collectively.”








A talented list of England's leading football coaches will be running masterclasses throughout the three-day event. Coaching clinics will be held by former Liverpool Academy Director Steve Heighway, Crewe Manager Dario Gradi, West Ham Academy Director Tony Carr, former Arsenal Manager Don Howe and many others.

Grass Roots Football LIVE is not just about education, as the event will provide young players of all ages and ability with the equivalent of ‘Football Heaven’. Thousands of budding Wayne Rooney’s and John Terry’s will have the chance to participate in dozens of skill-based activities as well as receiving advice from the likes of ex-Birmingham manager Trevor Francis, ex England star Ray Wilkins and West Ham & Everton’s Tony Cottee.

Stan Collymore will unveil his new Mavericks six-a-side all-star ex-professional team who will be playing two challenge matches. Along with Stan, the Mavericks squad will include former Arsenal and England star Paul Merson, and ex-Manchester United player Lee Sharpe.

All of Britain's leading football and sports brands will be in attendance. The Exhibition will see 150 specialist suppliers displaying every product and service that a grass roots league, club and team could ever need.

Friday 30 May also features a series of conferences aimed at those who earn a full or part-time living from the game. These conferences have been arranged in conjunction with the Professional Football Coaches Association and academy and community level coaches from all 92 professional clubs will be invited. The event will also host the UK’s first ever “Female Football Conference” dedicated to the development of the female game.

PFCA chairman Dave Richardson said: "The Pro Conferences will be an opportunity for our elite coaches to come together, see innovative coaching sessions, swap ideas and share knowledge side by side with those further down the coaching ladder”.

Keith Hackett, general manager of the PGMOL, the governing body of elite officials in England, is also a firm advocate of the Show. Specialist refereeing coaching clinics will be held throughout the three days and said Hackett: "Development and recruitment of referees and football officials is of paramount importance.

"Grass Roots Football LIVE brings everyone together under one roof and is an excellent opportunity for us to give the general public an insight into the standards and skills required by our leading referees.”