The FA: Youth Stats No Longer Displayed on Public Pages

[Glassman]

The FA:

From 1st July 2024, youth team player stats will no longer be available on the FA Full-Time public pages. All youth team player data will remain accessible on Full-Time Admin for Club and League administration purposes.
The data that will no longer be available on public sites includes:

- Player Names

- Goals

- Assists

- Discipline data

- Appearances.

It used to be that from age 12, players could see all their stats. Now you can't even see their name listed in he squad; nothing.

"This applies to any team from U7 to U18 as an enhancement to the safeguards currently in place on our digital platforms."

Another strange rule to come out of the blue? They did this on shirt names; you couldn't have a player's name on the shirt through concerns of opportunities for anyone intent on developing an unhealthy relationship, or 'grooming' a child or young person, to identify a player and make contact easier. Never mind coaches, players and parents shouting out names during a match.

I used to run my son's youth team from Under 9 to under 14 and the boys loved it when they hit Under 12 and their names were published in the league.

Perhaps I need educating on events that have happened which explain this exclusion?

[Murph7355]

No idea why.

Avoids pervs latching on to very specific data that could then be used to lure unexpecting kids in? ("Wow! Saw your goal haul bro. Fancy meeting down the park to practice?").

Avoid parents getting even pissier through the season ("My kid scored more goals than all the others, why isn't he getting all the game time?", "That kid's st, why is he getting game time?").

Can't actually see that many good reasons for displaying it to all and sundry. The kids know what they've done, more or less. More important, once it gets competitive, is what the team are doing.

[DumboHead]

Absolutlely NO reason to hide this data ... It's as if the FA have learnt absolutely nothing over the years about transparency. A closed run environment with access to only select people is not the way to run a nationwide sporting set up. Remember grooming behind doors for god sake !!!!!

Add to that the number of clubs that CHEAT by playing kids that shouldn't be able to play in certain teams, (like those that are visiting family on a weekend and get a "kick around" for the cousins clubs, (when usually they play academy football) .... Clubs that have registration secretaries register THEIR OWN DAUGHTER as an older sibling so they can play in U18 football when 14 .... and changing the spelling of the first name to re-register on wholegame system so they can do the same at a different club ... All things I've seen by looking through the publicly listed teams and know first hand have happened. Obviously the respective local FA's did absolutely NOTHING about this flagrant bits of cheating, nor the safe-guarding issues they create) because they look after those that are in their "gang" .... Transparency is the only tool parents have got to keep their own checks and balances on this governing body ... AND THEY DON'T LIKE IT, so they have removed it .....

Simple as that ... and if you come back with "safeguarding" of the absolutely tiny percentage of children that can't have their name shown on a website, it's pretty easy for that very small percentage to have a box ticked for "do not show" .... but of course, we all have to pander to the minority yet again, despite the above reasons to not do so ...

I know I can't voice this publicly on a football site, for fear of it being tracked back to me, my child or the club ... so have to revert to a rant on here. Sad eh, but very indicative of a problem don't you think !!!!

[Glassman]

After speaking to a few people on this, it's looking more and more like a political decision rather than a safeguarding exercise.

[Dingu]

Talk about looking for a reason to moan. Who cares? It’s children sport ffs.

[Glassman]

Dingu said:

Talk about looking for a reason to moan. Who cares? It’s children sport ffs.

...and and after playing through the younger age groups, those kids loved seeing their names published once they hit 12 years-old. No consultation, no survey and now wallop, their names are hidden.

[Downward]

My lads league never did this.

It does make you laugh, My son played as striker from U7 to U18 and no one kept track of goals.

Yet you have some youth coaches who come out at presentations with so and so scored 60 goals for the U7’s this season !

Even the Youth team Morgan Roger’s played 1 season before they go to academy has been speaking to the press saying how he scored x goals aged 6 !

It’s all lies.

Edited by Downward on Sunday 8th September 08:58

[Murph7355]

DumboHead said:

Absolutlely NO reason to hide this data ... It's as if the FA have learnt absolutely nothing over the years about transparency. A closed run environment with access to only select people is not the way to run a nationwide sporting set up. Remember grooming behind doors for god sake !!!!!

Add to that the number of clubs that CHEAT by playing kids that shouldn't be able to play in certain teams, (like those that are visiting family on a weekend and get a "kick around" for the cousins clubs, (when usually they play academy football) .... Clubs that have registration secretaries register THEIR OWN DAUGHTER as an older sibling so they can play in U18 football when 14 .... and changing the spelling of the first name to re-register on wholegame system so they can do the same at a different club ... All things I've seen by looking through the publicly listed teams and know first hand have happened. Obviously the respective local FA's did absolutely NOTHING about this flagrant bits of cheating, nor the safe-guarding issues they create) because they look after those that are in their "gang" .... Transparency is the only tool parents have got to keep their own checks and balances on this governing body ... AND THEY DON'T LIKE IT, so they have removed it .....

Simple as that ... and if you come back with "safeguarding" of the absolutely tiny percentage of children that can't have their name shown on a website, it's pretty easy for that very small percentage to have a box ticked for "do not show" .... but of course, we all have to pander to the minority yet again, despite the above reasons to not do so ...

I know I can't voice this publicly on a football site, for fear of it being tracked back to me, my child or the club ... so have to revert to a rant on here. Sad eh, but very indicative of a problem don't you think !!!!

The sad part is thinking these sorts of stat matter one bit to the development of kids playing the game. It's focusing on stuff that kids at 12 don't need to be focusing on, and feels more symptomatic of pushy parents and coaches wanting to prove something rather than for the kids benefit.

The kids involved then think this is all that matters to their parents and coaches....and so the issues of kids getting overly competitive (and overly aggressive, often) too soon continue.

Finding an anonymous bolt hole to go and moan on suggests that maybe you might be in the minority on this one? (Queue accusations of being "cancelled" Espouse your views by all means, but don't be surprised if plenty of people disagree with you. Take that at face value and think on it).

FWIW, none of the cheating you note was tolerated by our club and didn't happen. There were a few scrotter teams with scrotter parents in our league who seemed to think it was OK to abuse young refs, young players or anyone else that they felt necessary to prove their kids were the next Ronaldo, but they were dealt with (between clubs and the FA) well IMO. If you have a problem in your region, that starts with the parents and the clubs, then the FA. Good behaviour begats good behaviour IME. Same vice versa. You just have to decide which it is you want and not wait for others to start first. Another life lesson in there somewhere.

Glassman said:

Dingu said:

Talk about looking for a reason to moan. Who cares? It’s children sport ffs.

...and and after playing through the younger age groups, those kids loved seeing their names published once they hit 12 years-old. No consultation, no survey and now wallop, their names are hidden.

Kids love doing all sorts of stuff that is irrelevant or not necessarily in their best interests. One of the jobs of adults is to rein that in and guide them down the right path. So as an extreme example, kids might see their idols mouthing off at refs and emulate it. It's down to the parents and coaches to make them realise not to love this stuff and why.

Their names were hidden before age 12. They'll all get used to it in 5mins and not worry about it until 18 (especially if coaches and parents tell them not to, rather than reinforce the moaning), or whatever age it comes back. Meanwhile, they all broadly know who did what anyway. But scoring goals or having assists are not the only things that should be being rewarded on the pitch. Very, very far from it at age 12. Anything that reinforces that in their developing minds is a good thing IMO.

[essayer]

My kid’s team just puts them all on Facebook anyway

[Murph7355]

essayer said:

My kid’s team just puts them all on Facebook anyway

Do kids actually use Facebook still?

[TWODs]

Parents and volunteer coaches (mainly parents of kids in the team) treating grassroots football as though it is the Champions League, nothing new there. It is the worst side to grassroots football and manifests itself through physical & emotional bullying (by what outside of this environment are general reasonable and normal people (some are just scum to start with)).

I have seen bust ups between players, bust up between parents, and coaches with officials, I've even seen physical and emotional abuse directed by parents at their own children, the list gets more shocking each year, and it is just so ridiculously petty, all for the sake of what? absolutely f all.

Anything and everything the FA do to clarify and enforce that Grassroots football is a mass participation fun thing and not an ultra-competitive more important than life itself occurrence I would support, no matter how woke or namby pamby it might initially seem. I'd even suggest removing the goals entirely but then that wouldn't be football, would it?

If kids want a more competitive environment then the JPL and other opportunities exist to support that, at an age group FA accredited mini, and grassroots level it creates nothing but crap outcomes.

[Glassman]

When I played rugby it was very much still in the amateur code. I played for my local team and later county too. My name was in the local paper and I loved it. In a Bucks v Berks game I was watched by then England (and Wasps) prop, Paul Rendall and he said that him being a local (Slough) he saw my name a lot in the papers (especially when I picked up Player of the Season) he said it made him want to come and watch the game. He did and told me after the game that I should be playing for a bigger club.

A lot of my mates would also have their names published in the local newspapers and it made them stars in their own way.

I see the publishing of names for grassroots players in the same way. It made it a bit more real for them and for me, as a manager of a very successful team it was also useful in sussing out teams you were playing (short of someone watching them). Was that taking it too seriously? Judging by one or two comments in this thread, yes. But some of the players I managed now play for professional clubs at Step 5 (and above) levels which is just outside academy standard. Two are playing for academies. I'm so pleased for all the lads as none of them quit playing after I disbanded the team (partly to facilitate individual progress). A huge part of the team's bragging rights included what was published online.

Since the wiping of all that data and hiding player names has done what? I heard that it was more to do with players and teams being targeted (political reasons) which came from a decent source. A lot of teams are still writing blogs. Many teams are publishing team pics, match reports etc on social media so the stated 'risk' of 'grooming' would still apply. I can't see any ruling to prohibit publishing player names other than what has always existed and that is parental permission. If parents consent to clubs allowing it, where was the consultation before the FA pulled the plug?

It's an absolute nonsense act and I don't care what people here are saying about being overzealous, thinking they're in the Champions League or that it's people ruining the game of football. For a lot of kids, they will never be professional football players; many will however have learned much from playing team sport. The data made them feel they were involved/invested in the game and it formed part of a bigger picture.

My son (soon to be 16) rattled off a few names of teenagers who are playing for pro clubs and are in the press. One of them is a kid in the Arsenal academy he's actually played against.

[Murph7355]

Glassman said:

....
It's an absolute nonsense act and I don't care what people here are saying about being overzealous, thinking they're in the Champions League or that it's people ruining the game of football. For a lot of kids, they will never be professional football players; many will however have learned much from playing team sport. The data made them feel they were involved/invested in the game and it formed part of a bigger picture.

My son (soon to be 16) rattled off a few names of teenagers who are playing for pro clubs and are in the press. One of them is a kid in the Arsenal academy he's actually played against.

"...learned much from team sport...".

You are correct, there is much to learn.

Gloating and rubbing people's faces in things, be it on their own team or the opposition, or thinking they are the billy big bks without whom the team would be nothing, aren't exactly the biggest takeaways for 12yr olds taking part in sport, are they?

If they are, maybe they're not taking away the right things.

At the level noted, those things should mean nothing, and the absolutely shocking behaviour from some knobhead parents that is driven by these data points needs rooting out. IMO - I also don't care what others with contrary views think

[Dingu]

Glassman said:

When I played rugby it was very much still in the amateur code. I played for my local team and later county too. My name was in the local paper and I loved it. In a Bucks v Berks game I was watched by then England (and Wasps) prop, Paul Rendall and he said that him being a local (Slough) he saw my name a lot in the papers (especially when I picked up Player of the Season) he said it made him want to come and watch the game. He did and told me after the game that I should be playing for a bigger club.

A lot of my mates would also have their names published in the local newspapers and it made them stars in their own way.

I see the publishing of names for grassroots players in the same way. It made it a bit more real for them and for me, as a manager of a very successful team it was also useful in sussing out teams you were playing (short of someone watching them). Was that taking it too seriously? Judging by one or two comments in this thread, yes. But some of the players I managed now play for professional clubs at Step 5 (and above) levels which is just outside academy standard. Two are playing for academies. I'm so pleased for all the lads as none of them quit playing after I disbanded the team (partly to facilitate individual progress). A huge part of the team's bragging rights included what was published online.

Since the wiping of all that data and hiding player names has done what? I heard that it was more to do with players and teams being targeted (political reasons) which came from a decent source. A lot of teams are still writing blogs. Many teams are publishing team pics, match reports etc on social media so the stated 'risk' of 'grooming' would still apply. I can't see any ruling to prohibit publishing player names other than what has always existed and that is parental permission. If parents consent to clubs allowing it, where was the consultation before the FA pulled the plug?

It's an absolute nonsense act and I don't care what people here are saying about being overzealous, thinking they're in the Champions League or that it's people ruining the game of football. For a lot of kids, they will never be professional football players; many will however have learned much from playing team sport. The data made them feel they were involved/invested in the game and it formed part of a bigger picture.

My son (soon to be 16) rattled off a few names of teenagers who are playing for pro clubs and are in the press. One of them is a kid in the Arsenal academy he's actually played against.

Christ listen to yourself.

Grow up, it’s embarrassing.

[Glassman]

Murph7355 said:

Glassman said:

....
It's an absolute nonsense act and I don't care what people here are saying about being overzealous, thinking they're in the Champions League or that it's people ruining the game of football. For a lot of kids, they will never be professional football players; many will however have learned much from playing team sport. The data made them feel they were involved/invested in the game and it formed part of a bigger picture.

My son (soon to be 16) rattled off a few names of teenagers who are playing for pro clubs and are in the press. One of them is a kid in the Arsenal academy he's actually played against.

"...learned much from team sport...".

You are correct, there is much to learn.

Gloating and rubbing people's faces in things, be it on their own team or the opposition, or thinking they are the billy big bks without whom the team would be nothing, aren't exactly the biggest takeaways for 12yr olds taking part in sport, are they?

If they are, maybe they're not taking away the right things.

At the level noted, those things should mean nothing, and the absolutely shocking behaviour from some knobhead parents that is driven by these data points needs rooting out. IMO - I also don't care what others with contrary views think

You're taking the behaviours of a minority and applying them to all.

[Murph7355]

Glassman said:

You're taking the behaviours of a minority and applying them to all.

It would seem to be a significant minority if the comms I see going round are anything to go by (there'd be no need for the comms if it weren't?).

Have only witnessed it first hand with one team thus far...but that's across maybe 16 teams in 2 leagues?

Meanwhile, I don't think the upsides are what you make of them. And as noted, the things you note don't seem to be the top lessons that should be being learned to me at the age groups we're talking.

Kids love all sorts of things that aren't healthy for them. And why should parents care?

[Glassman]

Murph7355 said:

Glassman said:

You're taking the behaviours of a minority and applying them to all.

It would seem to be a significant minority if the comms I see going round are anything to go by (there'd be no need for the comms if it weren't?).

Have only witnessed it first hand with one team thus far...but that's across maybe 16 teams in 2 leagues?

Meanwhile, I don't think the upsides are what you make of them. And as noted, the things you note don't seem to be the top lessons that should be being learned to me at the age groups we're talking.

Kids love all sorts of things that aren't healthy for them. And why should parents care?

It's a sport infested with aholes at every level. It shouldn't be a reason for the good people to stop trying or jack it in (as much as it may make you feel like that at times).

[Murph7355]

Glassman said:

It's a sport infested with aholes at every level. It shouldn't be a reason for the good people to stop trying or jack it in (as much as it may make you feel like that at times).

Why is a 12yr old going to stop playing because their name isn't on the FA's website? Or parents and coaches going to stop for the same?

And if they do, do you think that maybe they have their priorities wrong in what should be a fun event? It's not as if they're missing out on a £20m transfer because of it....

It sounds like you're way more bothered about this than the kids will be.

How are "you" rewarding the defenders or goalkeepers that allow teams to win? Are their names going up on the FA website with shots stopped or tackles made? Are they going to jack it in because their name's not up on a web page that only the most competitive parents and coaches look at more than once (or never)?

What about good sportsmanship stats? Do they figure.

I have a massive amount of time for everyone who gives up their time at grass roots level (I wrote match reports for mine for a few years which was time intensive enough!). But you're sounding a bit like you're focusing on one of the most minor elements that actually leads to some of the ass hats being as they are.

Teach the kids not to gob off at other players, their own team mates and the officials and reward that above everything else. Teach them humility and team play. Teach them that them scoring 20 goals at U12 does not make them the next Haaland and that there's no "I" in team (yes, "me" if you look hard enough ). Teach them they need to get fit which Haribos and Prime and Fortnite don't help with. Nothing else matters at this age.

Sure it's lovely when they win a league. But the other 7 or whatever teams also need to get joy out of it too.

[Glassman]

Murph7355 said:

Glassman said:

It's a sport infested with aholes at every level. It shouldn't be a reason for the good people to stop trying or jack it in (as much as it may make you feel like that at times).

Why is a 12yr old going to stop playing because their name isn't on the FA's website? Or parents and coaches going to stop for the same?

That's not was being said though, was it? I was referring to the st you mentioned and offered the other side that there are those who try and uphold better standards throughout the sport and shouldn't be lumped in with the undesirable element you spoke of.

Murph7355 said:

And if they do, do you think that maybe they have their priorities wrong in what should be a fun event? It's not as if they're missing out on a £20m transfer because of it....

The only connection I'll credit you with is that some players have quit (I know a couple myself) and it has been because of the parents making decisions for them.

Murph7355 said:

It sounds like you're way more bothered about this than the kids will be.

I have a son who plays. I am in touch with a lot of managers from when I was running my son's team and I still see a lot of players (I managed) at games playing for different clubs/schools etc. They, their parents and the managers have all expressed disappointment. I'm not alone.

Murph7355 said:

How are "you" rewarding the defenders or goalkeepers that allow teams to win? Are their names going up on the FA website with shots stopped or tackles made? Are they going to jack it in because their name's not up on a web page that only the most competitive parents and coaches look at more than once (or never)?

Nobody said anything about a reward system and I'm confused why you would emphasis the word, you (at me). For your information, our team had a statto to help with the players' development programs. The emphasis was always on the team aspects, that is: the top scorer doesn't get his goal if he's not helped or assisted; the pass comes from the back (including goalkeeper) but nobody takes any more credit that anyone else. You play together; win together - lose together. That save by the 'keeper, or that tackle by the defender could be more valuable than the goal scored at the other end. When a team works together at playing well (with the aim to beat their opponent) all those details matter: the back line and goalie working towards a complete shutout/clean sheet; the midfielders dropping in to help as well as playing their passing game; the wingers taking on their man and/or getting crosses in etc etc. Everyone knew what to do when losing possession as much as they know what to do when they had the ball at their feet. No one player or position was above anyone else's.

The FA did have more than goals scored. There were assists, yellow cards (and reds obs) Player of the Match but not everyone would enter the data. Those that did thought it was a great tool to help the players develop and we did speak to league organisers about a focus group to help generate more ideas to recognise performances widely.

Murph7355 said:

What about good sportsmanship stats? Do they figure.

See above. One of the reasons the team was so successful was because they (and their parents) bought into a vision and set of team 'rules' that I adapted from playing rugby. When you run a team in a certain way, others who are trying to be just as positive will notice. You become friends.

Murph7355 said:

I have a massive amount of time for everyone who gives up their time at grass roots level (I wrote match reports for mine for a few years which was time intensive enough!). But you're sounding a bit like you're focusing on one of the most minor elements that actually leads to some of the ass hats being as they are.

Nope. It's disappointing that nobody was consulted.

Murph7355 said:

Teach the kids not to gob off at other players, their own team mates and the officials and reward that above everything else. Teach them humility and team play. Teach them that them scoring 20 goals at U12 does not make them the next Haaland and that there's no "I" in team (yes, "me" if you look hard enough ). Teach them they need to get fit which Haribos and Prime and Fortnite don't help with. Nothing else matters at this age.

Already covered and I agree.

Murph7355 said:

Sure it's lovely when they win a league. But the other 7 or whatever teams also need to get joy out of it too.

Part of good sportsmanship (something you alluded to earlier) is accepting defeat. I had the privilege of watching the team I managed walk through a guard of honour. It made our league games/cup runs much more enjoyable and it was very pleasing to see parents applauding both teams in equal measure. Of course there were the thugs (and I covered one of them in another post). they get away with it all the time but they never made me want to quit, it was the inconsistency in rules and sanctions.

My son recently played in a game against Billericay Town (I'm just a spectator these days). Lovely stadium, good team and the parents were great. All I could hear were shouts (from the home parents) of, 'be a good sportsman', 'don't answer back', 'get on with the game' and 'shake his hand'.

Many teams are writing match reports and it's a boost when the defence or goalkeeper gets a mention about successive clean sheets for example. I used to do the match reports after standing down as manager. The player names are mentioned in those reports (and social media posts) so what exactly have the FA eradicated? This smacks of something much more political.

[Murph7355]

Putting quotes around "you" was intended to show I wasn't meaning you personally

We'll agree to disagree. I see it as a "more potential harm than good" and a "not consistently applied across a team/positions underscoring the more harm than good" angle (quite possibly biased as my son was a keeper. And the other a defensive midfielder ).

I do get kids like seeing it. There are lots of things that need fixing at grass roots level. This isn't one of them IMO.