HYL Principles

The Herts Youth League seeks to put the welfare, enjoyment and development of our young children first.

1. PLAYING TO LEARN – The focus of youth football is long term player development, not winning matches. The pitch is the classroom and games are designed to help young children learn, develop their skills, confidence and self-esteem.
2. EQUAL PLAYING TIME – Children develop by playing, not watching from the sidelines. The more pitch time they get the faster they develop.
3. FEWER INSTRUCTIONS – Children learn as they play. The more mistakes they make the faster they learn. Constantly shouting instructions stops children developing their own decision-making.
4. MORE SILENT SIDELINES – Children learn best in a calm and positive environment. They should be able to try skills and have fun without interference and pressure from adults.