LYPS is a private showcase platform, we are not a league in the traditional sense and are not affiliated to any Football Association. The league is managed in partnership with a charity and a sports development company. The aim of the league is to get away from the negative aspects of traditional grassroots leagues and to bridge the gap between grassroots football and the professional youth football academy pathway system.
The league founder previously worked as Head of Talent Identification in the premier league and the league President is Head of Academy recruitment at Crystal Palace FC.
The management emphasizes that the Fair Play Awards are not given as consolation prizes for weaker teams. All league teams should strive to win the award for fair play, regardless of their position in their division. Additionally, judges will not base their decisions solely on player conduct, as coaches, relatives, and supporters represent the team and should be judged accordingly.
The Fair Play Criteria include respect for the league, referee, team mates, and opponents. Respect for the league covers factors such as arriving on time, readiness to play at the kickoff time, and building a positive relationship with opponents. Respect for the referee covers accepting decisions in good spirit, avoiding dissent, and refraining from criticizing the referee in front of players. Respect for team mates and opponents involves avoiding foul language, disrespecting opponents when winning easily, accepting being substituted gracefully, and shaking hands with opponents at the end of the game.
Child-Centered vs Coach-Centered Approach
A coach-centered approach is one where the child is told what to do. They are not given options, simply instructions, therefore their decision-making skills are not challenged or developed. Sure, we might get the players to do what we want them to do, but at what cost? Is that really learning?
By developing the whole child we build vital character traits — self esteem, effort, perseverance, mental toughness, decision making, teamwork, etc. —whilst improving their knowledge of the game. So we are not just creating good quality football players, we are building well-rounded young people. It’s a win-win.
So I’d like to encourage you to avoid the urge, this weekend, of telling your son/daughter/grandson/granddaughter what they should do whilst playing in every situation. Of course, they will need a little direction — especially our younger players. However, on the whole, let them think and make their own decisions rather than reacting to voices on the side of the field. Regardless of the final result, the by-products of this approach are far more valuable.
IMPORTANT NOTICE:
THE LEAGUE DOES NOT COMMUNICATE DIRECTLY WITH INDIVIDUAL PARENTS/CARERS ON INDIVIDUAL OR COLLECTIVE ISSUES. IF YOU HAVE ANY CONCERNS PLEASE ADDRESS WITH YOUR CLUB MANAGER AND DIRECTOR OF FOOTBALL WHO MAY THEN MAKE REPRESENTATION ON YOUR CLUBS BEHALF TO THE RELEVANT LEAGUE DEPARTMENT.
Information for parents and carers
London Youth Premier Showcase aims to provide a safe and enjoyable experience for every child or young person. To help us do this, please note the following important information:
- We recognise the need to ensure the welfare and safety of all children.
- We have written a policy statement which sets out how photographs and videos of children involved in our activities should be taken and shared. A copy of this is available on this page.
- We will take all steps to ensure images of children are used solely for the purposes they are intended. If you become aware that these images are being used inappropriately you should inform youth club manager immediately.
- We will not take or share photographs, video or other images of children and young people without the consent of the children involved and their parents or carers. (by registering your child into the league you have automatically given consent)
This agreement fits with our overarching online safety policy. If you would like to know more about this, please speak to your Team Manager
Young person: please read the following consent form and discuss it with your parents, carers and group leader, then fill in the form.
Parents and carers: please read and discuss this consent form with your child and then fill it in, ask your child to fill it in, and return it to the group leader. If you have any questions or concerns please speak to [add name/job title].
Parents/carers
confirm that I have read London Youth Premier Showcase’s photography and filming policy
I agree to
- my child’s photograph being used within the [name of group/organisation] for display purposes
- my child’s photograph being used within other printed publications
- my child’s photograph being used on the [name of group/organisation]’s website
- my child being videoed for use on [name of group/organisation]’s website
- my child’s photograph being used on [name of group/organisation]’s social media pages
- my child being videoed for use on [name of group/organisation]’s social media pages.
I understand
- the potential risks associated with the use and distribution of these images
- how these images or videos will be stored within the organisation and how long for
- that if I withdraw consent for my child’s image to be used or shared in the future, it may not be possible to remove images that have already been published or distributed
- that at many events, [name of group/organisation] and others will reasonably wish to take wide angle, general photos during or at specific points in the event
- that I must gain permission before sharing photographs/videos of other people’s children on social media or that I must not share photographs/videos taken during London Youth Premier Showcase’s events on social media
- that if I share images of my child with friends and family, I should check the privacy settings of my social media account first to understand who else will be able to view these images.
Child/young person
- I have read or been told about [name of group/organisation]’s photography and filming policy.
I agree to
- my photograph being used within London Youth Premier Showcase for display purposes
- my photograph being used within other printed publications
- my photograph being used on [name of group/organisation]’s website
- videos of me being used on [name of group/organisation]’s website
- my photograph being used on [name of group/organisation])’s social media pages
- videos of me being used on [name of group/organisation]’s social media pages.
I understand
- the potential risks from my image being used or shared online
- how these photographs or videos will be stored at [name of group/organisation]
- that at many events, [name of group/organisation] and others will want to take general photos of the event taking place
- that I must gain permission before sharing photographs/videos of other children on social media or that I must not share photographs/videos taken during London Youth Premier Showcase’s events on social media
- that if I share images of myself or other children with friends and family, I should check the privacy settings of my social media account first to understand who else will be able to view these images
- that if I decide I don’t want images of me to be used in the future, it may not be possible to delete images that have already been published or shared
Film and Photography Statement
The youth football league is committed to the safety and well-being of all its participants. In order to protect the privacy of our youth players, we ask that all photographers and videographers adhere to the following guidelines:
- Always obtain consent from the player’s parent or guardian before taking their photo or video.
- Do not take photos or videos of players in the locker room or other private areas.
- Do not post photos or videos of players on social media without their consent.
- Use photos and videos of players for educational or promotional purposes only.
If you have any questions about these guidelines, please contact the league office.
Here are some additional tips for photographing a youth football team:
- Be respectful of the players and their privacy.
- Avoid taking photos or videos during sensitive moments, such as injuries or arguments.
- Be mindful of your surroundings and avoid blocking the players’ view of the field.
- Ask the players’ permission before taking their photo or video.
- Be patient and wait for the perfect shot.
By following these guidelines, you can help to ensure that the youth football league is a safe and enjoyable environment for all participants.
