Noticia nº88.747

/noticias.info/ Brazil's role as a shining example for grassroots football is highlighted in the latest edition of the UEFA Grassroots Newsletter.

Greatest exporter
Although Brazil failed to win the FIFA World Cup in Germany this summer, the country remains the greatest exporter of footballing talent on the planet, and with its natural environment and passionate people it is a role model for grassroots football development. In his editorial column, UEFA technical director Andy Roxburgh says that, even if few nations in Europe can replicate the Brazilians' football conditions, which include the beach, lessons can be learned all the same.

Passion and creativity
"Football associations that are serious about the game's health and growth are duty-bound to promote mass participation and interest," Roxburgh said. "Grassroots football, which acts as a vehicle for social integration, health and happiness, is the aim. As a by-product, talents will emerge. In Brazil, a love of the ball, expression through small-sided games, and the sheer joy of playing have been cultivated to such an extent that football passion and creativity have become part of the nation's DNA.

Complacency not an option
"Europe may have had the top four sides in the World Cup, but in a fiercely competitive world, complacency is not an option. Constant development of the game is imperative, and the foundation of all football growth and advancement lies in the grassroots," he added. "Ronaldinho's smile lost a little of its power during the World Cup due to fatigue, but in recent years, as an FC Barcelona player, he has been the symbol of Brazilian brilliance on European soil, and a reminder that football, at all levels, is a game to be enjoyed and treasured."

Regional workshops
The newsletter also covers UEFA's highly successful regional grassroots workshops for its national associations which have been taking place this year, with the fundamental objective being to help the associations to improve grassroots activities within the context of the UEFA Grassroots Charter - an endorsement programme aimed at establishing criteria for grassroots development.

Impressive charter
The number of applications to join the charter is impressive, with the target of 20 members by the December 2007 deadline well within reach - showing the overall enthusiasm for grassroots football. The workshops have also brought immediate results, with associations now accepting that there is more to grassroots football than detecting and developing élite talents.

Grassroots summer
Coverage is also given to UEFA's promotional campaign, The Summer of Grassroots Football, which flourished through Europe. Although a definitive figure was not available at the time of printing, the summer of 2006 shattered records set over the previous two years by attracting almost two and a quarter million participants to a variety of events.

Football's social role
The social functions of football in childhood and adolescence are highlighted in an essay by Prof Klaus-Peter Brinkhoff, in view of the fact that grassroots football has a crucial role to play in helping reduce anti-social behaviour patterns such as vandalism, drug abuse or racism, and in combating such problems as child obesity.

Disability football
UEFA is also at the vanguard of the movement to increase and improve activities in the disabled football sector - the latest Grassroots Newsletter looks at the latest meeting of the UEFA working group on disability football in Germany. The group discussed the development of a ten-step plan to enhance disability football structures, with an ultimate goal that footballers with disabilities should enjoy the game and reach their full potential.