Brooking calls for cash to develop youth

Trevor Brooking wants to see an increase in English players performing in the Premiership and believes more government money must be made available for facilities and coaching. The FA Director of Football Development believes the process must begin in primary school.

Trevor Brooking wants to see an increase in English players performing in the Premiership and believes more government money must be made available for facilities and coaching. The FA Director of Football Development believes the process must begin in primary school.

"Less than 40 per cent of the Premiership starting line-ups are English," said Brooking. "That is lower than any other European country. "We need to try and get a better technical player at 12, 13 or 14. Most of the Premiership managers would say at that age our technical ability is less than our European counterparts. That means we're are not investing enough in primary schools.

"It is like teaching a youngster to behave. You wouldn't start teaching them manners at 11. It is too late. You need to teach them to control and kick a ball at seven or eight. We haven't got any investment in coaching or teacher training. The Government is sending out targets for people to hit with physical activity for youngsters. You can only do that if you have opportunities, through coaching facilities or access."

The Government are now reviewing spending and Brooking is encouraging the Culture, Media and Sport department to put in a significant bid for facilities and coaching.

"Sport delivers right across the social agenda," Brooking added. "In the schools where we have invested, not only has the fitness of the youngsters increased but academically results have gone up."