Action from Marshalls Park's clash with Royal Docks (Sam Park)

Latest news from the Essex FA

Youngsters aged 14 to 17 who are no longer able to commit to playing 11-a-side football for their local club, but still want to have a kickabout with their mates are being targetted in a special scheme.

The ‘Football Mash-Up’ organised by the FA Vauxhall Youth Programme is still operating at Goals Dagenham in Ripple Road.

The FA understand that, for a variety of reasons, teenagers drop out of playing regular 11v11 club football, and this doesn’t necessarily mean that these young people have fallen out of love with the game.

There can be many factors which can prevent teenagers from playing, whether it’s homework, exams, part time employment, or simply because it’s not as fun as it used to be. Whatever the reason, don’t let it stop you playing entirely!

With the support of Vauxhall, The FA have developed a new programme aimed at encouraging boys and girls aged 14-17 years old who have dropped out of regular football to get back into the game.

The ‘Football Mash-Up’ initiative is basically a kick about with mates, overseen by an FA coach who will ensure that the sessions are fun and sociable, with you and your friends getting to choose how you would like to play.

Mash-Up sessions are played on high quality five-a-side pitches in numerous locations around the country.

In Essex, Goals plays host to a Mash-Up on Thursdays. The small-sided, game-based coaching is coming to an end shortly, but there’s still time to get involved. Each session costs just £2, with girls playing from 3:45-4:45pm and boys from 5:00-6:00pm.

To find out more visit www.thefa.com, search for ‘Football Mash-Up’ online using a search engine or watch the video at www.youtube.com/watch?v=xfI6jaNPDBw.

If you have any questions about Football Mash-Up, please email footballmashup.east@thefa.com.

Further information on grassroots football opportunities in Essex can also be found at www.essexfa.com.