Why is Essex a football hub?
WMF Essex are very aware that we are privileged to be based in an area where youth football is still absolutely thriving and that also has such a long history in the game. The great work of the Essex FA and size of the grassroots scene in the area has produced generations of players, coaches, supporters, volunteers and communities involved in the game. Football is a fundamental part of our culture in Essex and a pillar in London football.
In this article, we’ll look at some of the reasons as to why there so many Essex based teams and players thriving in comparison to a lot of other places in the country. These reasons will help us understand how the Essex football scene has become a key part in English football.
Lots of people, lots of footballers!
The area WMF Essex originated is firmly on the border of Essex and East London meaning the local areas are quite densely populated. With new developments and schools, our communities are growing. Data from 2017 tells us that there were 1.46 million people living in Essex! It just takes looking at the google maps to see how huge the area is.
The more people there are, the more chance there is of higher numbers playing or coaching the world's most popular sport!
A strong set of professional clubs
Essex in general is also rich in large towns and cities, most of whom have their own successful professional or semi professional football club in existence. Think Southend, Colchester, Dagenham & Redbridge, Chelmsford, Braintree, Billericay...the list goes on in the East area of the country. These clubs contribute to the strong footballing identity in Essex.
Each of these clubs creates a focal point and legacy for their own local communities - places where friends meet to watch football but also socialise too. These clubs also inspire children to play and become involved in the sport.
The Essex FA hosts a huge amount of leagues, teams and tournaments
The number of towns and communities have led to the creation of new leagues and tournaments of all levels. All grown out of their love for football and number of people playing the game!
At last count, the Essex FA website listed twelve (yes, 12!!) different youth leagues in Essex alone for both boys and girls of multiple age groups and levels.
The Echo League alone (just one of the 12 leagues listed by Essex FA) has 113 registered teams. The Essex FA county teams have also developed and becoming some of the most reputable sides in the country on a youth level.
In youth football from Under 7 all the way up to the Under 18 age groups are fortunate enough to have lots of opportunity, opposition and competition in Essex. This is one of the key factors making the East London area a key pillar in English football.
So what is WMF Essex's role in the area?
We Make Footballers are a large specialised football coaching company who, in their London franchises alone, have coaches/scouts/staff with experience of working at Chelsea, Tottenham, Norwich, Crystal Palace, Arsenal, Millwall, Colchester, Luton, Leyton Orient amongst other clubs... They are working hard to pool together their expert knowledge to enable all children who love football to have access to top quality, well organised coaching.
Coaching sessions begin at the age of 4 - providing plenty of hours, months and years of preparation and introduction to football before they have the opportunity to play in one of the many leagues mentioned above. We focus on developing the fundamentals to help each child become the best player they can be.
This process then carries on, providing a platform for players aged over 7 of all abilities to practice and perfect their skills in a safe, fun, but professional environment.
Bobby Moore, John Terry, Frank Lampard, Tony Adams are just a few of the many great Essex based footballers who have learnt the game in this area. That list of names is always being added to and we cannot wait to see exactly that happen with a few familiar faces from our sessions…
