AS the nation looks for answers after another failed England campaign, a local league has been held up by the FA as the blueprint for future international success.

Even before Roy Hodgson’s side were given a footballing lesson by Italy, the country’s governing body had drawn up a masterplan for improving the technical ability of the nation’s young players.

At the heart of the FA’s youth development proposals, revealed last month, were plans to introduce nine-a-side matches for all under-11s and under-12s divisions in the country.

The inspiration came from the Bolton and Bury District Junior League, which has experienced dramatic success since bringing in the smaller-sided games in those two age groups.

“Our initial aim was to boost participation in the league, which has doubled in size in the five years since we made the changes,” said BBDJL chairman Warren Barlow.

“It was easier for teams to bridge the gap from seven-a-side matches in the youngest age groups, as many struggled to find enough players to field a big enough squad.

“But having fewer players on the pitch also increased the number of touches each player had, and, as a result, the quality of football improved.”

When the changes to the league set-up were first made, teams were given the option of running either 11-a-side or nine-a-side teams.

“When they came together at u13s level, the sides that ran nine-a-side teams in the lower age groups were topping the leagues,” said Barlow.

“There has also been marked a improvement in our results in the elite cups, against teams in other leagues, with BBDJL sides now regularly reaching finals and semi-finals.”

After expanding to more than 500 teams, with 7,000 children playing every weekend, it was not long before the FA came calling.

Nick Levett, the FA’s national development manager for youth football, has been liaising with the BBDJL for the past two years, and last month revealed his proposals to re-shape youth football across England.

These include: five-a-side games for u7s and u8s, nine-a-side for u11s and u12s, pitch sizes to match age groups, and shorter seasons.

“This is about grass-roots football but also a 15 to 20-year programme for long-term player development, ultimately to help produce players to support the professional game and the England team,’’ said Levett.

“It will mean more touches, more shots and more dribbles for young players and, therefore, improving the kids’ technique.”

Since revealing the plans, Levett has invited the BBDJL chairman to accompany him on visits to county FAs in a bid to build up support for the plans.

“Only last week, I was invited to Goodison to make a presentation to the Liverpool FA,” said Barlow.

“They had expressed a lot of concerns about the changes, but the feedback we got was that they would all now buy into it.

“Historically, football in this country has been about passion and commitment, something that was exemplified by England’s spirited performance at the Euros.

“What we have tried to do is change that emphasis to confidence and ability and hopefully that will run through to the national team in years to come.”