Chris Ramsey - "Think Growth and Maturation when Developing Young Players".
Following the FIFA U17 World Cup in Qatar, Chris will explain why we need to consider growth and maturation when developing young players.
Chris Ramsey MBE
After Needing emergency surgery while at the FIFA U17 World Cup in Qatar, won by Portugal, Chris is back fit and well and will discuss his thoughts on the importance of why we need to consider both growth and maturation when developing young players.
Both growth (physical increase in size) and maturation (progress toward biological maturity) are vital because individuals develop at different rates, and chronological age is a poor indicator of a young player's developmental stage.
This understanding can help prevent injuries, manage training loads appropriately, and avoid premature burnout by ensuring training is tailored to individual biological needs rather than a generic age group. It also helps in talent identification, as it prevents the loss of later-maturing players who might be unfairly overlooked due to their physical differences.
Chris Ramsey MBE is a well respected figure in English football, having coached and played in all four professional leagues in England from U9 to the English Premier League, he is known for his dedication to player development and coaching excellence.
A former professional player Chris played for clubs including Brighton & Hove Albion, Swindon Town, and Southend United, notably appearing in the 1983 FA Cup Final for Brighton.
After retiring from playing, he transitioned into coaching, earning a UEFA Pro Licence and building a distinguished career across Club and International football. He held roles with England’s youth teams, Charleston Battery and Florida Tech in the U.S., and notably at Tottenham Hotspur, where he served as Assistant Academy Manager; Head of Player Development and first team coach.
In 2015, he became head coach of Queens Park Rangers (QPR), later serving as their Technical Director.
Chris is widely recognized for his commitment to diversity and inclusion in sport, earning an MBE in 2019. In 2025, he was honored with the Outstanding Contribution to London Football Award at the London Football Awards.
Most recently, he returned to the English FA and is the Professional Development Phase Lead for England’s mens youth teams U17–U20, helping shape the next generation. This will be another first class event!
*This event will qualify for one hour CPD with Football Australia.
Following the FIFA U17 World Cup in Qatar, Chris will explain why we need to consider growth and maturation when developing young players.
Chris Ramsey MBE
After Needing emergency surgery while at the FIFA U17 World Cup in Qatar, won by Portugal, Chris is back fit and well and will discuss his thoughts on the importance of why we need to consider both growth and maturation when developing young players.
Both growth (physical increase in size) and maturation (progress toward biological maturity) are vital because individuals develop at different rates, and chronological age is a poor indicator of a young player's developmental stage.
This understanding can help prevent injuries, manage training loads appropriately, and avoid premature burnout by ensuring training is tailored to individual biological needs rather than a generic age group. It also helps in talent identification, as it prevents the loss of later-maturing players who might be unfairly overlooked due to their physical differences.
Chris Ramsey MBE is a well respected figure in English football, having coached and played in all four professional leagues in England from U9 to the English Premier League, he is known for his dedication to player development and coaching excellence.
A former professional player Chris played for clubs including Brighton & Hove Albion, Swindon Town, and Southend United, notably appearing in the 1983 FA Cup Final for Brighton.
After retiring from playing, he transitioned into coaching, earning a UEFA Pro Licence and building a distinguished career across Club and International football. He held roles with England’s youth teams, Charleston Battery and Florida Tech in the U.S., and notably at Tottenham Hotspur, where he served as Assistant Academy Manager; Head of Player Development and first team coach.
In 2015, he became head coach of Queens Park Rangers (QPR), later serving as their Technical Director.
Chris is widely recognized for his commitment to diversity and inclusion in sport, earning an MBE in 2019. In 2025, he was honored with the Outstanding Contribution to London Football Award at the London Football Awards.
Most recently, he returned to the English FA and is the Professional Development Phase Lead for England’s mens youth teams U17–U20, helping shape the next generation. This will be another first class event!
*This event will qualify for one hour CPD with Football Australia.
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