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Grass Roots Football LIVE, which is organised and managed by VCM Events and Brand Events in a joint venture partnership, has been hailed as Britain’s biggest and best football event.

Over 14,000 people attended the three-day football spectacular at the NEC, Birmingham from Friday 30 May to Sunday 1 June.

FA Cup winning manager Harry Redknapp and former England managers Graham Taylor and Steve McClaren all delivered football masterclasses to capacity crowds in The Mars® Stadium.

Throughout the three days, a wide range of football coaching sessions, seminars, forums and clinics were held, featuring an accomplished list of leading football personalities.

Among those present were former England internationals Bryan Robson, Peter Shilton, Matt Le Tissier, Aston Villa player Curtis Davies, Ray Wilkins and Tony Cottee.

Steve Chittenden, Event Director, said: “We have been overwhelmed by the response of visitors. It was fantastic to see so many teams and squads spending the whole day at the event”

“Without doubt, this has been our biggest and best event yet and we have received tremendously positive feedback from exhibitors and visitors alike.

“Grass Roots Football LIVE is here to stay and will be back at the NEC next year on 29th May, even bigger and better than ever!”

Mark Godley, National Sales Manager for Joma UK, who exhibited at the event said “Joma were delighted with the organisation of Grass Roots Football LIVE. The event genuinely exceeded our expectations. The energy and enthusiasm shown by everyone at the show was a credit to the organisers. We will definitely be exhibiting next year as the show is a unique vehicle for brands such as ourselves to talk directly to the end consumer.”

One visitor from Brighton, who has attended the show previously in 2005 and 2007, said “I attended Grass Roots Football LIVE on Saturday and had a fabulous time, picked up a lot of information and was allowed to think about nothing but football all day – bliss! This is exactly what football in this country needs, with ideas and suggestions from lots of sources.”

Stan Collymore unveiled his new Mavericks five-a-side All-Star team which included Paul Merson, Neville Southall, Ray Parlour, Steve Claridge, Jamie Lawrence and Matt Elliott and played a series of challenge matches against the general public.

Over 1,500 young players visited The Academy Experience where they were put through their paces in a 15-minute training session run by Academy coaches from The Premier League and The Football League.

The Professional Football Coaches Association organised a coaching clinic with Steve McClaren on the opening day of the event, and a series of leading British coaches hosted well-attended coaching sessions featuring players from leading professional football Academies from The Premier League and The Football League.

The event was broadcast across national television and radio networks on all three days.

Grass Roots Football LIVE launched in 2005 with the first event taking place at ExCel attracting 80 exhibitors and 2300 attendees. After taking a year out the second show was held in 2007 at the Ricoh Arena in Coventry, attracting 108 exhibitors and 5200 attendees. 2008 saw the show grow massively from 6,000m2 to 21,000 m2, with 130 exhibitors, 14,100 attendees, a stadium, a coaching arena, 3 presentation theatres, an entertainment stage and autograph area, plus 18 interactive features in the skills zone.