EXCLUSIVE: Glenn Hoddle believes that clubs such as Maccabi London Brady can have a major role in developing professional footballers of the future.
He says the community "should not become obsessed" about having a Jewish player in the Premier League.
"It shouldn’t be a goal or aim as I believe that would be dangerous and send out the wrong signal," he said.
"It’s about using the system as a vehicle to identify the talent and making the most of that talent.
"As a kid, I used to spend hours on end kicking a football against a wall with my left foot and right foot. It helped improve the technical side of my game no end."
In the week where the former England manager was appointed to the FA’s new commission taskforce examining the state of English football, Hoddle praised the Rowley Lane club for its role in keeping Jewish youth together through sport.
"The club provides a wonderful system," said Hoddle. "It allows children to come through and learn about team spirit and having fun.
"It’s a big extension of the social clubs and youth clubs which have died, and can only be a good thing."
Hoddle was speaking at the Maccabi London Brady annual fundraising lunch in central London.
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SIXTY SECOND Q&A
Best player you've played with?
GH: "Maradona in a testimonial match."
Best teammate?
GH: "Ossie Ardiles. He was so quick over a short distance."
Best player now?
GH: Messi, but I feel he still has work to do with his right foot and can still improve
Best way for a young player to improve technique?
GH: "By kicking a ball against a wall, left foot and right foot. When I managed Chelsea I had two walls built. There are no training walls at St Georges Park, which I find surprising
What advice will you give to new FA taskforce?
GH: "We need to produce players with better techniques. Futsal can help. We need players to be better with the ball from a young age.
Realistically, what do you think of England's chances to win the World Cup?
GH: Greg Dyke said we should target World Cup glory in 2022. I believe we can achieve major success at an international tournament before that, with a bit of tinkering here and there."
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