• Are there enough players?
• Are there enough volunteers to run the Club?
By following these simple guidelines you should be in a position to have your new club up and running in no time.
Constitution – Appointment of Club Officials
Clubs must appoint a Chairman, Treasurer, Secretary and a Club Welfare Officer to enable the Club to function effectively within County FA Rules and Regulations. It is also suggested that other people are appointed to assist in other areas of the Club – coaching etc.
Finance – Income and Expenditure to Run the Club
As a new Club it will be important to raise funds to run the Club and initially these will probably be from player memberships and subscriptions. It is also advisable to produce a list of costs to run your team which will help you create a budget of income and expenditure for the season.
Players – Registration, Eligibility, Discipline, Child Protection & Coaching
It is important that Clubs are fully conversant with the rules of each competition that they may wish to enter. All discipline at grassroots is administered by the County Football Association and the Secretary of the Club is responsible to ensure that all players are eligible to play. If Clubs have any doubts about eligibilities, for example suspensions, they should contact us for details. For youth teams, it is important to observe The FA Child Protection Policy, Practices and Procedures. The Club Welfare Officer is required to attend the FA Safeguarding Children in Football Workshop and complete a CRB check through the FA. See our Course page for further details.
Insurance – Public Liability and Personal Accident
Clubs are required to have adequate insurance cover for their players in case of injury or accident whilst playing or travelling to matches. Public Liability and Personal Accident Insurance is a mandatory requirement of Cheshire County FA. A minimum benefit for Accidental Death, Permanent Disabling Injuries, Travel Expenses and Broken Bones is determined from time to time by the Council. Contact the Governance Office on 01606-871166 for more information.
Affiliation – County Associations & Leagues
A Club will need to affiliate to a parent County Football Association and the appropriate League it wishes to join. Clubs are recommended to seek advice on suitable League membership from our Governance Office.
Fixtures – League & Cup Competitions
Fixtures are administered by the appropriate Competition Secretary, who advises clubs of forthcoming matches. If it is a home match, the Club Secretary must arrange hire of a pitch, notify opponents and match officials of kick-off time and location of venue. For away games, arrange to inform your own team of venue, kick-off time and arrange for transport of players. Cheshire County Football Association runs Cup competitions which give an opportunity for teams to play against Clubs from different Leagues or divisions.
Pitches – Useful Contacts & Advice
Apply to your Local Authority, other local teams, Parish Council or owner of a private ground to hire a pitch. Please note hire charges will vary.
Kit & Equipment
Purchase suitable equipment prior to the start of your fixtures and ensure you have sufficient equipment for all teams in your Club. The necessary equipment will include, playing strip, first aid kit, nets and balls. Make sure you have a Manager/Coach or other volunteer who is responsible for the equipment. Clubs can access funding towards club equipment through the Football Foundation Junior Kit and Goalpost Safety funding schemes. Please click on the link.
Results / Public Relations / Press
Ensure you pass on results of your matches to comply with competition regulations. All clubs are recommended to establish good relationships with the local press to publish results, match reports and possibly just interesting stories about their club. Good PR will help raise the profile of the club, bring in new players and may even attract some sponsorship.
Administration
A timetable which covers tasks in pre-season, tasks prior to day of the game, task on the day of the game, discipline and the club Annual General Meeting (AGM), is given below:
PRE-SEASON
Players
Ensure each team has a squad of at least 14 players or the appropriate number for Mini Soccer/Small Sided teams.
Affiliation
Complete and forward the appropriate documentation and fees to Cheshire County Football Association and League or other competitions.
Facilities
Arrange pitch(es) which comply with appropriate League regulations and specifications. It is also prudent to arrange/book training facilities early.
Meetings
Organise club/team meetings (eg. Weekly Training, Monthly Management Meeting, AGM). Also attend relevant League meetings when required.
Registration
Ensure all players are registered with the appropriate League. Up to date photographs may be required.
Friendly Fixtures
Arrange fixtures with Secretaries of affiliated Clubs.
Subscription
Set a subscription for players and members to meet your costs for the season. Carry out fundraising (appropriate to the club).
Delegation
Club Secretaries/Team Managers should seek support from other members to spread the administrative and volunteer workload where practical.
PRIOR TO THE DAY OF A GAME
Confirm Fixture
Kick-off time, colours, directions to ground, availability of pitch with groundsman, match officials etc.
ON THE DAY OF A GAME
Pitch
Ensure pitch is safe and correctly prepared with nets, flags, markings and access to appropriate changing facilities.
Match Officials
Ensure match officials have been paid (home team only).
Refreshments
Provide refreshments where appropriate.
Results
Ensure the result card is completed and posted to the appropriate League official to arrive by designated time. Please note the competition may require the result to be confirmed by telephone to the appropriate official. Level of detail on result card (e.g. players, goal scorers, substitutions, injuries etc) will be dependent on League policy.
OTHER TASKS
Disciplinary Procedures
This is an ongoing task throughout the season. The Secretary and player must complete and return appropriate documentation with fines. A record should be kept of players’ discipline and ensure any suspended players do not play.
END OF THE SEASON
AGM & Presentation Evening
Arrange AGM and/or presentation evening.