FA STEP INTO SPORT PROGRAMME SUMMARY
• The FA Step into Sport Programme is an initiative which enables the FA to enthuse, retain and support the development of young people within the game.
• The aim of the programme is to encourage the placement of students aged between 14-18 years who have completed the JSLA and/ or JFO (Junior Football Organisers) or a FA Coaching qualification (Level 1 or Level 2), into local Charter Standard Football Clubs or appropriate agencies and recognise the commitment of the Young Leader.
• The programme will play a vital role on developing the volunteer workforce within the game through creating an effective, safe and enjoyable pathway for Young Leaders
• The Young Leader can choose to volunteer in Four Different Themes –
• Assisting in Coaching and Fun Activities for Young People
• Behind the Scenes – Running a Club/ League
• Marketing and Promotion
• Officiating – running the game *
*refereeing hours can only be logged if you are not gaining a match fee.
(Further details on the themes are attached)
• The Young Leader will be recognised for their commitment to volunteering at 10 hours, 25 hours and 50 hours. The Young Leader does not have to make the commitment to completing 50 hours but hopefully through the incentives and more importantly their experience they will continue beyond 10 hours.
• The Young Leader will be rewarded at 10 hours, 25 hours and 50 hours with a certificate, also after 10 hours they will receive a County FA polo short, 25 hours a free years membership to ‘Coaching Connections’ (value of £15.00), 50 hours a FA coaching essentials pack*. After 50 hours they can then become part of the Youth Sport Trust Step into Sport Programme to progress their volunteering and receive further benefits from that programme.
(*subject to availability)
• The Cheshire County FA hopes through partnership work the FA Step into Sport Programme can –
o Identify Secondary schools within the School Sport Partnership (SSP) structure who are trying to develop school to club links
o Offer the chance to trained Young Leaders to gain experience in 1 of 4 themes
• The Cheshire County FA will work with the partners in the programme to –
o To identify and brief Volunteer Coordinators within the clubs ensuring all Club personnel are ‘ready’ to receive and support the placements
o To identify a ‘support team’ to oversee the placement and agree who will manage each placement in the SSP’s.
o To ensure that is a 10 hour quality experience
o To review the placement experience
o To offer information on the next steps to both the student and the Club – coach education courses, additional mentoring support, etc
• The programme aims to provide the following benefits to both the School and Club -
o More human resources supporting club delivery and/or out of school hours programmes and primary school activities
o More young people wanting to participate in all areas of club life
o Opportunity to deliver other areas of your football development plan for both the school and club
o More people hopefully progressing on to becoming qualified coaches and referees
o Opportunity to become a coach mentor and receive training through the FA
o Develops stronger partnerships between schools and clubs
o FA recognition for involvement in the scheme
o Provides a stepping stone for students to gain practical experience using their leadership qualification.
This can only be achieved through a partnership between the School, the Club, the County FA and the Young Leader
• If there are some Young Leaders interested in the FA Step into Sport programme, through the School Sports Co-ordinator or club coach (if they are already at a FA Charter Standard Club) contact James Self for a Starter Form. Once this form is completed and returned the Young Leader will be provided with a FA Step into Sport log book. This logbook will help them to record their volunteering experience and be used as supporting evidence for certification of volunteering hours
• For further information or to get started please contact James Self on 01606 871155 or james.self@cheshirefa.com
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