Charlotte King, a Young Leader who attends Malbank High School and Sixth Form College, completed her FA Junior Football Organizer Leadership qualification earlier in the academic year and signed up to The FA Step into Sport Programme.
As part of Charlotte’s commitment to the programme she has been delivering volunteering coaching hours to support the development of the Saturday morning Mini-Soccer Community sessions at Nantwich Town Football Club. 16 year old Charlotte earned additional credit by becoming the first female Young Leader in Cheshire to complete all her qualifying hours.
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 14–16 years who have completed a Leadership qualification or an FA Coaching qualification (Level 1 or Level 2), into local Charter Standard Football Clubs or appropriate agencies and recognize the commitment of the Young Leader. The programme plays a vital role in developing the volunteer workforce within the game through creation of an effective, safe and enjoyable pathway for Young Leaders.
Charlotte has been supported by club mentor and Nantwich Town Head Coach / Football Development Officer Steve Davis who has given advice and ideas to support Charlotte’s development. Steve Davis comments; “We have a number of Young Leaders involved in the club who are supporting different activities. The FA Step into Sport programme has allowed us to support and recognize the hard work these individuals have been performing within the club. Nantwich Town Football Club is a FA Charter Standard Community Club with over 20 teams that encompasses the under 8’s right through to the senior side. Without the support of all its volunteers Nantwich Town FC would be unable to operate as a community football club, which to all intents and purposes, is what the club is all about. The involvement of Young Leaders from Malbank High School and Sixth Form College through The FA Step into Sport Programme brings in more human resources which are always needed in a club of this size”.
In last Thursday’s (19th June) presentation at The Weaver Stadium Charlotte was presented with her FA Step into Sport 10 hour and 25 hour certificates by Cheshire County FA Football Development Officer, James Self whilst Steve Davis was also in attendance to offer his congratualtions. Charlotte also receives a Cheshire County FA polo shirt and a year’s membership of the Cheshire County FA Coach Association ‘Coaching Connections’ to recognize her commitment.
14–18 year old’s who are interested in playing, coaching, refereeing or volunteering and want to ‘Get into Football’ should access the information via the internet on www.thefa.com/getintofootball or contact James Self at the Cheshire County FA on 01606 871155 or james.self@cheshirefa.com