Development

The FA has launched the FA National Game Strategy (NGS) providing County FA’s with a strategic framework that identifies key priorities for investment, delivery and expenditure for 2008-2012. Durham County FA, in consultation with key stakeholders, has developed a 4 year County Plan based upon the key priorities identified in the strategy aimed at providing everyone with the opportunity to participate in football for life. The plan allows parents, managers, teachers, referees and coaches the opportunity to enhance their knowledge through gaining qualifications and therefore contributing towards raising standards within the game.

Durham County FA continues to lead on core football development across the County and engages with all external Football Development Officers to deliver a coordinated approach to increasing participation and raising standards. The strengthening of existing partnerships and the creation of new partnerships during 2008-2012 will enable the County FA to focus on its core football development work whilst broadening access through a collaborative approach.

To meet the demands of implementing the National Game Strategy the Durham County FA Development Team includes:

County Development Manager – Chris Smith (chris.smith@durhamfa.com)
Football Development Officer (Coach Education) – Dave Cleary (david.cleary@durhamfa.com)
Football Development Officer – Arthur Philliskirk (arthur.philliskirk@durhamfa.com)
Football Development Officer (Club Development) – Andy Brown (andrew.brown@durhamfa.com)
Football Development Officer (Education) – Tina Reed (tina.reed@durhamfa.com)
Assistant Football Development Officer – Michael Bell (michael.bell@durhamfa.com)

All staff can be contacted on 0191 387 2928 or email development@durhamfa.com

In addition to the core team and six Skills Coaches Durham County FA is fortunate to have a strong network of external Development Officers supporting the delivery of the County Plan:

County Durham Sport Women & Girls & Disability Officer – Lindsey Robinson
Tyne & Wear Sport Women & Girls & Disability Officer – Ian Skinner
Tees Valley Sport Women & Girls & Disability Officer – Paul Kreczak
Gateshead Council Assistant Football Development Officer – David Jeffers
Stanley School Football Development Officer – Tony Boakes
Stockton Town FC Football Development Officer – Andy Burton

We hope that you take the opportunity to get involved and help us to increase participation and raise the standard of football provision within the County.