We are currently working with 36 schools and 19 Charter Standard clubs to establish or strengthen links and work in partnership to encourage more children to play football and join their local club. Each school and club have devised a delivery action plan which they will work to over the next 12 months with support from Durham County FA. The schools and clubs are working together to provide more opportunities for children and young people to play football by delivering coaching programmes as extra curricular activities and supporting schools competitions and events. The schools are promoting the clubs and the opportunities for their pupils by allowing them to speak at assemblies, handing out flyers and advertising in the newsletters and websites. In return the clubs are providing qualified coaches to run sessions and encouraging the children to move into the club.
The school and club have to commit to fulfilling a criteria which includes the school sending a minimum of 1 teacher on an FA course over the 12 month period (FA Education Modules available to teachers/coaches and young leaders) which will increase the schools capacity to support the clubs with any coaching programmes. They must also commit to working together to evaluate and monitor the programme and identify children to move into the clubs. Some schools and clubs are focusing on a particular area of development i.e Girls football, others have identified a gap in provision such as a certain age group and others are just generally looking to increase participation amongst all children.
If your school is interested in being part of the FA Club Links Programme please contact Tina Reed, Football Development Officer (Education) on 0191 3872928 or email tina.reed@durhamfa.com