Club Links is a key area in the National Game Strategy to drive the growth and retention of new clubs and school teams. As part of the four-year Business Strategies, County Football Associations have been asked to identify and work with schools on an annual basis to support more young people to make the transition from schools’ football into club football and form sustainable links with FA Charter Standard Clubs.
As part of the way forward, Club Link schools who are committed to developing sustainable links with FA Charter Standard Clubs and additional football opportunities within schools will receive equipment bags and Umbro vouchers along with a certificate to show they are an FA Club Links School for that year.
A Club Link is a process to assist a young person to move from participating in football in school to moving into an FA Charter Standard Club. There are several Club Links taking place across the Birmingham County this season, each has a development officer assigned to it to support the delivery.
The FA Club Links programme enables qualified coaches from FA Charter Standard Clubs to support Schools in their development of Football. The aim of the programme is to support young people to move into community based clubs or assist schools in developing intra/inter school teams.
What are the Projects Aims?
Increased opportunities for both volunteers and players
Individual and community wide health benefits
Improved retention in football beyond/outside of school, through positive experience
Improved performance levels
Extended opportunities for socialisation, self development and teamwork
Raise school/club profile within community
Increased membership and volunteer base
Who is the Target Group?
Young people aged 5-16 years of age who are less likely to be participating in football for their schools. Areas with more limited opportunities are also targeted.
Why Create Links With Schools?
Access to facilities
Recruitment of new players
Gain better understanding of your players
Better use of equipment
Share skills and expertise
Help retain players at your club
Support the school to deliver curriculum
More chance to work with your players
Help schools promote healthy, active lifestyle
Each year Birmingham FA writes a School-Club link plan for the county. As part of this plan, we are keen to support clubs to develop links or build upon already established links with schools. Working with schools not only extends young peoples opportunity to participate in football but also provides an excellent opportunity to help, strengthen and develop your club.
The depth and the variety of the links are up to you but may include:
after school clubs
helping with a school team
starting a girls section
promoting your club in school assemblies
starting a disability section
running a school festival
School – Club Links can be made with primary, secondary or special schools.
If you would like to get involved in the School - Club Link programme for the 2010/11 season please complete the expression of interest form attached in the related documents section on the right and return to Claire Mulvenna.
For further information on the School - Club Line programme, please contact Claire Mulvenna on claire.mulvenna@birminghamfa.com