The aim of the programme is to increase participation in schools and to increase transfer rates into clubs, and as a result to generate new teams. Team growth is a key targeted indicator of the Suffolk Football Plan 08-12.
Chris Pringle, County Development Manager, comments: ‘School Club Link has traditionally been an effective delivery programme in Suffolk over the last 4 years. The numbers this year have been impressive, as the ultimate success of the scheme is to support players to join clubs. Clearly this has been achieved, and credit for this should go to the Football Development team, and to Phil Woolnough in particular’.
The numbers involved in the programme between January and June 2008 were as follows:
• 338 pupils took part in the SCL programme
• 168 pupils moved onto Club Football
• 70% Boys moved into clubs and 24% of Girls
The key innovations to drive these numbers was linked to the use of FUTSAL, a small sided game played with a smaller, heavier ball, promoting improved touch and skills development.
• Futsal introduced at years 5 & 7 in 2 School Sports Partnerships
• 2 School and 1 Club based Futsal workshop involving 35 teachers, School Sports Co-ordinators and Young Leaders
• 11 Club coaches trained to deliver FUTSAL session
Providing a competitive outlet for this growth was a key driver for the success of the programme and this was achieved by establishing new competitions. These were:
• 2 Schools competitions leading to County yr5 and yr7 events
• 2 schools played at National Futsal finals
The end result of this work was 10 Club based Futsal teams (U13/14, & U15/16). Phil Woolnough added: ‘The aim is now to sustain this fantastic achievement by continuing to work with existing clubs and Schools Sports Partnerships, and also by linking this competition model to the Competition Managers working in the county.’
FUTSAL was a key element of the programme and contributed to delivering new growth. This supported conventional School Club Link work supporting Mini Soccer & Girls delivery. This took place during the same period using FA Charter Standard Clubs and also the SCFA community coach to support delivery. Schools delivery led into local festivals, hosted by Charter Standard Clubs and then into Saturday Morning Fun Clubs from which opportunities to play in teams would be available.
The SCFA is now working to repeat this success, to sustain this activity and to continue to generate new opportunities for young people to play the ‘Beautiful Game’ in a variety of formats.
For further details please contact:
Chris Pringle (County Development Manager) on 01449 776313 or chris.pringle@Suffolkfa.com
Phil Woolnough (Football Development Officer) on 01449 776311 or phil.woolnough@suffolkfa.com
Other contact details:
Chris Walsh (FDO West Suffolk) 01449 776381 or chris.walsh@suffolkfa.com
Helen Bass (Womens’ and Girls FDO) 01449 776314 or Helen.bass@suffolkfa.com