Programme will help volunteers
SUFFOLK FA are launching a Volunteer Development Programme.
The programme will support football volunteers and their important roles in football clubs
Suffolk FA Football Development Manager Matt Stebbings said: “Post-pandemic, many clubs have struggled to stay afloat and have lost valuable players, staff and volunteers due to other commitments.
“Volunteers are key to the survival of grassroots football and many volunteers have not returned to grassroots football following the pandemic.
“This has left a gap in resource for clubs who are already stretched. Volunteers are the lifeline of football clubs and so we need a way to not only keep current volunteers in the game, but also attract new volunteers to clubs.”
Suffolk FA have been successful in obtaining funding via the Community Action Suffolk COVID-19 Restart Fund and will be using this to launch The Suffolk FA Volunteer Development Programme.
Matt continued: “The programme is designed to help subsidise volunteer training courses up to 75% of the fee* with specific funding to each local authority.
“We have a particular focus on ground staff who need upskilling on Grounds Management courses through the GMA, and clubs who wish to grow participation in the women’s and girls’ and disability pathways. Whether this is formal FA coaching, safeguarding and first aid qualifications to food hygiene, clubhouse management and more to support club sustainability and growth.
“Clubs are also invited to apply to help support their pathway growth through England Accreditation and youth participation. If you think your club and volunteers would benefit from a formal course/training, please apply and we will assess each one on a case-by-case basis.”
Applicants will need to apply via the button below and state which course they would like to undertake, information about how the qualification will be used, why subsidy is needed, how it will positively impact the local footballing community and how the club plans to utilise the qualification.
Pictured above is Roger Lawson, one of the grounds team at Bacton United 89 FC.
*Terms & Conditions apply.
