Following the launch of The FA's National Game Strategy and the new PE and School Sport Strategy for Young People, it was deemed the right time to amalgamate the FA Charter Standard Scheme with the School-Club Link Programme and focus on providing quality club links between schools and Charter Standard Clubs.
Club Link is a key area in both The National Game Strategy and the new FA Corporate Strategy to drive the growth and retention of new club and school teams. With all this in mind, The FA Charter Schools Programme was terminated last year and existing Charter Standard Schools were invited to apply to become FA Club-Link Schools.
What does this mean for existing Charter Standard Schools?
If a school is within the three-year accreditation period they will continue to access the benefits package and enjoy discounted England youth and women’s international tickets and the special Umbro website as normal. If they are outside the accreditation period, access to the benefits has now finished. By applying to become an FA Club-Link School, institutions will have continued, focussed support from The FA over the coming year.
If the FA Charter Standard is so popular, then why the change?
Schools received The FA Charter Standard based on their current provision in football, both curricular and extra curricular, to a minimum number of year groups (boys and girls) for a minimum period of time. Although recognising the excellent use of football by the school, it did not always reflect a strong link to local Charter clubs.
What are the criteria and benefits?
Focus schools will be asked to submit a plan of what they hope to achieve with their football activity over the coming year, ensuring that the Programme is outcome-driven. Simply, baseline activity is recorded upon how the school sets target numbers for new teams, numbers for pupils (not in the school team) attending extended opportunities (after school clubs, Futsal etc) and, key to the whole, Programme the number of pupils going on to club football.
There should also be a commitment by school staff to gain FA qualifications, through attending one of the new ten education modules or a standard coach education course, such as a Level One Certificate in Coaching Football. Benefits will include a £50 Umbro voucher for kit and equipment, tickets to England Under 21s, women’s and youth games, an FA Club-Link School Certificate as well as stronger link with local Charter Clubs which will provide quality pathways for pupils.
Who are the Essex County FA Club-Link Schools for this year?
Melbourne Park Primary & Nursery, Benhurst Primary, Howbridge Junior, The St Christopher, Godwin Primary, Scotts Primary, Northlands Junior, Friars Grove Junior, The Davenant Foundation, Roding Valley High, Shenfield High, Woodham Walter C of E Primary, Tom Hood Community Science College, Canon Palmer Catholic, St. Clere’s, The Westerings Primary, Cedar Hall, The Westborough Primary, Thurstable School Sports College & Sixth Form, Warren Secondary, Chafford Hundred Campus, Shoeburyness High.
How do we become an FA Club-Link School?
If you wish to be considered for the current phase between September 2009 and June 2010, please contact the ECFA Education & Schools Development Officer, Lana Gillard, on (01245) 393073 or E-Mail lana.gillard@essexfa.com to receive an Expression of Interest Form.
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