What Is The FA Step Into Sport Programme?
The FA Step into Sport (SIS) programme is aimed at developing the next generation of football volunteers. The programme tries to enthuse, retain and develop young volunteers regardless of their background, gender or ability. The programme targets young people aged 14 to 19 and aims to develop them into young leaders within football.
The programme works in partnership with Sports Leaders UK, Youth Sport Trust, Sport England, schools, Charter Standard Clubs and other appropriate organisations and agencies.
It’s open to all young people aged 14-19 who have undertaken either:
- Level One Award in Sports Leadership (JSLA)
- Level Two Award in Sports Leadership (CSLA)
- Junior Football Organiser (JFO) Course
- Level One Football Coaching Certificate
- FA Referee Qualification
How Do You Get Involved?
Having completed one of these qualifications, young people are then able to sign up to the FA SIS programme by completing the SIS Starter Form (see 'Related Documents'). This then needs to be sent to Nick Emery at the Essex County FA (details below).
Once registered on the scheme, voluntary hours can then be recorded under one of the following themes:
- assisting in coaching and fun activities for young people
- behind the scenes - running a club/league
- marketing and promotion
- officiating - running the game
Volunteering must be football related and completed within one of the following settings (support and guidance can be provided by the Essex County FA in finding somewhere to volunteer):
- a local Charter Standard club
- within a school setting
- at a Football Foundation-funded project
All of the voluntary hours the Young Leaders complete are accredited by The FA, with different awards at 10, 25, 50, 100 and 200 hours of volunteering. All voluntary hours completed must be verified by a teacher, club secretary, team manager, the FF project manager or any other appropriate person. This person will be responsible for monitoring the SIS placement (with support from the ECFA).
Completed starter forms should be sent to: Nick Emery, Essex County FA, Springfield Lyons Approach, Chelmsford, Essex, CM2 5LB. E-Mail: nick.emery@essexfa.com. Telephone: (01245) 393077.
Once this has been received, Young Leaders can start logging their hours using the downloadable Log Book (see 'Related Documents'). This explains the process of logging hours. Any queries? Contact Nick Emery.
What are the Benefits of Joining?
- FA-accredited recognition of voluntary work at 10, 25, 50, 100 and 200 hours
- Membership to an SIS Young Leader network which will provide training opportunities throughout the year
- A reward programme of kit, equipment and a bursary towards further coaching qualifications. This will include: 10 hours - certificate; 25 hours - certificate; 50 hours - £20 bursary towards a Level 1 or Level 2 and a Young Leader polo shirt; 100 hours - a Coaches' Pack including a bag of balls, cones and bibs and a Young Leaders Umbro tracksuit; 200 hours - two tickets to a professional football match in Essex
Will There Be Any Support Available for Me?
Initially, Young Leaders can be supported to find a Charter Standard Club, school or Football Foundation project to volunteer at. There will then be ongoing support from the ECFA through the SIS Young Leaders network. This will provide training and network opportunities throughout the year. These focus on the practical and theoretical aspects of leadership such as developing coaching and refereeing skills, disability football, Futsal and many more.
The network will also represent an opportunity for the Young Leaders to get together and exchange ideas, best practice and different experiences to support one another. The network give Young Leaders across the County the opportunity to voice feedback and their thoughts, opinions and views on how young leadership should be shaped in the future.
Is There a Pathway from Club Level Then to County, Regional and National Levels?
To help with the development of Young Leaders, the we're developing a pathway to go from volunteering at a club level in Essex through to attending the annual FA National Young Leaders Camp. The pathway will be:
- to sign-up to SIS and begin volunteering at a Charter Standard Club, within your school through football-based sessions or through a Football Foundation-funded project anywhere across the County
- to attend the Essex County FA Young Leaders Camp
- six Young Leaders from the county event will then be selected to attend the East Region Young Leaders Camp
- two Young leaders will then be selected to attend the National Young Leaders Camp
- from the National Young Leaders Camp, two to four will then be selected to attend a week-long placement in a foreign country where, along with FA staff, they will visit a foreign community and assist with delivering football sessions
Who are the Existing Young Leaders and What Have They Achieved so Far?
We have a number of SIS Young Leaders across the County who have each achieved a variety of individual goals. We will shortly be profiling some of their achievements and how the SIS programme has helped them to develop.
Looking for Further Accreditation for your Voluntary Work? Look no Further than Vinvolved?
V is the national Youth Volunteering organisation for young people aged 16-25. The nationally-acclaimed Vinspired awards recognise the time you commit, the skills you develop and the difference you make through your volunteering. It has been designed to boost your CV by showing employers, colleges, universities and others clear evidence of what you’ve achieved as a volunteer.
For more information please visit the Vinvolved website via 'Related Links' or call the V hotline freephone number: (0808) 178 7337. V work with the Essex County FA to use the evidence you may already providing through Step Into Sport - meaning you can gain two awards at the same time! Just ask Nick Emery to register you Vinvolved too!
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