Fledgling football coaches and volunteers from across the County, both male and female, are being invited to attend the Essex County FA’s annual Young Leaders Camp in Colchester on Saturday 17th April, where some of the local grassroots game’s most promising minds will unite and share experiences.
The one-day camp at the University of Essex will see some of the County’s brightest young volunteers brought together to enhance and develop their supervisory skills as the next generation of football leaders. Following the event there will also be the chance for selected participants to attend a prestigious national equivalent later in the year which could, in turn, feed into an international gathering later down the line.
Aimed at anyone aged 15-17, a pre-requisite for the Camp is completion of either the Junior Sports Leaders Award, the Community equivalent, a Junior Football Organiser’s Course or the FA Level One or Two Coaching Certificate. The Basic FA Referee’s Certificate is also acceptable and candidates should have already completed five hours of volunteering with the commitment to complete another ten once the Camp has been completed, to put into practice the skills they will develop in the grassroots game.
Two Leaders, one boy and one girl, will be selected to represent Essex at the national equivalent, providing an opportunity to work with, and learn from, national FA coaches on a host of aspects such as Futsal, disability football, the media and nutrition. Participants will take part in practical sessions and workshops including teamwork, leadership and refereeing, as well as being signed-up to Step into Sport, meaning they can accredit their voluntary hours towards certificates, kit and equipment from the ECFA.
Last year, Woodford County High School student, Jade Haron, rated the FA National Young Leaders’ Camp as “an amazing experience” as she joined two other nominated prospects from the County at the University of Warwick in July to develop her volunteering skills. Only the top 100 young coaches and volunteers from across the Country were invited to the Camp, which included courses on creating a positive environment, dealing with pitch injuries, 5-11 skills coaching and football science.
Essex’s Young Leaders Camp is taking place on Saturday 17th April between 11:00am and 4:00pm at the University of Essex, Colchester. The ECFA is seeking male and female Young Leaders and candidates must be nominated by their football club/school/ project etc. Forms, which are available to download in 'Related Documents', must be returned by Friday 26th March to: Luke Hornsley, Essex County FA, The County Office, Springfield Lyons Approach, Chelmsford, Essex, CM2 5LB. For more information, contact Luke on (01245) 393070 or E-Mail luke.hornsley@essexfa.com.