Charter Standard

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

CHARTER STANDARD
 
Brendan Walshe (E.C.F.A. County Development Manager), Marina Bull (League Welfare Officer), Chris Shurmer (League Chairman), Darren Lawrence (FA Regional Football Development Manager), Michaela Goss (League Secretary), Helen Hever (E.C.F.A. County Welfare Officer), Mark Fletcher (League Treasurer)
 

CHELMER & CROUCH ARE FIRST

CHARTER STANDARD LEAGUE
 
Record numbers packed out the clubhouse at Chelmsford City Football Club to see the Chelmer & Crouch 9v9 Youth League make local football history by accepting the County's first ever FA Charter Standard League award during their Annual Presentation Evening on Sunday 14th June 2009 in front of over one hundred gleeful players, parents and officials.

Darren Lawrence, FA Regional Football Development Manager for the East, presented the award then paid tribute to their "hard work and commitment" in achieving the brand new accolade, a flagship initiative which assesses the ability of a league to provide a high quality, safe and enjoyable experience against set criteria. A major benefit of the award is the agreed support package received from the Essex County Football Association, including a three-year development plan and annual health check process aiming to improve the working relationship between County F.A. and league. It is also designed to assist and enable them to develop going forward according to their own goals.

"The Chelmer & Crouch Youth League have worked hard to meet the criteria and produce their Development Plan in a short space of time," claimed Lawrence after the competition followed in the footsteps of the Hull Boys Sunday League, who were the first to receive the award in late May. "The League is one of the first in the Country to achieve this and one of only four to date within the East Region. The commitment shown by their volunteers has been first class and it's clear they are a forward-looking competition striving to do the right things to provide quality experiences for young people."
 
 
Michaela Goss, League Secretary, formed part of the team dishing out trophies to delighted players for the honours they secured during the campaign, but admits she was particularly overjoyed when receiving an elegant glass award on behalf of the competition: "We're honoured to be one of the handful of leagues nationally to have achieved this award. We mostly have Charter Standard clubs join us anyway and they have been keen to take the 9v9 format on board. In excess of twenty clubs now take part and the game is growing in popularity as each year we top the numbers we had previously. Our Development Plan is in place for the next three years and now we hope to push 9v9 out to more clubs so we can grow."

As part of the criteria to attain the award, Chelmer & Crouch's non-Charter Standard member clubs will have two years to achieve the status and undertake key areas of improvement in their own operating standards. Each club must have in place, amongst other things, a Welfare Officer and a Child Protection Policy, as well as ensuring all volunteers have completed Criminal Records Bureau (C.R.B.) checks. Their managers and coaches should also have appropriate coaching, Safeguarding Children and Emergency Aid qualifications. The Programme will help to deliver an improved service and support structure, at the same time as enhancing communication streams.
 
 
Helping the League through every step of their application was Ian Bent, E.C.F.A. Club Development Officer, who is thrilled to have helped start the ball rolling. "Our plan is to use the achievements of the C.C.Y.L. to promote the award to the rest of the leagues in the County," he said. "Chelmer & Crouch will be employed as both an example of best practice, but also as a promotion aid to enable us to show-off the benefits to other leagues. It is a huge honour for Essex to have one of the first Charter Standard Leagues in the Country and highlights both the excellent work we do as a Football Development Team and the hard endeavour of the league officials. Together we are confident that the League will be the first of many in Essex."

In addition to the increased support from the E.C.F.A. in developing their competition, Charter Standard Leagues also benefit from the opportunity to promote themselves using the exclusive Charter branding. Each C.S.L. receives a benefits package, resulting in an increase in C.S. clubs playing within their league and ensuring every club is meeting the criteria set out by The FA. This will result in raised standards across the board, including on and off-field conduct, and a level playing field for all clubs.

The League will continue to demonstrate their commitment to addressing poor behaviour in the game, and County Welfare Officer, Helen Hever, added she was pleased to see the presentation of Fair Play Awards later in the evening. Helen expressed: "Youth football is a passionate game and, during a match, when some decisions don't go the way you thought, it's easy to let poor discipline effect performance. However, maintaining respect for fellow players, opposition, spectators and match officials is an important aspect. This reflects well on the club and being nominated for, or winning, a Fair Play Award demonstrates all those positive principles have been acknowledged during a long season. Winners of this award can be incredibly proud of their achievements."

Details regarding the FA Charter Standard Programme for both leagues and clubs can be obtained from Club Development Officer, Ian Bent. Ian's phone number is (01245) 393094 and his E-Mail Address is ian.bent@essexfa.com. Alternatively, information can be found at www.thefa.com by clicking on 'Get Into Football' then 'Charter Standard'.
 
 

CHARTER FESTIVAL DUBBED

"AN EXCELLENT DAY OF FUN"
 
Speed Shots, 5v5, passing, dribbling and shooting were just some of the skills that hundreds of local children, coaches, parents and spectators witnessed at the annual Essex County Football Association Charter Standard Festival on Saturday 6th June, held at Colchester United Community Sports Trust's Shrub End Community & Sports Centre in Boadicea Way.

Various training sessions, small-sided matches and activities were staged for boys and girls from Charter clubs across Essex, led by a team of qualified coaches from The FA Tesco Skills Team, the E.C.F.A. and Football in the Community coaches from both Colchester United's C.S.T. and Southend United's Community & Educational Trust. Each year the County F.A. stages various free events at the end of the busy football season to appreciate their flagship clubs, with an adult equivalent following in August.

The FA Charter Standard Programme is a best practice guide that sets yardsticks of coaching, administration and child protection for all clubs outside the Football League and Premier League as a benchmark for quality to improve the playing experience for all. Participants on the day were given sessions on various soccer skills as well as being afforded the opportunity to participate in small-sided matches. Everyone went away with a medal and certificate as a memento of their day to remember.

The wet weather even stayed away long enough to ensure everyone had both a dry as well as an enjoyable occasion, according to E.C.F.A. Club Development Officer, Ian Bent. "This event was a way of thanking all our Charter Standard Clubs for their hard work over the past year," he said. "This was my first experience of the Festival and I really enjoyed the atmosphere. To have over a hundred ten and eleven-year-olds participating was fantastic! I must thank everyone who assisted on the day and all of the clubs who supported the event because without them it simply wouldn't have happened."

For the adults, a men's tournament will take place between 10:00am and 4:00pm on Saturday 1st August in Chelmsford, while the women's equivalent is scheduled for the same times the next day. Ian continued: "The event is free of charge to encourage as many of our C.S. adult clubs to attend. It is one of the benefits for our adult clubs and is a way of the E.C.F.A. giving something back to the teams who meet the high standards of the Charter Standard programme on a regular basis week-in, week-out, and may not receive as many benefits as our youth clubs."

Rave reviews have also been received from the clubs involved, including comments from Eddie Randall, Great Notley Under 10s Vipers Manager, who said: "We would like to thank the E.C.F.A. for an excellent day of fun and training activities. The way the event was run was a credit to the Association and we will no doubt be looking to support similar events in the future. I know the boys learned one or two new skills and my coaching team were able to step back and observe for a change!"

Booking Forms can be downloaded below or can be requested from Ian Bent on (01245) 393094. Alternatively, E-Mail ian.bent@essexfa.com, with forms to be received no later than Friday 24th July at The County Office, Springfield Lyons Approach, Chelmsford, Essex, CM2 5LB. A £10 refundable deposit is required with each booking and places will be allocated on a first come, first served basis, limited to two teams per club. Team Sheets will be sent out once places are confirmed.
 

Click HERE to download a Booking Form
 
 

E.C.F.A. ISSUES CHARTER CONTEST CALL
 
Local FA Charter Standard adult clubs are being invited by the Essex County F.A. to descend on Marconi's new Sport & Leisure Club facility in Great Baddow, Chelmsford on the weekend of Saturday 1st August for the latest tournament to thank them for their efforts in maintaining best practice.

Club Development Officer Ian Bent is aiming to attract scores of male and female teams to generate two days of competition over the weekend. The event will consist of shortened eleven-a-side 'round robin' group matches, eventually leading to a grand final to decide the 2009 C.S. adult tournament champions. Last year Beacon Hill Rovers from Wickham Bishops near Witham won the male event, while Chelmsford City came out on top in the women's tournament.
 
 
Aside from the competitive element, customary Fair Play Awards will also be on offer to those with high levels of sportsmanship, and Bent explains he's planning for another worthwhile event: "We're hoping to build on the success of last season's tournaments and envisage we can attract even more teams to this year's event. This is certainly the highlight of the year for our Charter Standard adult clubs and we continue to draw high numbers to the festival. We're optimistic this year should be no different! This tournament is always a great occasion, win or lose, and it's been a really enjoyable day out for everyone involved. It is viewed by many as more than just a tournament and it can be ideal preparation for the new season that lies ahead."

The men's tournament will take place between 10:00am and 4:00pm on the Saturday, while the women's equivalent is scheduled for the same times the next day. Ian continued: "The event is free of charge to encourage as many of our C.S. adult clubs to attend. The tournament is one of the benefits for our adult clubs and is a way of the E.C.F.A. giving something back to the teams who meet the high standards of the Charter Standard programme on a regular basis week-in, week-out, and may not receive as many benefits as our youth clubs."
 
  
Booking Forms can be downloaded below or can be requested from Ian Bent on (01245) 393094. Alternatively, E-Mail ian.bent@essexfa.com, with forms to be received no later than Friday 24th July at The County Office, Springfield Lyons Approach, Chelmsford, Essex, CM2 5LB. A £10 refundable deposit is required with each booking and places will be allocated on a first come, first served basis, limited to two teams per club. Team Sheets will be sent out once places are confirmed.

Click HERE to Download a Booking Form
 
 

CHARTER EVENT ATTRACTS HALF CENTURY
 
Fifty-five coaches and administrators from local FA Charter Standard Clubs displayed their eagerness to learn more about the grassroots game at Hullbridge Sports & Social Club on Monday 11th May as they participated in the last In-Service Training extravaganza of the football season.

The Essex County Football Association event offered two separate workshops on the night, with coaches taking part in a 'Speed, Agility and Quickness' (SAQ(r)) Workshop operated by Coaching Development Officer Gary Piggott, whilst the administrators attended a Funding Opportunities Workshop with Club Development Officer, Ian Bent. Ian was pleased to end the season with a great turnout, explaining: "Once again the sheer numbers in attendance highlighted the tremendous work our volunteers do in assisting us to raise standards in football. In addition to the hours they put in running their respective clubs, they are also showing the willingness to learn new skills, expand their knowledge base and share tips of good practice with fellow Charter Standard clubs."

In a little over ten years, SAQ(r) has established itself as the qualified leader in the fast-growing field of movement training. SAQ(r) refers to the training of Speed, Agility and Quickness, and this practical workshop took participants through the basics of the training methods associated with SAQ(r) and encouraged them to implement some of these ideas and drills into their respective clubs. Meanwhile, the Funding Opportunities Workshop provided representatives with information on the options available through various FA initiatives. It also focused on how the Football Foundation's Small Grant Scheme can be used to create new teams within clubs, supporting growth and the importance of linking into National Game Strategy targets.

Looking back on a busy season's worth of training, Bent is now looking forward to working again with the County's volunteer workforce for the betterment of the game in Essex. He concluded: "As one of the major benefits to Charter Standard clubs, the aim is now to follow-up the success of this season's In-Service Training Programme, which has seen over 150 volunteers attend the various events, and to ensure that next season's programme is bigger, better and even more varied."

Details on the FA Charter Standard Programme and other in-service events can be found on www.essexfa.com or by contacting Club Development Officer, Ian Bent, on (01245) 393094 or via E-Mail at ian.bent@essexfa.com.
 
 

CHARTER STANDARD FESTIVAL TO REWARD CLUBS
 
Club Development Officer, Ian Bent, is looking forward to "one of the highlights of the Essex County F.A. calendar" as the annual FA Charter Standard Festival comes to Shrub End Community Sports Centre in Colchester, with two days of fun and games planned as a thank you to the County's leading youth clubs.

Boys and girls from Charter Clubs across Essex are being invited to the home of the Colchester United Community Sports Trust in Boadicea Way on the weekend of 6th and 7th June to take part in various 'skills stations' as well as training sessions led by a team of qualified coaches from the Essex County Football Association, the FA Tesco Skills Team and Football in the Community coaches. This year's Festival will benefit from the introduction of a second day for the very first time, and Bent believes this is a tribute to the growing number of forward-thinking clubs in the region.

"We are hoping the introduction of a second day will result in this being the most popular Festival to date," Bent predicted. "This has also enabled us to offer a 'girls only' day this year which shows the growth in the girls' game and the high number of female teams gaining the Charter Standard award. The success of the event will largely depend on the number of participants, so we are hoping our Charter Standard clubs take advantage of this excellent opportunity for a great football day out."

The E.C.F.A. event is open to clubs with teams who are currently in the Under 10s or 11s age group. Clubs are being asked to assemble a maximum of two squads of around ten to twelve players who do not necessarily have to be playing league football, as clubs with children who are simply training are also welcome to attend. Places are limited and will be issued on a first-come, first-served basis.

Every participant will walk away with a goody bag as a memento of the day, similar to last year when over one hundred participants revelled in the summer sunshine. The FA Charter Standard Programme is a best practice guide that sets yardsticks of coaching, administration and child protection for all clubs outside the Football League and Premier League as a benchmark for quality to improve the playing experience for all.

"This event is a way of thanking all our Charter Standard Clubs for their hard work over the past year," Ian continued. "This will be my first experience of the Festival but I am really looking forward to the weekend and firmly believe it is one of the highlights of the E.C.F.A. calendar. The event is free of charge as a thank you to our clubs for the high levels of effort they put in each year in achieving and maintaining high standards within the grassroots game."

The event will take place at Shrub End Community & Sports Centre, Colchester United Community Sports Trust, Boadicea Way, Colchester. The boys' day will be on Saturday 6th June between 10:00am and 2:00pm and the girls' day on Sunday 7th June, also between 10:00am and 2:00pm. Booking Forms can be downloaded below or can be requested from Ian Bent on (01245) 393094. Alternatively, E-Mail ian.bent@essexfa.com, with forms to be received no later than Friday 29th May.
 

Click HERE to download a Booking Form
 
 

Grassroots Football Live Ticket Offer
 

Exclusive to Charter Standard Clubs
 

Click HERE
 

FA CHARTER STANDARD CLUB AWARDS 2009
 
Nomination forms are now available for this year's FA Charter Standard Club Awards as the Essex County Football Association go all-out to reward best practice in the area with their annual prize-giving amongst some of their best maintained clubs who 'improve the playing experience for all'.
 
 
E.C.F.A. Club Development Officer, Ian Bent, is eager to see as many forms returned as possible, before the 27th April deadline, to ensure the cream of the County's workforce are recognised for their hours of devoted coaching and administration which make football one of the most enjoyable and worthwhile sports in the world at all levels.

Each winning club or individual will receive an invitation to attend the summer's prestigious E.C.F.A. Awards Evening to receive the much-warranted gratitude of fellow peers and accept a County Winners' Pennant as well as a £50 Umbro kit and equipment voucher for their club. In addition, the victors of certain categories will receive a one-hour coaching session within their club from an FA Coach. There are also potential routes towards regional and national award nominations, which themselves benefit from further rewards including Umbro vouchers.

These particular awards are only open to clubs who have already proved themselves as a high-quality well-run establishment by achieving Charter Standard status thanks to their exceptional standards of coaching, administration and child protection. The Awards are deemed the best possible opportunity to gain deserved recognition for hours of voluntary work in the following categories: Charter Standard Club, Adult Club and Development Club, Community Club, Charter Standard Club Coach and Club Administrator.

A fine example of the dedication of Charter volunteers was recently witnessed at the William de Ferrers Centre near Chelmsford as over 40 local managers, coaches and players were present at a double-header training event. The E.C.F.A. held Introduction to Level Two Coaching and Injury Prevention Workshops to amount to the latest part of a 2008/09 Charter Standard In-Service Training Programme, offering Charter clubs in the area the opportunity to attend a wide range of episodes designed to improve the running of their clubs and the skills of the volunteers they depend so much upon.

E.C.F.A. Coaching Development Officer, Gary Piggott, ran the Level Two Workshop, and commented: "Hopefully those attending will have gone away better informed and should have gained an understanding regarding some of the practical and theoretical elements of the Level Two. I would like to think that the evening gave a realization of the step from the Level One to Two and inspire some of them to make the jump!"

During the Injury Prevention Workshop, attendees were given useful advice and tips to help them avert and reduce the number of common knocks. The two-hour burst of training was presented by Elaine Hume, an FA-Qualified Medical Tutor, who hopes the session will have a positive impact on the local game: "At grassroots level, the importance of injury prevention is often overlooked and this provided an ideal opportunity for those attending to learn how to identify the signs and symptoms of common and 'overuse' injuries. After seeing the enthusiasm and commitment shown I am confident they will go back to their clubs and put their newfound knowledge to good use."

Bent himself, who used the event to spread the word about the impending award nomination process, was delighted at the turnout for both and expressed: "To have so many local coaches turn up on a cold Monday Evening is extremely pleasing! Once again it highlights the excellent commitment and high quality of volunteers working within the grassroots football spectrum all across Essex and why we should be recognising them through our annual awards. Get nominating!"

Nominations for clubs or individuals can be registered by completing the Nomination Form available below and returning it to: Ian Bent, Essex County Football Association, The County Office, Springfield Lyons Approach, Chelmsford, Essex, CM2 5LB. All forms must be returned by 27th April 2009 to qualify. Nominations in more than one category are welcomed on separate forms. Ian can also be contacted to receive hard copies on (01245) 393094 or via E-Mail at ian.bent@essexfa.com.
 

Click HERE to download a Nomination Form
 
 

CHARTER STANDARD DROP-IN SESSIONS
 
Club Development Officer Ian Bent has organised a series of information drop-in sessions for clubs across the County. The sessions are designed to encourage local clubs to drop by at a time that suits them at a local venue to discuss their club's development, The F.A. Charter Standard Scheme, how a club can achieve this award and how it can benefit their club.

The sessions taking place are:

Tuesday 3rd March
Essex County F.A.
The County Office
Springfield Lyons Approach
Springfield
Chelmsford
Essex
CM2 5LB
6:00-8:00pm

Wednesday 4th March
Dagenham & Redbridge F.C.
Victoria Road
Dagenham
Essex
RM10 7XL
6:00-8:00pm

Thursday 5th March
Shrimpers Bar
Southend United F.C.
Roots Hall Stadium
Victoria Avenue
Southend-on-Sea
Essex
SS2 6NQ
6:00-8:00pm

To book a time slot at a session, please contact Ian Bent on...
ian.bent@essexfa.com
(01245) 393094
 

'PRO PARTNERS' LEND A HAND

TO GRASSROOTS FOOTBALL
 
Grassroots football coordinators at the Essex County Football Association are excited to announce the launch of a brand new F.A. Charter Standard 'Pro Partners' initiative, with the support of three professional football clubs, that aims to 'improve the playing experience for all' at grassroots level in 2009 and beyond.
 

Charter Standard 'Pro Partners' Launch: E.C.F.A. Club Development Officer Ian Bent displays one of the posters.

Bidding to attract a greater number of clubs towards the scheme, the E.C.F.A. have teamed-up with three local Coca-Cola Football League sides - Southend United, Colchester United and Leyton Orient - in an effort to initiate a poster campaign promoting the merits of the Charter Standard Programme, a best practice guide that sets benchmarks of coaching, administration and child protection for clubs working with young people. 
 
The main criteria to become a Charter establishment include having a minimum of one F.A. Level One-trained coach for each team within the club, ensuring all volunteers complete an F.A. Criminal Records Bureau (C.R.B.) check, and adopting a Code of
Conduct and Child Protection Policy to ensure high standards of club discipline are met. Any club is capable of gaining Charter status and The F.A. is aiming for seventy-five per-cent inclusion of youth and mini-soccer teams to be playing within Charter Standard clubs by 2012.
 

Colchester United: Matt Lockwood, Clive Platt, Johnnie Jackson and Steven Gillespie 

Each club who gains the award receives a benefits package including Umbro kit vouchers, discounts on courses and workshops and access to county and regional events. E.C.F.A. Club Development Officer, Ian Bent, is delighted with the partnerships, which also include coverage in the clubs' matchday programmes and websites. He explained: "To get three professional clubs promoting a grassroots campaign is a fantastic triumph, which shows their commitment to helping us raise standards at all levels. We have a fantastic support package in place to assist clubs in achieving this status, and we are here to assist clubs at every stage of the process. Each club has agreed to get behind us in spreading the positive message that improvement should be the target for everyone in football."
 
One club who recently reaped the full benefits was Wickham Bishops-based Beacon Hill Rovers Y.F.C. who scooped both the E.C.F.A. Charter Standard Club of the Year Award and the national F.A. equivalent in 2008. Club representatives were handed their award by former West Ham United and international legend Sir Trevor Brooking on the Wembley pitch prior to England's World Cup qualifying match against Kazakhstan in October and were also invited as guests of The F.A. in recognition of their achievements, which were recorded in the official matchday programme. 

Leyton Orient: Glenn Morris, Wayne Gray and Andrew Cave-Brown

 
Mark Davies, Affinity & Marketing Manager at Southend United, added: "It's important for the structure of the English game that levels of coaching, administration and organisation are improved from youth level 
right the way through to the professional game. Our club is only too happy to reveal the merits of the Charter Standard scheme to our supporters in the hope more clubs will apply to join the excellent programme."
 

Southend United: Peter Clarke with the F.A. Charter Standard banner.

Clubs or individuals who would like further information on any aspect of the Award Scheme should contact Ian on (01245) or 393094 or E-Mail ian.bent@essexfa.com. A3 Posters of each of the three clubs, as well as a generic equivalent, can also be claimed free of charge via the same means.
 

NEW SKILLS ON OFFER

FOR CHARTER STANDARD COACHES
 
Club Development Officer Ian Bent hopes the success of the latest Essex County Football Association In-Service training event will continue a steep rise in the standard of the area's clubs, ahead of the next scheduled instalment at William de Ferrers School on Monday 26th January.
 
 
Eighteen coaches from local F.A. Charter Standard clubs attended a free coaching event last month at The University of Essex Sports Centre in Colchester to take-in ideas and tips from Essex's F.A. Tesco Skills Coach Team, led by former Leyton Orient defender and Skills Team Leader Matthew Joseph. Focus was placed on football drills and techniques to challenge a variety of young players then, after the practical session, Matt and his colleagues hosted a Question & Answer briefing covering aspects of coaching and the Skills Programme itself.

Now Ian, who has been tasked with overseeing the Charter Standard Programme in the County since the middle of last year, hopes the buzz from this event will follow-on to the next scheduled evening, stating: "I am absolutely delighted with the success of the night and I'm confident that all of the coaches who attended will go away with new ideas to take back to their clubs. The enthusiasm and commitment on show proved to me that the quality of coaching within our clubs is very high, and this is a good sign that we have a strong network of excellent volunteers throughout the County."

The F.A. Charter Standard Programme is a best practice guide that sets standards of coaching, administration and child protection for all clubs outside the Football League and Premier League. As a benchmark for quality, it aims to 'improve the playing experience for all' and operates alongside the F.A. Tesco Skills Coach Programme, which is targeted towards raising the technical standards of football amongst 5-11-year-olds.

Ian is also optimistic the County's hard work will continue to pay-off in future months, adding: "First and foremost, the best way clubs can improve is by ensuring they continue to meet the Charter Standard criteria set out by The Football Association, and we welcome new applications from non-Charter clubs to try and achieve the Award and the subsequent benefits Charter clubs currently enjoy. During my first six months in post I have been really impressed with both the standard of our grassroots clubs in Essex, and also their willingness to improve both as a club and as individuals within a club. I am very confident this will continue to improve throughout 2009."

Charter Standard clubs wanting more information on the upcoming In-Service Training Programme event on 26th January, or anybody else seeking details on the benefits of becoming a C.S. club, should contact Ian Bent on (01245) 393094 or E-Mail ian.bent@essexfa.com. F.A. Tesco Skills Programme queries should be directed to Team Leader Matthew Joseph on (07943) 862306 or matthew.joseph@thefa.com.
 

Click HERE to download In-Service Events
 
 

SMARTER, NOT HARDER AT HOCKLEY WORKSHOPS
 
Working smarter, not harder, and reviewing the new structure of the F.A. Level Two Coaching Course were subjects of the day at Hockley Community Centre as the Essex County F.A. delivered their latest Charter Standard in-service events for coaches and club secretaries.
 
 
Introduction to the Level Two and Role of the Club Secretary Workshops were well-attended and are seen as amongst the benefits of local clubs striving for Charter Standard status. The scheme is a best practice guide that sets standards of coaching, administration and child protection for all clubs outside the Football League and Premier League. As a benchmark for quality, it aims to improve the playing experience for all, and E.C.F.A. Senior Football Development Officer, Brendan Walshe, believes events of this nature are vital to advance Essex's football workforce.

"The new format of the Level Two Coaching Course is very different from the old one, and it's our task to ensure the transition is easy to make, starting with our Charter clubs," he explained. "Coaching is a challenging but rewarding experience and the updated structure allows coaches to think more for themselves, be open-minded and think more, delivering sessions they have designed themselves."

Gary Piggott, the County's Coaching Development Officer, led the Workshop and provided a taster to the practical and theoretical aspects of the new format, while elsewhere at the Centre, the Effective Football Club Administration Workshop ensured volunteers received pointers on how to recruit and retain volunteers and define their role as club secretaries. "All grassroots clubs rely heavily on their secretaries and without them, they simply wouldn't exist," Brendan continued. "It can be a demanding role, often with little preparation or training, so we need to offer assistance in passing-on the most helpful hints and tips on efficiency that we can."

Terry Scudder, of Hawkwell Athletic Y.F.C., was particularly pleased with how the event unfolded: "We were very grateful to Gary and his colleagues for running the two workshops. I'm sure that everyone would rate it as useful and we look forward to seeing if anyone is interested in doing the new Course from within our club."
 

EASTERN REGION AWARD FOR ST. CHRISTOPHER'S
 
St. Christopher's in Leigh-on-Sea have extended their representation in local football by scooping a prestigious award recognising their achievements as a leading F.A. Charter Standard Special School in Essex, and now the Eastern Region.
 

F.A. Skills Coach Luke Williams puts the children through their paces in a specially-arranged session based at the St. Christopher's Sports complex, Leigh-on-Sea.

 
Wayne Curtis, Football Coach and Sports Hall Manager, received the acknowledgement on behalf of the school at their sports complex and was thrilled all their hard work was being rewarded: "It's brilliant to receive this award to sit alongside those we've already received in the Leisure & Tourism and Community categories at the Southend & District Business Awards. They all help us advertise the sporting achievements of the school as part of our community programme to extend opportunities to children of all abilities, linking-in with the F.A. 3 Lions scheme."
  
Part of their prize included a visit from one of Essex's new F.A. Skills Coaches, Luke Williams, to deliver a coaching session based around fun and skill development. Matthew Joseph, the F.A. Skills Team Leader, was also on hand to present Wayne with a commemorative plaque.
 
The school were selected for their latest honour by The Football Association's Area Manager, Darren Lawrence, out of the seven counties' entries which constituted the eastern region. Wayne is now focussing on several busy months ahead: "We won't be sitting back and resting on our laurels just because we've won what we have. There's still a lot more we plan to do, such as improving our dilapidated Astroturf synthetic pitch and working in partnership with the Southend Community Trust and local clubs to improve what we have to offer."
 
St. Christopher's had the opportunity to nominate themselves for the County version, completing a form outlining the football schemes and projects they'd delivered during the year. This included teaching qualifications and school-to-club links as well as curriculum and out-of-school-hours provision.

Lana Bond, Essex County F.A. Education Officer commented: "St. Christopher's have consistently provided excellent opportunities for their pupils and the wider community to get involved with football both in the curriculum and after school. They fully deserve this award and we look forward to working with them in the future."