What to look for in a football club
When you are looking for a football club for your daughter to join two questions that will spring to mind are … will they be safe and will they have fun? To help you recognise those grassroots football clubs who have reached a minimum set of standards the FA have a kite mark scheme called the FA Charter Standard. The scheme encourages clubs to provide safe, child friendly environments for all young people to enjoy football, learn and improve their skills. Amongst other criteria clubs are expected to have at least one FA Level 1 qualified coach per age group, CRB check all club volunteers and have codes of conduct made available and promoted to all involved with the club. Clubs who have achieved this standard will use the FA Charter Standard logo.
When taking your child to a new club or coaching session always make sure the adult in charge has your contact details and perhaps stay and watch for a while or speak to other parents to find out what they think about the club.
Mixed Football
Girls and boys can currently play football together up to and including the u11 age group. There is much debate around whether mixed football should be allowed beyond the u11 age group and the FA are currently working with partners to research the social, technical, psychological and physical aspects of mixed football as well as demand, injuries, facilities and welfare matters. For further information on the FA mixed football research please click on the link opposite.