The Spartans FC
Youth Section
(Scottish Charity Number: SC 029945)
Handbook
Season 2011/2012
www.SpartansFCYouth.com
The Spartans FC Youth Section - Handbook Season 2011/2012
Welcome to
The Spartans
A warm welcome to all players, parents, coaches,
volunteers and “supporters” of The Spartans Football Club
(Youth Section).
Les Atkinson
Chair
(Youth Section)
This season sees us operate at under 6’s and 7’s (year
groups 2006 and 2005), soccer 4’s at under 8’s (2004), soccer
7’s at under 9’s, 10’s, 11’s and 12’s (year groups 2003, 2002,
2001 and 2000) and 11 aside football at under 13’s, 14’s,
15’s, 16’s, 17’s and 19’s (year groups 1999, 1998, 1997, 1996,
1995 and 1994/1993). Additionally, we now have an under 21
(1991/1990) squad playing under the Spartans banner for
the first time. Thirteen squads playing 7 aside football under
the jurisdiction of the East of Scotland Soccer Development
Association (ESSDA) and sixteen 11 aside squads playing
under the jurisdiction of the Lothian Buses South East
Region Youth Football League (SERYFL). We also have three
girls squads at under 11, 13 and 15 (year groups 2000, 1998
and 1996) playing under the jurisdiction of Scottish Women’s
Football (SWF). Over 500 children and young people, of all
abilities, playing football in the South East Region with one
of the biggest youth clubs, by membership, in the country.
The club continues to grow and will always endeavour
to provide a safe place for children to play and from a
footballing perspective it aims to produce young talent who
can play at the highest level of the adult game.
We have a strong “supporting cast” working behind the
scenes which allowed the youth section to attain the Scottish
Football Association’s (SFA) Quality Mark, at Community
Level, in June 2008, one of only a handful of clubs in
Scotland to have reached this very high standard. This was
recently “audited” and renewed.
Come and support us and help us improve our club.
Welcome to The Spartans.
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The Spartans FC Youth Section - Handbook Season 2011/2012
Where are we?
The Spartans Community Football Academy
94 Pilton Drive
Edinburgh EH5 2HF
T: 0131-552-7854
Contact:
Douglas Samuel
Development Manager
Our “Stakeholders”
Our players, parents, coaches, volunteers, Management Committee, The Spartans
“Family”. This Handbook endeavours to provide essential information about our club
to all of our stakeholders. The club continues to evolve and by its nature it will change.
Updates will be posted regularly to our website.
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Our Club
Manager
John joined The Spartans in 1978, and during his playing
career, he played for all three of the Club’s adult teams.
He has coached the 1st and 2nd XI’s, and taken on
administrative duties for the Club, including that of being
the SFA Secretary, since his coaching and playing days
came to an end.
John McCabe
Club Manager
John is married, with one child. He retired from a career
in education after thirty-one years. John worked in
various high schools around the city of Edinburgh. During
that time he managed an Education Support Service,
working with children and families to maintain the child’s
attendance at their local school, and to avoid the need for
them to be taken into the care of their local authority.
Main Duties
•T
o deal with a wide range of administrative tasks
effectively, ensuring they are dealt with on time and
accurately.
•T
o show leadership and initiative and be the focal point of
the YS Management team to both internal and external
stakeholders.
•T
o lead the Youth Section effectively; ensuring that
each person on the YSMC is performing their role
competently.
•T
o provide support & assistance for office bearers and
volunteers as & when required.
• J ohn is the PRIMARY contact for all matters pertaining
to the administration of the Youth section.
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Club History
The Spartans Football Club was established by two former
Edinburgh University players, Elliot Wardlaw and Jimmy
Beaumont, in the summer of 1951 and immediately joined
the East of Scotland League. The club was originally
formed for former university and college footballers but
the constitution now allows “other interested parties” to
join.
Spartans continue to play in the East of Scotland League,
the level directly below the 3rd Division of the Scottish
Football League (the club’s ambition is to gain entry to the
SFL).
The club became full members of the Scottish Football
Association in 1976 when moving in to City Park as tenants
of Edinburgh City Council. The ground is situated on
Ferry Road, a half mile from Crewe Toll in the north of
Edinburgh.
The Scottish Cup upsets apart, Spartans’ other claim to
fame is having more registered players than almost any
other club in Scotland. In addition to the “seniors”, the
“juniors”, established in the late 1970’s initially as an
amateur side, now play in the SJFA East Region (South)
league and the third team, started up in the 1980s, in the
Lothian and Edinburgh Amateur League. A fourth team
play in the Edinburgh Sunday Amateur league. We also
have an under-19 team playing in the East of Scotland
Youth League as well as youth teams right down to under6s, boys and girls. There are over 500 youngsters on
Spartans’ books and a waiting list is now in place for many
age groups.
The women’s section started in 2008 when Premier
League Edinburgh Ladies FC and Scottish League side
Royal High Thistle joined The Spartans and linked with
the Spartans Girls’ section to build a player pathway for
Womens and Girls football in north Edinburgh.
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Spartans raised funds to build a new home at Ainslie
Park, situated 500 yards from City Park. This new facility
operates under an independent trust called The Spartans
Community Football Academy and opened in December
2008 and includes a 500-seater stand and floodlights
surrounding the main stadium, recently installed, 3rd
generation artificial pitch and an adjacent, full size
3rd generation artificial pitch, also with floodlights.
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In order to give children in the Comely Bank area of
Edinburgh the chance to play football before they joined
the school system of soccer sevens or 11-a-side, a group
of parents led by Carlo De Angelis invited children up
to primary class 3 to come along to Inverleith Park in
Edinburgh. On a dull Saturday morning in early 1996 the
children of Flora Stevenson Primary School football club
first kicked a ball in anger.
It soon became apparent that letting
the children play football alone was
limited. More equipment and expertise
were needed. A voluntary subscription of
50p was introduced and cash started to
accumulate. At the same time donations
started to trickle in, raised as result of 100
or so begging letters to local businesses.
Soon ample funds were available to
provide every child in the club with a ball. The parents
involved at this point recognised the need to further
educate themselves and started doing SFA coaching
courses. Thereafter, football coaching was introduced at
sessions and bibs and markers were bought to aid a more
focused approach. The first newsletter was published,
“For Real Footballers Only”, a title reflecting the club’s
emphasis of participation and fun. At this stage all the
footballs, markers and bibs the club possessed were
transported to sessions in a 4’x3’ trailer attached to the
back of the head coach’s car. The club had moved from
Inverleith Park to Broughton High School but it was soon
realised that this was very restrictive. Often the whims of
the school janitor dictated the access to a couple of sets of
rickety aluminium goals. The premises had to be cleared
by a certain time. Arriving early was frowned upon, setting
up was usually a frantic process.
At about the same time further events occurred to
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radically change the nature of “Flora’s Soccer School” as
the club was now known. The club was awarded £1,000
from the lottery’s “Awards For All” scheme. A change of
name followed to better reflect the fact that children from
many different schools now attended. However, the most
significant event was the provision of a home base by
Roman Winkler of Edinburgh Leisure. He provided part of
the pavilion at Inverleith Park with keys for free access. He
sanctioned the booking and exclusive use of the flattest
area at the park. The club now had the funds to buy
equipment, plenty of storage space, a place to play, and
the ability to organise sessions as it pleased. The club also
had a 5-year renewable lease.
A year after its inception, subscriptions were increased to
£1. The money was used to buy more footballs, coaching
courses for an increasing number of volunteers, more
goals, bibs, markers, poles and bases. The club now had
some 260 children on its register and 30 or so coaches and
parental helpers qualified to at least SFA “E” certificate
level. A second “Awards For All” grant was received in early
1999 allowing three of the club’s coaches to do “coaching
children licence” diplomas later that year. The club now
had four qualified coaches with the SFA’s Children’s
Licence and one with the Goalkeeping Licence. The club
had 32 goals with nets and more sundry equipment than
you could shake the proverbial stick at! An active social
committee had sprung up and organised fund-raising
events.
The children in the soccer school benefited immensely
from this progress. Not only did they have the use of
ample, well-maintained equipment, but the coaches had
made the effort to increase their knowledge beyond the
realms of the SFA coaching system. This is still an ongoing
process and coaching workshops are organised on a
regular basis to share ideas.
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The club established a connection with Sunderland
AFC and through their community scheme picked up
many ideas from their enthusiastic and well-educated
community coaches. Today the club runs coaching
sessions for under 6, 7’s and 8’s, soccer sevens squads
at under 9, 10, 11 and 12, and 11-a-side teams at under
13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 19 and 21. All perform well and do
themselves, their parents and their club credit with their
high standard of behaviour. A girls section with teams at
under 11, 13 and 15 has also been established.
In 2002 a name change was decided upon and Floras
Soccer School became Inverleith Star. In 2003, Spartans
Football Club suggested a merger with Inverleith Star
in order to give the East of Scotland senior club a youth
arm. The club became Spartans FC (Youth) and remains
so today, with over 100 coaches & volunteers and over
500 children actively participating in
the club’s activities. It is hoped that
together we can continue to improve
the facilities for not only children but
adults who play football in the north
of Edinburgh.
Throughout this evolution there
have been many successes and a
few failures. The club’s progress
was summed up eloquently by John
Ritchie, the former community coach at Hibernian FC.
After a visit during the summer of 1998 he commented, “if
the SFA had a blueprint for children’s football, this would
be it!” There is little else that can be added to that.
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Affiliations
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Your Youth
Section
Our Youth Section has established:
• Growth in age groups/number of squads/girls’ section
• Identifiable Head Coach per age group/squad
• Every child given the opportunity to play
• Number of squads at 7’s and 11’s
• Agreed ratio of adult to children
Our Management Committee is endeavouring to:
• Increase the Membership of the Management Committee
•R
equires an administrator for each age group/squad to
spread the burden
• Requires greater parental involvement
• Improve support mechanism for Head Coach – additional
coaches etc.
•C
learly identifiable Job descriptions – “sign up” by all
participants
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The Spartans
“Family”
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Constitution
1. Name
The name of the Association is Spartans FC (Youth), (‘the
Association’).
2. Administration
Subject to the matters set out below the Association
and its property shall be administered and managed in
accordance with this constitution by the members of the
Committee, constituted by clause 7 of this constitution
(‘the Committee’).
3. Objects
The objects of the Association are: To advance the
education of pupils of schools in Edinburgh and to
organise or provide or assist in the organisation or
provision of facilities which will encourage pupils of
schools in Edinburgh to play association football or other
games or sports, to provide and maintain the appropriate
equipment for those objects and to promote and provide
coaching for persons organising and pupils playing such
games or sports (‘the Objects’).
4. Powers
The Association has the following powers, which may be
exercised only in promoting the Objects:
4.1to raise funds and to invite and receive
contributions provided that in raising funds the
Committee shall not engage in taxable trading
and shall conform to any relevant requirements of
the law;
4.2to buy, take on lease or in exchange any property
necessary for the achievement of the Objects and
to maintain and equip it for use;
4.3to sell, lease or dispose of all or any part of
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The Spartans FC Youth Section - Handbook Season 2011/2012
the property of the Association, subject to any
consents required by law;
4.4 to borrow any money and to charge all or any part
of the property of the Association with repayment
of the money so borrowed, subject to any
consents required by law;
4.5 power to co-operate with other charities,
voluntary bodies and statutory authorities
operating in furtherance of the Objects or of
similar purposes and to exchange information
and advice with them;
4.6 to establish or support any charitable trusts,
associations or institutions formed for all or any
of the Objects;
4.7 to appoint and constitute such advisory
committees as the Committee may think fit;
4.8 to do all such other lawful things as are necessary
for the achievement of the Objects.
5. Membership
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5.1 Membership of the Association shall be open to
all and no application will be refused on other
than reasonable grounds. There will be no
discrimination on grounds of race, occupation,
sex or religious, political or other opinion.
5.2 Every member over the age of 18 years shall have
one vote.
5.3 The Committee may establish different classes
of membership and set appropriate rates of
subscription.
5.4 The Committee must keep a register of members.
5.5 The Committee may by unanimous vote and for
good reason terminate the membership of any
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individual: Provided that the individual shall have the right to be heard by the
Committee, accompanied by a friend over the age of 18 years, before a final
decision is made.
6. Honorary Officers
6.1 At the Annual General Meeting of the Association the members shall elect
from among themselves a Chair, a secretary and a treasurer, who shall hold
office from the conclusion of that meeting.
6.2 The Committee shall have the option to vary the titles of the honorary
officers for informal use.
7. The Committee
7.1 The Committee as charity trustees have control of the Association and its
property and funds.
7.2 The Committee shall consist of at least three and not more than twelve
members being:
(a) the honorary officers specified in the preceding clause; and
(b) not less than three and not more than nine members elected at the
annual general meeting who shall hold office from the conclusion of that
meeting; and
(c) up to four co-opted members co-opted by the Committee to hold office
until the next annual general meeting.
7.3 One third (or the number nearest one third) of the elected members must
retire at each annual general meeting, those longest in office retiring first
and the choice between any of equal service being made by drawing lots. All
retiring members of the Committee are eligible for re-election at the annual
general meeting marking their retiral.
7.4 Every Committee must sign a declaration of willingness to act as a charity
trustee of the Association before he or she is eligible to vote at any meeting
of the Committee.
7.5A technical defect in the appointment of a Committee member of which the
Committee are unaware at the time does not invalidate decisions taken at a
meeting.
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7.6 Nobody shall be appointed as a member of the
Committee who is aged under 18.
7.7 A Committee member automatically ceases to be
a member of the Committee if he or she:
(a) is incapable, either mentally or physically, of
managing his or her own affairs;
(b) ceases to be a member of the Association (but
such a person may be reinstated by resolution
of all the other members of the Committee on
resuming membership of the Association);
(c) resigns by notice to the Committee (but only if
at least three Committee members will remain in
office);
(d) is removed by a resolution passed by all the
other members of the Committee after inviting
the views of the Committee member concerned
and considering the matter in the light of any
such views;
(e) is disqualified by Section 8 (1) of the Law
Reform (Miscellaneous Provisions)
(Scotland) Act 1990 from acting as a charity trustee.
7.8 No member of the Committee shall acquire any
interest in property belonging to the Association
(otherwise than as a trustee for the Association)
or receive remuneration or be interested
(otherwise than as a trustee for the Association)
in any contract entered into by the Committee.
8. Committee meetings
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8.1 The Committee must hold at least four meetings
each year.
8.2 A quorum at a Committee meeting is four
members.
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8.3 The Chair shall act as Chair at Committee meetings. If the Chair is unable
or unwilling to chair any meeting, some other member of the Committee
chosen by the members present shall act as Chair.
8.4 Every matter shall be determined by a majority of votes of the members of
the Committee present and voting on the question but in the case of equality
of votes the Chair shall have a second or casting vote.
8.5 The Committee shall keep minutes of the proceedings at meetings of the
Committee and any sub-committee.
8.6 The Committee may delegate any of their functions to sub-committees
consisting of two or more persons appointed by them but at least one
member of every sub-committee must be a member of the Committee
and all proceedings of sub-committees must be reported promptly to the
Committee.
8.7 The Committee may from time to time make and alter rules for the conduct
of their business and that of any sub-committees. No rule may be made
which is inconsistent with this Constitution.
8.8 The Committee may exercise any powers of the Association which are not
reserved to a general meeting.
8.9 The Committee may nominate for approval by a general meeting any
individual for election as an honorary life member.
9. Receipts and expenditure
9.1 The funds of the Association, including all donations contributions and
bequests, shall be paid into an account operated by the Committee in the
name of the Association at such bank as the Committee shall from time to
time decide.
9.2 The funds belonging to the Association shall be applied only in furthering
the Objects and do not belong to the members of the Association or the
Committee.
9.3 No Committee member may receive any payment of money or other material
benefit (whether direct or indirect) from the Association except:
(a) reimbursement of reasonable out-of-pocket expenses (including hotel
and travel costs) actually incurred in the administration;
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(b) the benefit of educational courses related
to the furtherance of the Objects, for which the
Association may meet all or part of the costs at
the discretion of the Committee.
9.4 Whenever a Committee member has a personal
interest in a matter to be discussed at a
Committee meeting, the Committee member
must:
(a) declare an interest before discussion begins on
the matter;
(b) withdraw from that part of the meeting unless
expressly invited to remain in order to provide
information;
(c) not be counted in the quorum for that part of
the meeting;
(d) withdraw during the vote and have no vote on
the matter.
10. Property
10.1Investments and other property of the Association
may be held:
(a) in the names of the Committee members for
the time being;
(b) in the name of a nominee (being a corporate
body registered in Scotland) under the control of
the Committee or of a financial expert acting on
their instructions;
(c) in the name of at least two and up to four
holding trustees for the Association who must be
appointed (and may be removed) by a resolution of
the Committee;
(d) in the name of a trust corporation as a holding
trustee for the Association, which must be
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appointed (and may be removed) by deed executed by the Committee.
10.2 Any trust corporation which is appointed as a holding trustee or any
nominee for the Association may be reasonable fees.
11. Records and Accounts
11.1 The Committee shall comply with the requirements of the Inland Revenue
with regard to:
(a) the keeping of accounting records for the Association;
(b) the preparation of annual statements of account for the Association;
(c) the auditing or independent examination of the statements of account of
the Association; and
(d) the submission of the statements of account for the Association to the
Inland Revenue.
11.2 The Committee must keep proper records of
(a) all proceedings at general meetings;
(b) all proceedings at Committee meetings;
(c) all reports of sub-committees;
(d) all professional advice obtained.
11.3 Annual reports and statements of account relating to the Association must
be made available for inspection by any member of the Association.
12. Annual General Meeting
12.1There shall be an annual general meeting of the Association which shall be
held in February of each year or as soon as practicable thereafter.
12.2 Every annual general meeting shall be called by the Committee. The
secretary shall give at least 14 days’ notice of the annual general meeting
to all the members of the Association. All members of the Association shall
be entitled to attend the Annual General Meeting, but voting is restricted in
accordance with clause 5.2 above, except that the chair of the meeting has a
second or casting vote.
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12.3 Except where otherwise provided in this
Constitution, every issue at a general meeting is
determined by a simple majority of the votes cast
by the eligible members in person.
12.4 Before any other business is transacted at the
first annual general meeting the persons present
shall appoint a Chair of the meeting. Subsequent
annual general meetings shall be chaired by the
elected chair of the Association or (if the chair is
unable or unwilling to do so) some other member
elected by those present.
12.5 At an AGM the members:
(a) receive the accounts of the Association for the
previous financial year;
(b) receive the report of the Committee on the
Association’s activities since the previous AGM;
(c) elect Committee members to replace those
retiring from office;
(d) elect from among the members of the
Association the Chair of the association for the
following year;
(e) confirm the appointment of an auditor or
independent examiner for the Association where
required, following an interim appointment by the
Committee;
(f) may confer honorary life membership on any
individual (with his or her consent);
(g) discuss and determine any issues of policy or
deal with any other business put before them.
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12.6 A special general meeting may be called at any
time by the Committee and must be called within
14 days after a written request to the Committee
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from at least twenty members. The notice must state the business to be
discussed.
12.7 There is a quorum at a general meeting if the number of members
personally present is at least ten, or five per cent of the members.
12.8 The secretary or other person appointed by the Committee shall keep a full
record of proceedings at every general meeting of the Association.
13. Notices
13.1 Notices under this Constitution may be sent by hand, or by post or by
suitable electronic means or where applicable to members generally may be
published in any newsletter distributed by the Association.
13.2 The address at which a member is entitled to receive notices is the address
noted in the register of members (or, if none, the last known address).
13.3 Any notice given in accordance with this Constitution is to be treated for all
purposes as having been received:
(a) 24 hours after having been sent by electronic means or delivered by hand
to the relevant address;
(b) three clear days after being sent by first class post to that address;
(c) four clear days after having been sent by second class to that address;
(d) one week after the publication of a newsletter containing the notice;
(e) on being handed to the member personally; or, if earlier,
(f) as soon as the member acknowledges actual receipt.
13.4 A technical defect in the giving of a notice of which the members or the
Committee members are unaware at the time does not invalidate decisions
taken at a meeting.
14. Amendments to the Constitution
14.1 This Constitution may be amended at a general meeting by a two thirds
majority of the votes cast, but
(a) the members must be given 14 clear days’ notice of the proposed
amendments;
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(b) no amendment is valid if it would make a
fundamental change to the Objects or to this
clause or destroy the charitable status of the
Association;
(c) no amendment may be made to clause 9 of
this Constitution without written assurances from
the Inland Revenue that any such amendment
would have no effect on the status of the
Association.
15. Dissolution
15.1 If at any time the members at a general meeting
decide to dissolve the Association, the members
of the Committee will remain in office as charity
trustees and will be responsible for the orderly
winding up of the Association’s affairs.
15.2 If, upon the winding up or dissolution of the
Association there remains after the satisfaction
of all the Association’s debts and liabilities any
property whatsoever, the same shall be given
or transferred to some other organisation or
organisations having objects (that is, aims and
activities) similar to the objects of the Association,
such organisation or organisations to be
determined by the members of the Association
by Resolution passed at a General meeting at or
before the time of dissolution, and in so far as
effect cannot be given to such provision then to
some charitable objects.
16. Interpretation
In this Constitution:
16.1
‘AGM’ means an annual general meeting of the
members of the Association;
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‘the Association’ means the charitable organisation comprised in this
Constitution;
‘the Chair’ means the chair of the Association elected at the AGM;
‘clear day’ means 24 hours from midnight following the triggering event;
‘the Committee’ is the governing body of the Association;
‘co-opted Committee member’ means a member of the Committee appointed by
the
members of the Committee in accordance with clause 7.2 (c);
‘special general meeting’ means a general meeting of the members of the
Association which is not an AGM;
‘elected Committee member’ means a member of the Committee elected at the
AGM;
‘fundamental change’ means such a change as would not have been within the
reasonable contemplation of a person making a donation to the Association;
‘independent examiner’ means a person with relevant experience in the
understanding of financial accounts, who is not a member of the Association;
‘material benefit’ means a benefit which may not be financial but has a monetary
value;
‘member’ and ‘membership’ refer to members of the Association;
‘months’ means calendar months;
‘the Objects’ means the charitable objects of the Association set out in clause 3;
‘taxable trading’ means carrying on a trade or business on a continuing basis for
the
principal purpose of raising funds and not for the purpose of actually carrying out
the Objects;
‘written’ or ‘in writing’ refers to a legible document on paper including a fax
message;
‘year’ means a calendar year.
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SFA-Quality Mark
An Administrative Framework
What specific rewards are associated with the Quality
Mark initiative?
•T
he Scottish FA recognise that youth clubs should be
rewarded for attaining enhanced standards in playing,
coaching and administration of the youth game. The
following list summarises the direct rewards associated
with the initiative:
•P
resentation of an SFA accreditation certificate and
plaque.
•A
llocated Football Development Officer time to assist in
the ongoing development of our club.
•S
elected coaches will gain access to the Leonardo De
Vinci Coach Education scheme which grants access to
European club visits.
•S
upport the coaches to attain Scottish FA coach
education certification and appropriate levels of first aid
training.
•R
ecognition of our club through local and regional media
and Scottish FA Football Central website.
Why should our club try to attain the Scottish FA Quality
Mark?
•A
s well as the tangible rewards, clubs who attain the
award will receive:
•N
ational recognition that our programme is player
centred and coach led and is striving to provide the best
environment for players and coaches to achieve their full
potential.
•N
ational recognition that our football programme is
“safe, effective and child friendly”.
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• Ongoing in-service training and support for coaches,
officials and volunteers.
• Resources materials to support good practice through
club development.
• As a Nationally recognised initiative, the award will
provide us with increased promotion and marketing
opportunities.
• Access to Scottish FA coaching resource equipment
such as sports, science testing equipment, DVD’s and
coaching literature.
• Use of an Scottish FA accreditation logo which can be
used on our letterhead.
• Improved opportunity for external funding due to
recognition of the scheme by funding bodies such as
sportscotland.
Community Club Award Criteria
• The key objective of the Community Club is to ensure
that members are encouraged to stay with the Club
and continue to play, train and compete at their chosen
level whilst developing a sense of Community belonging.
These Clubs will have a minimum of eight teams
representing children, youths, adults and girls/women.
• The Club should also seek to identify talent, develop it,
and produce young players capable of performing at
their maximum level.
• In practical terms, for our club, this means further
enhancement of our Coach’s qualifications and access to
more equipment in a coaching environment.
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The Spartans FC Youth Section - Handbook Season 2011/2012
Criteria for Community Award
CRITERIA
COMMUNITY AWARD
Minimum number of teams
Eight – representing children, youths, adults, and girls/women
MANAGEMENT
Roles & responsibilities for
committee office bearers
3
Record of all official Meetings
3
Volunteer job descriptions
3
Volunteer Officer
3
Organisational Structure
3
Constitution
3
ADMINISTRATION
Affiliation to Appropriate
Governing Body
Affiliated to Local Sports Council
3 Desirable
Evidenced Bank Account
Appropriate Insurance
PLAYER & COACH DEVELOPMENT
Note: Two adults must be present at all training sessions.
Coach Coordinator
3 Essential
Coach Qualification
Per Team:
At least one coach to have attained Level 3
Children/Youth certification.
Remaining coaches to have attained Level 1
Children/Youth certification
Per Club:
At least one coach to have attended Level 4
Children/Youth award.
At least 10 % of coaches to have attended the
physical preparation course.
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The Spartans FC Youth Section - Handbook Season 2011/2012
CRITERIA
COMMUNITY AWARD
Minimum Equipment
(Per Team)
Speed & agility equipment
One ball: one player
One set marker cones
One set training bibs
One first-aid kit
Minimum Coach: Player Ratio
Children 1: 10
Youth/Adult 1: 20
Minimum Coaching: Game Ratio
One Coaching Session: One Game
PLANNING
Essential for Community Level
Football Action Plan to include:
Two Year
1. Coach Development 3
2. V
olunteer Recruitment /
Development
3
3. Player Recruitment / Development 3
4. Links with Clubs/Schools
3
WELFARE
Child protection policy
3
Player Welfare Officer
3
All volunteers with Enhanced
Disclosure Checked
3
Health & Safety Policy 3 If applicable (i.e. Own or leased facility)
Safety checklist - Risk assessment
carried out
3
Codes of Conduct
3
Qualified First- Aider(s)
One per Team
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The Spartans FC Youth Section - Handbook Season 2011/2012
Club Ethos
The welfare of the child comes first. Children must be
treated as children, not as small adults. Children are given
a fair chance to compete and a fair chance of winning.
Every effort has to be made to explain to the children
what our selection criterion is. The coach is at liberty to
constantly stretch and challenge the abilities of the child.
Reasonable demands can be made of the children, e.g.
punctuality, standards of behaviour and the children can
be expected to practice in their own time.
Participation at all times must be encouraged with
an emphasis on skill development, athleticism, and
development of the whole child socially as well as in a
sporting context.
Coaches must be aware of the 5 x S’s, namely Skill, Speed,
Stamina, Strength and Suppleness.
Competition is encouraged but not to the detriment of the
above. A win at all costs attitude, side stepping the 5 x S’s
is to be discouraged.
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The Spartans FC Youth Section - Handbook Season 2011/2012
Codes of Conduct
Spartans FC (Youth) values the role of sport and its
contribution to overall human development by providing
good quality footballing opportunities in a safe and positive
environment.
Our club promotes personal, professional, and social
well-being through footballing experiences, regardless of
an individual’s socio-economic status, age, gender, race,
ethnicity, national origin, religion, disability, or sexual
orientation.
Our Codes of Conduct set minimum standards of best
practice for everyone associated with the club, coaches,
players, parents/carers and volunteers. We must all aim
to improve standards and protect the welfare and well
being of everyone involved in our club, in particular young
footballers and those who are vulnerable.
We must all strive to embody values, virtues and
standards of excellence appropriate to our club setting.
Ultimately, we must actively pursue our goals, realising
the importance of our own, and our fellow participant’s
commitment to uphold ethical duties and social
responsibilities to others.
www.SpartansFCYouth.com
31
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The Spartans FC Youth Section - Handbook Season 2011/2012
Code of Conduct
for Coaches
1. Coaches must respect the rights, dignity and worth of each and every person and
treat each equally within the context of the sport.
2. Coaches must place the well-being and safety of each player above all other
considerations, including the development of performance.
3. Coaches must adhere to all guidelines laid down by governing bodies.
4. Coaches must develop an appropriate working relationship with each player
based on mutual trust and respect.
5. Coaches must not exert undue influence to obtain personal benefit or reward.
6. Coaches must encourage and guide players to
accept responsibility for their own behaviour and
performance.
7. Coaches must ensure that the activities they direct
or advocate are appropriate for the age, maturity,
experience and ability of players.
8. Coaches should, at the outset, clarify with the
players (and where appropriate, parent) exactly what
is expected of them and also what they are entitled
to expect from their coach.
9. Coaches must co-operate fully with other
specialists (e.g. other coaches, officials, doctors,
physiotherapists) in the best interest of the player.
10.Coaches must always promote the positive aspects of the sport (e.g. fair play) and
never condone violations of the Laws of the Game, behaviour contrary to the spirit
of Laws of the Game or relevant rules and regulations or the use of prohibited
substances or techniques.
11. Coaches must consistently display high standards of behaviour and appearance.
12. Coaches must not use or tolerate inappropriate language.
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The Spartans FC Youth Section - Handbook Season 2011/2012
Code of Conduct
for Players
Players are the most important people in any sport.
Playing for the team, and for the team to win, is the most
fundamental part of the game. But not winning at any
cost – Fair Play and respect for all others in the game is
fundamentally important.
Obligations towards the game: A player should:
1.Make every effort to develop their own sporting
abilities; in terms of skill, technique, tactics and
stamina.
2.Give maximum effort and strive for the best possible
performance during a game, even if the team is in a
position where the desired result has already been
achieved.
3.Set a positive example for others, particularly young
players and supporters.
4. Avoid all forms of gamesmanship, and time-wasting.
5. Always have regard to the best interests of the game.
6. Not use inappropriate language.
Obligations towards one’s own team: A player should:
1.Make every effort consistent with Fair Play and the
Laws of the Game to help his own team win.
2.Resist any influence which might, or might be seen
to, bring into question his commitment to the team
winning.
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The Spartans FC Youth Section - Handbook Season 2011/2012
Respect for the Laws of the Game and competition rules:
A player should:
1.Know and abide by the Laws, rules and spirit of the
game, and the competition rules.
2. Accept success and failure, victory and defeat, equally.
3.Resist any temptation to take banned substances or
use banned techniques.
Respect towards Opponents: A player should:
1.Treat opponents with due respect at all times,
irrespective of the result of the game.
2.Safeguard the physical fitness of opponents, avoid
violence and rough play, and help injured opponents.
Respect toward the Match Officials: A player should:
1.Accept the decision of the Match Official without
protest.
2.Avoid words or actions which may mislead a Match
Official.
3. Show due respect towards Match Officials.
Respect towards the Team Officials: A player should:
1.Abide by the instructions of their Coach and Team
Officials, provided they do not contradict the spirit of
this code.
2.Show due respect towards the Team Officials of the
opposition.
Obligations towards the Supporters: A player should:
1. Show due respect to the interests of supporters.
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The Spartans FC Youth Section - Handbook Season 2011/2012
Code of Conduct
for Parents and Spectators
Ensure that parents/spectators within our club are always positive and encouraging
towards all of the children not just their own.
Parents/Spectators have a great influence on children’s enjoyment and success in
football. All children play football because they first and foremost love the game –
it’s fun. It is important to remember that however good a child becomes at football
within the club it is important to reinforce the message to parents/spectators that
positive encouragement will contribute to:
•
•
•
•
Children enjoying football
A sense of personal achievement
Self-esteem
Assist to improve the child’s skills and techniques
A parent’s/spectator’s expectations and attitudes have a
significant bearing on a child’s attitude towards:
•
•
•
•
Other players
Officials
Managers
Spectators
Ensure that parents/spectators within our club are always
positive and encouraging towards all of the children not
just their own.
Encourage parents/spectators to:
•
•
•
•
•
•
Applaud the opposition as well as your own team
Avoid coaching the child during the game
Not to shout and scream
Respect the referee’s decision
Give attention to each of the children involved in football not just the most talented
Give encouragement to everyone to participate in football
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The Spartans FC Youth Section - Handbook Season 2011/2012
Code of Conduct for Officials
and Volunteers
•Consider the safety and well being of participants
before performance
•Set a good example for others, in particular, young
members of the club
•Follow the guidelines laid down by the Scottish
Football Association and the Club
•Share knowledge and experience when invited to do so,
in particular providing a safety-first approach
• Avoid all forms of gamesmanship
•Show respect to match official, coaches, players and
other volunteers
• Always pursue fair play
•Prohibit use of camcorders and cameras unless
parental consent has been provided
•Be aware of the SFA’s and the Club’s Child &
Vulnerable Adult Protection Policy and Procedures
•Develop an appropriate working relationship with
coaches, members, players and volunteers based on
mutual trust and respect
•Encourage players to accept responsibility for their
own behaviour and performance
•Must consistently display high standards of
appearance and behaviour
• Know where to find appropriate first-aid
• Promote ethical principles
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The Spartans FC Youth Section - Handbook Season 2011/2012
The Spartans Way
Playing
THE Scottish FA teamed up with the Scottish Youth
Football Association to launch the new National Player
Pathway in February 2011. From March 2011 all children
aged 6-9 will play 4v4 football, all children aged 9-12 will
play 7v7 and from twelve years onwards they will play
11-a-side. The pathway is revolutionary as, for the first
time in Scotland, all children
playing club football will
play a format of the game
that relates best to their
age. The game formats
will focus the player on
developing the right skills
and techniques for their
stage of development.
However, without the buy-in
of the Scottish Youth Football
Association, who run youth
leagues nationally, the
pathway would not be ready
to kick-off.
The SYFA are helping
leagues to implement the new game formats, while the
Scottish FA, with their Community Partner McDonald’s,
will support the transition and ongoing development of
all players, coaches and club officials through coach
education courses, practical and theoretical in-services
and Positive Coaching Scotland workshops. The launch
of the pathway coincides with a new summer season for
youth and women’s football in Scotland, with leagues now
running from March to November to take advantage of the
best weather conditions.
Our club are fully supportive of this initiative.
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The Spartans FC Youth Section - Handbook Season 2011/2012
Long Term Player Development
Youth football is governed by the Scottish Youth Football
Association with ESSDA (East of Scotland Soccer
Development Association) responsible for the small sided
game in our area (Children) and the LB SERYFL (Lothian
Buses South East Region Youth Football League) likewise
for the 11 aside game (Youth). For season 2011/12, it is
hoped that our year groups will comprise the following:
Age Year Group School YearGame Format
Players Numbers -
Group
Objective
6’s
2006
P1
N/A
40 players
7’s
2005
P2
4v4
40 players
8’s
2004
P3
4v4
40 players
9’s
2003
P4
7v7
4x 7’s squads (40 players)
10’s
2002
P5
7v7
4x 7’s squads (40 players)
11’s
2001
P6
7v7
4x 7’s squads (40 players)
12’s
2000
P7
7v7
4x 7’s squads (40 players)
13’s
1999
S1
11v11
3x 11’s squads (48 players)
14’s
1998
S2
11v11
3x 11’s squads (48 players)
15’s
1997
S3
11v11
3x 11’s squads (48 players)
16’s
1996
S4
11v11
3x 11’s squads (48 players)
17’s
1995
S5
11v11
3x 11’s squads (48 players)
19’s
1993/94
S6
11v11
2x 11’s squads (32 players)
21’s
1991/92
Adult
11v11
1x 11’s squads (16 players)
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Training – Objective
Saturday only
Saturday only
Saturday only
Saturday + 1
midweek evening
Saturday + 1
midweek evening
Saturday + 1
midweek evening
2 midweek evenings
2 midweek evenings
2 midweek evenings
2 midweek evenings
2 midweek evenings
2 midweek evenings
2 midweek evenings
2 midweek evenings
The Spartans FC Youth Section - Handbook Season 2011/2012
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The Spartans FC Youth Section - Handbook Season 2011/2012
Additional training sessions are encouraged but are
dependent on the availability of facilities, coaches, cost and
funding. Development players should be training 2-3 times
per week.
The club has a short-term objective to increase the
number of participating players in the younger groups to
50. This is dependent on adult coaches/volunteers as well
as available facilities. This objective promotes a seamless
transfer from small sided games to 11 aside and the need
for having three 11 aside squads per year group playing at
different levels within the LB SERYFL.
The Club has an expectation that ALL children, irrespective
of age, have a commitment to their sport, their club and
their team and this includes their participation in all
training and game sessions where possible.
Why do Children Play Football?
•
•
•
•
•
•
Friends
Fun & enjoyment
Part of a team or club
Ambitions
Health
Competition
The Way We Play
•Be patient....encourage players to make their own
decisions and don’t be afraid of mistakes!
• Be brave with and without the ball
• Be positive. Let the players express themselves
• Love playing with the football in every situation
• Use both feet
• Enjoy themselves. Make sure the game is fun
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The Spartans FC Youth Section - Handbook Season 2011/2012
Children Playing the Small
Sided Game within ESSDA
Our objective is player (child) development, with the
emphasis on allowing children to enjoy Scotland’s national
game in a fun, safe and secure environment. Small sided,
non-competitive games are arranged and monitored for
both boys and girls between the ages 6 – 12.
This ethos is fundamental within well-structured leagues,
continual improvement in coaching and better education
for both players and volunteers. The children are
paramount in this. Their development, both as footballers
and as individuals, is the key to our success.
At all age groups, divisions are established, reflecting the
variety of levels of football ability that children exhibit.
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The Spartans FC Youth Section - Handbook Season 2011/2012
The aim is to give all children a game, at a level where they have a fair chance of
competing. Movement between teams is encouraged as children become confident.
In exceptional circumstances, individual players may move up a year group should
this be warranted (at the discretion of the CDO and YSMC). Teams will always play
within their own age group. The “strongest” division is named Pele, with Maradona
and Zidane divisions being intermediate. Occasionally there are enough teams to
justify a Beckenbauer/Beckham division within the year group.
The year group head coach is responsible, with support from his coaches, for squad
selection and player movement between squads.
We hope to have at least 4 squads per year group, 10 children per squad, 40 children
in total. We aspire to increase this to 5 squads, 50 children in total, to allow for a
smooth transition to the 11 aside game.
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The Spartans FC Youth Section - Handbook Season 2011/2012
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The Spartans FC Youth Section - Handbook Season 2011/2012
Youth Players Playing the
11 aside Game LB SERYFL
Competitive 11 aside football from aged 13 upwards (high
school children) is both structured and rule driven by its
very nature. On the playing front, leagues are split into 1st,
2nd, 3rd division etc with promotion/relegation and cup
competitions are held at local, regional and national level.
At all age groups, divisions are established, reflecting
the variety of levels of football ability that young players
exhibit. The aim of the club is to give all players a game
when they move from the small sided game to 11 aside.
DEVELOPMENT squads will operate in their respective 1st
division (training at least twice per week)
with ASPIRATIONAL (ideally 2nd division)
and SOCIAL squads (lower divisions)
operating below them. Movement between
teams is encouraged albeit registration
forms are completed for every player and
movement is restricted. In practice, it is
anticipated that movement will take place
in the close season.
It is hoped that players are encouraged
to remain within the Spartans “family”
throughout their development, nevertheless this may not
always be possible.
We endeavour to have at least 3 squads per year group,
16 players per squad, 48 players in total.
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The Spartans FC Youth Section - Handbook Season 2011/2012
The 4-4-2
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The Spartans FC Youth Section - Handbook Season 2011/2012
Initiative Football and
the Senior Game
This programme is geared to meet the needs of young talented players. Players taking
part in the Scottish Football Youth Initiative programme have aspirations to play at
professional clubs. The partnership between the Scottish FA, Scottish Football League
and Scottish Premier League has been developing since 2006 and there is now an
established coaching and games programme throughout the country. The professional
clubs work hard to ensure every player engaged in their programmes receive an
experience that will give them every opportunity to reach “their” full potential.
The games structure is very much a developmental approach with 4 v 4, 7 v 7 followed
by full 11-a-side matches. The clubs have accepted that this structure is more
conducive to developing game awareness.
A player participating in the SFYIP may only play for the club for which he is
registered (he is not permitted to play schools’ football nor football under the
jurisdiction of the SYFA).
Key points relating to this Programme:
•The SFYIP aims to foster and develop the game of Association football for
talented young players at age levels 11s, 12s, 13s, 14s, 15s, 16s and dual age
band 16s/17s.
•The SFYIP provides an organised youth development match programme for
participating clubs.
•Clubs participating in the SFYIP do so in a two-tier structure (Performance Tier
and Initiative Tier) on the basis of pre-determined “Performance” and “Initiative”
criteria.
•Clubs status in the SFYIP is subject to regular audit and assessment.
•The SFYIP is managed by the Scottish FA Matches Department. All training and
development is managed by the Scottish FA Football Development Department.
•A Sub-Committee of the Scottish FA Professional Football Committee, the
Scottish Football Youth Initiative Committee (SFYIC), is formed at the beginning
of the season to monitor, assess and control all matters relative to the SFYI
Programme.
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The Spartans FC Youth Section - Handbook Season 2011/2012
Development Football–
Spartans
Spartans endeavours to provide development sessions for
development squads for children in the small sided game
environment as well as those participating in the 11 aside
game.
Players chosen for these sessions will meet certain
criteria as determined from time to time by the CDO in
conjunction with the YSMC.
Development squads for the small sided (7 aside) game
should include 16 players per year group, wherever
possible. This facilitates a smooth transition of this group
into an 11 aside development squad. 11 aside Development
squads will comprise 16 players and this squad will be
playing in their year group’s 1st division, or equivalent.
Squads must include a goalkeeper.
Development squads should, ideally, be training as a group
2-3 times per week.
Development football within the youth section creates
a pathway for talented youth players to move onto the
highest level of adult football within the club.
The coach assigned to each development squad is
discussed in more detail below.
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The Spartans FC Youth Section - Handbook Season 2011/2012
Review of Scottish Football
The Review of Scottish Football was commissioned
by the Scottish FA in May 2009. The first part of this
review, “Grassroots, recreation and youth development”
was published in April 2010. The second, and final, part
“Structure, leadership and governance” was published in
December 2010. The author of both reports was former
First Minister (and East Fife footballer) Henry McLeish. It
is anticipated that most of the recommendations, from
both reports, will be implemented.
The first report contains 53 recommendations (Football 1
to 27; Talent 28 to 31; Government 32 to 45; Facilities 46 to
48; Clubs 49 and Finance 50 to 53). Extracts from some of
these are re-produced below:
9. We need to establish the 10,000 hours standard for top
class skill development. The average hours per week,
working with the ball and developing technical skills, is
much lower in Scotland than in comparable European
countries. There is need for deliberate practice and play
over a 10 year period (3 hours a day). More investment and
new ideas are needed to increase the amount of football
and football practice involving young people.
13. The SFA should appoint a Performance Director to
oversee a National Performance Framework. The new post
will oversee our ambitious new academy network and have
a direct role in the development of youth talent and elite
athletes.
18. The SFA should develop Football Academies based
on developing centres of excellence – at least 20
comprehensive school based models which are integrated
into the school curriculum and 5-10 based on the cocurricular (after-school/community based model).
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These schools will host groups of children/young people
with outstanding natural ability, talent and potential. The
aim will be to produce elite footballers in an environment
where there is integrated education and football provision.
Professional clubs, the SFA and Education authorities will
drive forward this new approach to talent development.
47. Scotland needs at least a £400m facilities and
infrastructure programme for sport, including football,
over the next 10 years.
49. Our professional clubs and the Highland League, South
of Scotland and East of Scotland should play a larger role
in the development of talent and the grassroots of the
game. Providing a new status for a new era, the clubs will
need a more proactive engagement with their community.
We need to develop the ‘Sporting Club’ concept within the
professional game.
A recent commentator has said “it is an indisputable fact
that Scotland has never adequately replaced the street
and public park culture which formerly produced so many
outstanding footballers. The sport’s insistence on existing
in an isolated bubble has only contributed to its problems,
although, to be fair, the youth initiative was a reasonable
concept. Clearly, though, it has fallen far short of what is
required. As the performance strategy will make clear,
Scotland needs to over-invest in youth development, and
in a way that is smarter and very different from anything
that has gone before, if there is to be any chance of the
footballing success so many crave.
At last we have something that has not just been produced
from within the game itself, and which has a depth of
knowledge to draw from the experience of successful
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The Spartans FC Youth Section - Handbook Season 2011/2012
British sports like swimming and cycling. It offers a welcome platform to give our
talented young footballers – and they do still exist – the opportunity to become the
best they can be. To do that, the thousands of hours which the Laws and Johnstones
spent unconsciously honing their footballing skills on our streets and parks have
somehow to be replicated. The performance strategy aims to do just that by
increasing the average amount of meaningful football practice from the 200 hours
a year which most Clydesdale Bank Premier League clubs currently offer to 1,000
hours. It will seek to do so by combining football with education. The template has
already been set down by Celtic and Dundee United, and the SFA will now attempt to
establish a number of football performance schools around the country. Elite boys,
and girls, will turn up for S1 classes at 7.30am, work on their skills for almost two
hours, and then repeat the exercise after school. Swimmers have been doing it for
decades.
Increasing practice time five-fold is a powerful step forward, and it will be
accompanied by better and more focused club academies. There will be eight to 10
elite academies, and clubs will have to apply to the SFA for that status. Celtic, Hearts,
Hibs and Rangers are four who already have excellent facilities in place. Although
most of the academies will be attached to Premier League clubs others, such as
Falkirk (based at Stirling University), may fulfil the criteria.
While clubs will continue to have the main responsibility for elite development from
S1 upwards, the SFA will be responsible for those from the age of four upwards. In an
entirely sensible move, the youth football season will move from March to November,
with futsal introduced in the winter months. That Brazil, Spain and Netherlands are
the nations which embrace futsal most wholeheartedly tells you all you need to know.“
“This review is already being enacted. Mark Wotte has been appointed as Performance
Director. A recruitment process is underway for a National Youth team coach. The
next step is to develop Football Academies around the country. Five Regional Elite
Performance Youth Coaches (Performance Coach) posts are currently advertised to be
based in 5 locations: Ayrshire, Lanarkshire, Glasgow, Edinburgh and Falkirk/Stirling.
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This new role will be based in a Scottish F.A. Region and be responsible for the overall
co-ordination and effective delivery of the Scottish F.A. Football Performance Schools,
Regional Performance Centres, and Regional Talent ID. Working with the Elite and
Performance clubs, they will support the development of their elite young players.
The Performance Coach will work closely with the Scottish F.A. Performance Director,
the Performance Development Manager and will be supported by the Regional
Manager and his staff to ensure that the Scottish F.A. Performance Strategy can be
delivered directly to our best young players in accordance with set programmes.”
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The Spartans FC Youth Section - Handbook Season 2011/2012
The Spartans Way
Coaching
A Spartans Coach – What we look for
Recommended Qualifications:
•SFA Level 2 Children or Youth certification (to achieve
Level 3 within 12 months).
•SFA Level 3 Children or Youth for Age Group Head
Coach.
•SFA Level 4 Youth (within 3 years) for 11 aside
Development Coaching.
• Attend at least 1 SFA qualification course per annum.
• First Aid (Sports) qualification.
• Sports Coach UK Qualification.
•Spartans Disclosure Scotland (Enhanced) – currently
being replaced by PVG scheme.
•SYFA or SWF Disclosure Scotland (Enhanced) –
currently being replaced by PVG scheme.
Skills and Attributes Required:
Coaches should have the ability to:
•Analyse ability levels and manage development of
individuals + team as a whole.
• Communicate clearly & effectively.
• Design sessions which are fun, varied & stimulating.
• Motivate participants.
• Plan and organise sessions effectively.
• Be flexible and adapt sessions at short notice.
•Evaluate sessions delivered to identify future
improvements.
•Analyse own performance and manage own personal
development.
• Work as part of a team.
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Each year group shall also have a HEAD COACH.
Some of his/her main duties are listed below:
•Manage the ‘holistic’ (player, social & lifestyle) development of all players in
the squad.
•Design and deliver each training session around specific aims & themes. e.g.
dribbling, 1st touch, passing & possession etc.
•Work with other Team coaches, helpers & volunteers to ensure that a common
understanding of each person’s role exists. e.g. Coach, Team Secretary.
• Ensure team’s development is managed in line with Club values & ethos.
• Provide feedback on performance on a regular basis.
•Familiarise self with any special needs of any players in the squad e.g. a medical
condition.
• Ensure all kit & equipment is well maintained & stored in the correct place.
•Ensure Club Code of Conduct is being followed by other Coaches, Players &
Parents; deal with any incidents of inappropriate behaviour.
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The Spartans FC Youth Section - Handbook Season 2011/2012
Children and Youth Levels 1, 2 and 3 are attendance based courses. Children and
Youth Levels 4 and 5 are pass/fail. These courses are summarised below:
Course
Children Level 4
Children Level 5
Youth Level 4
Youth Level 5
Duration
5 days
14 days
5 days
20 days
Venue
Various
Toryglen, Glasgow
Various
Toryglen, Glasgow
Cost
£190
£1,020
£190
£1,320
Costs in relation to accommodation and travel are not included in the above.
Coaches are encouraged to attend SFA courses, First aid, Child Protection and Coach
In-Service days as part of their ongoing personal development.
Coaches at level 3 and above ought to attend all SFA and Spartans In-Service days.
The club endeavours to be a “Centre of Excellence” from a playing, coaching and
facilities perspective.
The development of technical players (comfortable with a football and using both
feet) is critical and dependent on qualified coaches able to deliver high quality
sessions.
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The Spartans FC Youth Section - Handbook Season 2011/2012
Development Football–Spartans
The CDO and his Coaching Support team will be
responsible for implementing development squads for
children in the small sided game environment as well as
those participating in the 11 aside game.
Players chosen for these sessions will meet certain
criteria as determined from time to time by the CDO in
conjunction with the YSMC.
For season 2011/2012, our year groups are as follows:
Age
6’s
7’s
8’s
9’s
10’s
11’s
12’s
13’s
14’s
15’s
16’s
17’s
19’s
21’s
Year Group
2006
2005
2004
2003
2002
2001
2000
1999
1998
1997
1996
1995
1993/94
1991/92
School Year GroupGame Format
P1
N/A
P2
4v4
P3
4v4
P4
7v7
P5
7v7
P6
7v7
P7
7v7
S1
11v11
S2
11v11
S3
11v11
S4
11v11
S5
11v11
S6
11v11
Adult
11v11
Elite Squad
No
No
No
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
No
No
There are 4 groups in the small sided game requiring
development squads. The club aspires to having these
squads coached and managed by a Children Level 4 (or
higher) coach. There are 5 groups in the 11 aside game
requiring development squads. The club aspires to having
these squads coached and managed by a Youth Level 4
(or higher) coach. Development squads must have, as a
minimum requirement, 2 sessions plus games per week.
The CDO, his Coaching Support team and the MC
will be responsible, club wide, for the planning and
implementation of all development football.
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The Spartans FC Youth Section - Handbook Season 2011/2012
“Welcome”
OUR COACH DEVELOPMENT OFFICER
– Stuart Gray
Working with one of the most dynamic and proactive
football clubs in Scotland is an extremely exciting
opportunity for me.
The role I have been asked to fulfil will build on the great
work already achieved at the club and will make a positive
impact on developing the coaches and the children. The
future of all football clubs depends greatly on the success
of their youth policy and helping to create an exciting,
transparent and proactive player pathway that develops
players for the Junior, Senior teams and beyond is a great
challenge for us all.
I look forward to meeting everyone and working with you
to create exiting, two-footed, hard working players who
understand the game and play with respect as well as a
smile on their faces.
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61
The Spartans FC Youth Section - Handbook Season 2011/2012
Coaching Support
Qualifications/Skills & Experience
•Proven track record of developing young footballers
effectively.
• Leadership & management experience.
•Ability to coach & develop others, experienced in giving
feedback to others.
• Excellent communications skills (written & verbal).
• Excellent planning & organisation skills.
•SFA Level 4/5 qualified (Children or Youth) – desirable.
Job Purpose
•To lead, manage, motivate & develop the pool of Youth
Section Coaches to deliver coaching sessions which
meet Quality Mark performance standards, whilst
ensuring the Club ethos is at the heart of everything
we do.
Key Job Outputs
•Set and agree annual Coach Development Plan;
provide quarterly ‘actual vs. planned’ progress reports
for the Youth Section Management Committee.
•Ensure each Coach understands their role & what’s
expected of them in terms of Code of Conduct, working
towards Qualifications & club ethos.
•Work with Club Manager to ensure that Coach
Database is kept up to date, is accurate at all times,
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The Spartans FC Youth Section - Handbook Season 2011/2012
•Liaise with Club Manager to ensure effective
management & delivery of Induction Programme
for new Coaches; contribute to the creation & future
maintenance of Coaches Welcome Pack.
•Deliver coach education aspects of Induction
Programme. e.g. create & provide coaching plans for
Learner, Competent & Expert Coaches.
•Design, develop & deliver quarterly in service coaching
events/days for Youth Section Coaches.
•Deliver ‘role model’ coaching sessions at the request
of others.
•Shadow Youth Section Coaches delivering coaching
sessions & provide constructive feedback around what
went well + development needs.
•Motivate Youth Section Coaches through recognition
of their contribution & providing regular feedback
regarding their performance.
•Conduct research & promote best practice methods
to Youth Section Coaches using forums, newsletters,
email & Club Website.
•Set & agree Coach Recruitment strategy with
Management Committee; evaluate approach on an
ongoing basis & make recommendations regarding
any changes.
•Act as a point of contact between Coaches & the
Management Committee, escalating any club specific
issues as & when appropriate to MC.
•Continue to develop own skills & knowledge by
attending coach education courses & events;
benchmarking & own research.
The CDO and his support team will provide support in
producing structured sessions and ensuring that coaches
across the club are able to deliver these consistently and
to the highest possible standard.
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The Spartans FC Youth Section - Handbook Season 2011/2012
Coach/Volunteer
Checklist
Introduction
Welcome to the Club - includes introduction to Squad, Coaching team, work area
Tour of buildings & facilities - Toilets, access, changing rooms, parking, storage,
layout, etc.
Kit & Equipment - Storage, availability, movement etc.
Documentation
Complete Volunteer Application Form
Complete National Association Self Declaration Form
Undertake CRBS Disclosure Scotland PVG Process with club’s CPO
SFA Coaching Brochure & Enrolment Forms (enrol in courses in conjunction with
club manager)
Sports Injuries First Aid Course Enrolment (enrol in course in conjunction with club
manager)
Sports Coach UK Course Enrolment (enrol in course in conjunction with club
manager)
Issued with Job Description
Issued with Club Handbook
Clothing (for Coaches) to be ordered
Set Up of Personal Electronic File (including photograph)
Club Information
Club Structure
Club & its affiliations
Youth Section Structure
Youth Section Management Committee
History & Overview of Club
Youth Section
Aims, philosophy and ethos
Constitution
Codes of Conduct
Child Protection Policy & Procedures
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The Spartans FC Youth Section - Handbook Season 2011/2012
Health & Safety
Training Equipment Procedure
Kit Procedure
Insurance
Sundry Policies and Procedures
Child Development & Player Pathway
Coaching Philosophy & Session Programmes
Local/National Associations
Understanding of local/national association rules & regulations
Attendance at meetings
Usage of their websites for dissemination of information
Adherence to form usage (including teamsheets, where appropriate)
Training Sessions
Day, time, venue and pitch allocation.
Preparation, organisation and delivery (includes session planning and setting up
prior to session commencement)
Match Day
Identification of next fixture
If playing at home, review pitch allocation (on Spartans website) and confirm
acceptance by email
If playing at home, confirming fixture details with opponents and referee (if
appropriate)
Ensure that you have access to facility and have an understanding of facility
requirements, including equipment
Ensure facility is clean and tidy after use, and premises are secured
The above is a “guide” in your role as a coach or volunteer. Additional information
can be found in your job description, on the various club websites and in this
handbook.
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65
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The Spartans FC Youth Section - Handbook Season 2011/2012
Our Management
Committee
Chairperson:
Les Atkinson
Email:
[email protected]
Child Protection Officer:
Stuart Lockhart
Tel: 07990 503500
Email:
Stuart.Lockhart@
SpartansFCYouth.com
Club Manager:
John McCabe
Email:
ClubManager@
SpartansFCYouth.com
Coach Development Officer:
Stuart Gray
Tel: 07816 753276
Email: Stuart.Gray@
SpartansFCYouth.com
Treasurer:
Steve Thurlow
Email:
[email protected]
Facilities Co-ordinator:
Ali Mitchell
Email: [email protected]
Membership Secretary:
Allan Fraser
Email:
MembershipSecretary@
SpartansFCYouth.com
Kit & Equipment
Co-ordinator:
Mike Sneddon
Email: SpartansKitMan@
virginmedia.com
Girls’Development Officer:
Rab Aitchison
Email:
[email protected]
Webmaster:
Chris Duff
Email: [email protected]
The roles of Social Secretary, Publicity Officer and Fundraising Officer are currently vacant.
www.SpartansFCYouth.com
67
Spartans
Youth FC
Show
RACISM
the
Red Card
The Spartans FC Youth Section - Handbook Season 2011/2012
Communicating with The Spartans
Football Club Youth Section
[email protected]
http://twitter.com/SpartansFCYouth
Club Manager, The Spartans FC (Youth),
The Spartans Community Football Academy,
94 Pilton Drive, Edinburgh EH5 2HF
www.Facebook.com/SpartansFCYouth
www.SpartansFCYouth.com
The Spartans on the WEB
www.SpartansFC.com The Spartans FC
www.SpartansCFA.com
The Spartans Community Football Academy
www.SpartansWFC.com The Spartans FC (Women)
Coaching Resources on the Web
www.CoachingEdinburgh.co.uk Coaching Edinburgh
www.coachfx.com Coach FX
www.scottishfa.co.uk/football.cfm?page=6 SFA’s Football Development
www.professionalsoccercoaching.com Professional Soccer Coaching
www.uefa.com/trainingground/training/
index.html UEFA Training Ground
www.insidesoccer.com Inside Soccer
www.SoccerSpecific.com Soccer Specific
www.SpartansFCYouth.com
69
Supporters
of helping
youngsters
participate
in sport.
The Spartans FC Youth Section - Handbook Season 2011/2012
Other Resources on the Web
www.FIFA.com
FIFA
www.youthfootballscotland.co.uk
Youth Football Scotland
www.UEFA.com
UEFA
www.seryfa-online.info
Lothian Buses SE Region Youth FL
www.ScottishFA.co.uk
SFA
www.essda.co.uk
ESSDA
www.ScottishFA.co.uk/swf
Scottish Womens FA
www.edinburghrefs.com
SFA Referees (Edinburgh & District)
www.ScottishYouthFA.co.uk
Scottish Youth FA
www.ScottishFA.co.uk/ssfa
Scottish Schools FA
www.syfaregistrations.co.uk
Scottish Youth FA Registrations
www.lsfa.co.uk
Lothian Schools FA
www.ThePink.org.uk
The Pink
www.Coerver.co.uk
Coerver
www.LeagueLineUp.com
Club Sport Edinburgh
www.Socatots.com
Socatots
www.PositiveCoachingScotland.com
Positive Coaching Scotland
www.UKFutsalAssociation.co.uk
Futsal
www.srtrc.org
Show Racism the Red Card
www.ColinCampbellSports.com
Colin Campbell Sports
www.SpartansFCYouth.com
71
The Spartans FC Youth Section - Handbook Season 2011/2012
Notes:
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Notes:
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3