Through the School-Club Link programme, the Shefield & Hallamshire FA aims to:
1. Increase the number of young people aged 5-16 years old playing on a regular basis in an FA Charter Standard programme.
2. Increase the number of FA Charter Standard and Community clubs.
3. Develop sustainable partnerships between schools and FA Charter Standard clubs.
What is a School Club Link? The FA defines a school club link as a process to assist a young person to move from participating in football in school to moving into football at a Charter Standard Club.
Who? School Club Links target individual groups of players aged 5-16, i.e. girls or disability. It is helpful if players have a basic knowledge and skill level before the course starts but is not essential as long as they show the right mix of enthusiasm and commitment, and are looking to join a Charter Standard Club.
What? 5-6 weeks FA coaching course, held in conjunction with both schools and clubs, to offer regular football sessions to players of all abilities who are keen to meet new friends, learn new skills and above all have FUN.
Why? The sessions are run by our FA qualified coaches who have undertaken Safeguarding Children training, First Aid and are CRB checked to ensure players learn new football skills and have fun as part of The FA Football Development Programme.
When? Taster sessions take place during school curriculum time and courses then run at an appropriate time for the players after school hours. (for example the first 7 weeks of an 8 week course, may run at a school site as an after school club and the final week at the club before a regular training session).
What are some of the benefits of School Club Links/3 Lions courses? Establishment of strong links between schools and clubs and coaching support for players/staff. Any courses provide clubs with an Intake of new players. Equipment & promotional resource packages available to all clubs/schools hosting courses. Players given the opportunity to play in a fun, friendly and safe environment throughout the duration of the course and then the opportunity to progress to playing regularly as part of a charter standard club.
For more information on the 3 Lions School-Club Links programme please contact Matt Handley, Football Development Officer on (0114) 2414) 992 or email matthew.handley@sheffieldfa.com