Across Sheffield & Hallamshire there are more teams than ever playing football within almost 700 clubs run by dedicated volunteers.  The number of clubs is gradually reducing but the size and opportunities offered by our clubs has increased with many of our larger clubs now supporting over 25 teams.  

The growth and sustainability of clubs has been supported by the FA Charter Standard programme which creates a framework for recognising and rewarding clubs, ensuring good governance structures are in place, and encourages a safe and inclusive environment for players.  Clubs that demonstrate such standards are then prioritised for investment in terms of revenue support for developing coaches and volunteers, and to develop their facilities. 

This season we are introducing our Club Improvement Programme where we will offer a number of ‘on the pitch’ and ‘off the pitch’ workshops, giving grassroots volunteers opportunities to develop through practical and theoretical workshops.  Our aims are to ensure that club coaches deliver a high quality playing experience for their players, club volunteers have the right skills and tools to administer the game and are recognised for their contribution, and clubs have access to the right products and services from The FA and County FA.  

Through the FA Charter Standard programme, our long term ambitions are to support clubs to;

- Develop a full player pathway for males and females (youth to adult)
- Have an FA Level 1 coach with all youth teams
- Integrate The FA Respect programme
- Develop a strong club infrastructure 
- Promote excellent safeguarding and welfare standards
- Develop their own coaching and volunteer plan
- Create opportunities for disabled players 
- Become a sustainable community organisation

We will run a number of workshops throughout the season, across South Yorkshire.  Details of our workshops can be found below;

SSE Wildcats Girls Football Programme
Online webinar discussing the Wildcats application process and delivering the programme
5th November, 6:00-7:00 pm and 8th November, 6:00-7:00 pm

Charter Standard Support Evening
‘One to one’ support available to help your club with Charter Standard applications or annual health check.  Via appointment only
12th November, 6:00-8:00 pm at Doncaster & District Junior Sunday League offices, Doncaster

The Beautiful Game:  An Introduction to Football Coaching
A coaching workshop focussing on becoming a coach and the coaching pathway, how to deliver coaching sessions, and how to get involved in local opportunities.
21st November, 6:30-8:30pm at The U-Mix Centre, Sheffield

Groundsman Workshop
A workshop delivered in partnership with the Institute of Groundsmanship focusing on football pitch maintenance during the winter period.  Abacus Lighting will also discuss how they can support clubs with floodlights. 
26th November, 6:30-9:00 pm at Handsworth Juniors Football Club, Olivers Mount, Sheffield. 

England DNA Foundation Phase Roadshow
Pete Sturgess, FA National Lead Foundation Phase (5-11) will share and deliver his vision of the England DNA
4th December, 6:30-9:00 pm at Hillsborough College, Sheffield 

Developing Volunteers
Volunteers are an integral part of the grassroots football landscape.  This workshop is designed to support clubs with their recruitment and more importantly the retention of volunteers.  An interactive workshop where we will share good practice around advertising, safer recruitment, recognising and rewarding volunteers, and understanding motivations and barriers.
20th December, 6:30-8:30 pm at Sheffield & Hallamshire County FA (light food refreshments and drinks will be provided)