Players’ Kit Scheme 2016 open for applications

This season’s Premier League Players’ Kit Scheme has now opened for applications from schools and district teams across the country.

The Scheme, which is now in its fifth year, sees players from each of the 20 Premier League Clubs donate funds for full team kits (of 15 strips) to school groups and district teams who apply online via this link.

To date the Premier League, alongside its official partner, Nike, have provided 63,765 individual kits to junior teams both via the online national application system and through individual player nominations.

Stoke City goalkeeper, Jack Butland, recently visited Newstead Primary School in Stoke to hand out kit following their successful application as part of last year’s Scheme.

“The Premier League Players’ Kit Scheme is a brilliant opportunity for us to give back to the local community by handing over some kits which can hopefully help get kids active,” he said. “It’s nice to come to the school and see kids so passionate about getting out and playing football.

“They seem really pleased with the new kits. It’s a very simple thing but it gives a little bit of motivation, a little bit of encouragement to the guys to get involved.”

Simon Morgan, Head of Football Relations at the Premier League added: “Over 4,250 schools and district teams have already benefited from the Premier League Players’ Kit scheme thanks to donations from Premier League players.

“I hope that the attraction of having the Premier League badge on their shirts will encourage more schools to sign up via the online application form, which in turn will help encourage their participation in football.”

To apply, click here >>

Grow the Game funding

We can confirm that we have applied for funding to bring girls football to Pirelli FC via the Grow the Game grant from the Football Foundation. This means, if we are successful, that we can financially support the creation of two new all-girls teams for the next three years. Our disability squad are currently benefitting from receiving a similar grant of which they are coming into their third and final year.

The Football Foundation’s Grow the Game Scheme provides grants of up to £1,500 for the creation of new football teams and coaching qualifications, with money provided by the Premier League and The FA.

Our image shows James Heappey, MP for Wells, who paid a visit to local club, Axbridge Saxons Youth FC, to present a cheque for £4,500 as part of the scheme.

As part of the creation of the new teams, we will of course need players and also volunteers to help coach the new teams. Funding is available for coaching courses, venue hire, registrations, basically everything that is required to support a new team. If you would like to be involved in this, or would like to know more, then please get in touch with Martin Taylor for more information.

If successful, the following table shows how the money will be spent on the teams over the next three years:

The FA Community Awards 2016 – Who’s your grassroots hero?

FA Community Awards

We all know at least one person who makes a difference in our local football community.

The FA Community Awards presented by Mcdonald’s aim to recognise and reward people across the country that make a difference to grassroots football in their local community – the people who dedicate their time to developing tomorrow’s young talent and help ensure safety and best practice in tens of thousands of clubs up and down the country.

The awards offer a chance to all those involved in grassroots football to shout about the person, or team of people that have made a real difference to their experience whilst playing or just being involved in the beautiful game.

Winners are awarded at a local, regional and national level so there’s plenty of opportunity for grassroots football heroes across the country to be recognised.

What awards can be won?

The seven award categories are:

The FA Charter Standard Club of the Year

Are you part of an FA Charter Standard Club that deserves recognition for the work they do? Is it a focal part of the community and provide playing opportunities to everyone? If the answer is yes, then nominate your club or one you know that deserves to be rewarded for their part in keeping the beautiful game alive! Without our McDonald’s supported FA Charter Standard Clubs the grassroots game could not run as it does – we salute you!
Click here to nominate in this category

The FA Charter Standard Development Club of the Year

Are you part of an FA Charter Standard Development Club that deserves recognition for the work they do? Is it a focal part of the community and provide playing opportunities to everyone? If the answer is yes, then nominate your club or one you know that deserves to be rewarded for their part in keeping the beautiful game alive! Without our McDonald’s supported FA Charter Standard Development Clubs the grassroots game could not run as it does – we salute you!
Click here to nominate in this category

The FA Charter Standard Community Club of the Year

Are you part of an FA Charter Standard Community Club that deserves recognition for the work they do? Is it a focal part of the community and provide playing opportunities to everyone? If the answer is yes, then nominate your club or one you know that deserves to be rewarded for their part in keeping the beautiful game alive! Without our McDonald’s supported FA Charter Standard Community Clubs the grassroots game could not run as it does – we salute you!
Click here to nominate in this category

The FA Charter Standard League of the Year

Is your club part of an FA Charter Standard League that deserves recognition for the work they do? Have they increased the number of teams over the last season? Have they supported their workforce? Are they innovative in the way they run their league and communicate to their clubs? If the answer is yes, then nominate your league or one you know that deserves to be rewarded for the hard work they put into the game week in week out.
Click here to nominate in this category

The FA Young Volunteer of the Year (under-25)

Do you know anyone under 25 that gives up their time to volunteer in football? It could be the tea lady, the grounds man, the kit washer or the ever positive team cheer person! We want to celebrate those that make a significant contribution to grassroots football, those that keep the game going. A role model that inspires others to get involved. Anyone spring to mind? Nominate them now; it will take just a couple of minutes of your time.
Click here to nominate in this category

The FA Volunteer of the Year

Do you know someone that gives up their time to volunteer in football? It could be the tea lady, the grounds man, the kit washer or the ever positive team cheer person! We want to celebrate those that make a significant contribution to grassroots football, those that keep the game going. A role model that inspires others to get involved. Anyone spring to mind? Nominate them now; it will take just a couple of minutes of your time.
Click here to nominate in this category

The People’s Award – Outstanding Contribution to Community Football

The People’s Choice Award is all about finding the true heroes of grassroots football. Those that have given their life to the game and in doing so have helped others to enjoy it. This is an elite award which recognises excellence and those that will leave a true legacy for others to benefit from. Anyone nominated for this award should be a role model and the centre of their local football community.
Click here to nominate in this category

The National winners will be chosen by a National Award judging panel featuring 1966 World Cup winner and McDonald’s Director of Football, Sir Geoff Hurst.

For more details and about the awards click here.

Nominations period will open on Monday 1st February

Ability Counts Pre-Season Meeting

Last night, 12 Jan 2016, Pirelli FC and other member clubs were invited to the pre-season meeting at Penrith Leisure Centre to discuss the key topics concerning the Ability Counts league, the FA’s disability football league. The agenda included an overview of the 2015 season which saw participants increase to over 100 players, which is yet another increase from the previous year.

After a positive discussion about the strengths of the league and also areas of development, the group explored the options for restructuring the league format due to new teams entering the 2016 season, which starts in March. All prospective options included creating games which would challenge each team whilst also maintaining the enjoyment aspect of the evening.

Among the attendees were several county FA referees who were able to confirm that the enjoyment isn’t just for the players, but also those officiating the games. The experience gained during the night has been appealing to young referees as well as those seasoned referees which can only help improve the involvement of the players.

Cumberland FA will now explore the options and submit to member clubs in the coming weeks.

If you would like to get involved with disability football within the county, either as a player or a volunteer, then contact Jessica Nelson by email via Jessica.Nelson@CumberlandFA.com.

Get Active – Calling all Disability Organisations

Cumberland FA in partnership with The FA’s Disability Football Development Fund are pleased to announce a new programme for 2016.

‘Get Active’ with Cumberland FA is a Healthy Living and Activity based programme for disabled members of the community, day services and disability organisations to get fit with football in 2016.

In partnership with the Sands Centre, Carlisle the venue is opening its doors to the disabled community and services to come along and give football a try.  Fortnightly sessions will include fun, social football based classes; opportunities to meet new people; keep fit and try something new

Details of the sessions are as follows:

Participants must be over the age of 16

Jess Nelson, Football Development Officer (Inclusion) said: ‘We’ve consulted with a number of Day Service providers and members of the public to develop a programme that would best suit them.  The venue and lunch time slot lends itself to the great facilities on offer, including the gym, café and double sports hall space for activity; making the programme more than just about the football.’

‘The idea of members of the disabled community and local services coming together, splitting into teams and enjoying a social kick about is something that doesn’t often occur.  We hope this programme can engage new participants and give members of the public a new lease of life.’

Anyone interested in getting involved in the ‘Get Active’ Programme should contact Jess on 01900 872310 / 07807 665543 or e-mail Jessica.Nelson@CumberlandFA.com

We are also looking for any Health related organisations or partners who would be keen to work with us to support the message of Healthy Living and Lifestyles.

Follow us on Twitter @CumberlandFA or Like us on Facebook to stay up to date with news.

December 2015 minutes

We held our December club meeting at Pirelli Social Club on Thursday 10th where we discussed the following items:

• Update from all managers
• Coach Training Courses & CRC
• Charter Standard Changes
• U6’s Training
• Club Open Day 2016
• Sponsorship and Club Funds
• Club Structures
• First Aid Equipment
• Social Media & Website

Please take a look at our December 2015 minutes to find out what was discussed.

Our next meeting will be on Mon 8th February 2016 18:30 at Pirelli Social Club.

Our December meeting is happening Mon 7th

We are holding our December meeting on Monday 7th starting at 18:30 at Pirelli Social Club. All teams are to be represented to ensure we get feedback from all areas of the club and also you can vote on any key items on the night.

We open this out to any parents who wish to attend along with your coach, but this will be limited to one parent per team.

Take a look at the agenda prior to attending December Meeting, and please raise any additional items you wish to add to Martin Taylor before the end of Saturday 5th December.

FA Licenced Coaches Club 2015/16 – Join/Renewals

Membership renewals and to join for the 2015/16 season is now open.

To renew, simply head over to the My Training section of the website, click on the Renew Membership button and follow the instructions. But before you do, please take a moment to make sure you have fulfilled the right criteria so that your renewal experience is as smooth as possible.

What you need to renew today

• CPD – Level 1 coaches must have completed THREE hours of CPD, while for Level 2 coaches and above the required amount is FIVE hours.
• Profile Photo – Please ensure you have uploaded an up-to-date profile photo to for your new ID card on 1 August. If your photo has already been uploaded this will stay in place and transfer to the new season.
• First Aid, Safeguarding Children and CRC/DBS – All FA Licensed coaches are required to possess a valid FA Emergency Aid Certificate and FA Safeguarding Children certificate, and if you are coaching children, an in date CRC/DBS Certificate.

Not completed your CPD? Here’s what to do next…

If you have yet to complete your CPD, there’s no need to worry there are still plenty of opportunities available to do so – including ways you can complete them from the comfort of your own home.

• The Boot Room – Subscribe to the official magazine of The FA Licensed Coaches’ Club and complete each edition’s reflective questionnaire to receive 1 hour’s CPD.
• Online CPD Courses – Using previously released FA Licensed Coaches’ Club Masterclasses as their basis, these FREE online modules are specifically tailored for Level 1 and 2 coaches, with each course completed providing 1 hour of CPD.
• Regional Conferences – Open to coaches of ALL levels, these one-day events will bring together expert speakers, elite coaches as well as special guests to deliver bespoke coaching content focused on the England DNA and how you can play your part in delivering the future vision for English football. The conferences provide six hours of CPD.

What are the benefits for FA Licensed Coaches for the 2015/16 season?

As well as being part of the largest coaching community scheme in the world, as an FA Licensed Coaches’ Club member you will have access to the following array of exciting benefits:

• Access to FREE local CPD events.
• Discounts on FA national courses.
• Create, consume and share practices via The FA Coaches’ App.
• FREE access to Captured – your digital coaching tool.
• Discounts on Wembley Tours, FocusX2, and much more.
• Photo ID Licence.

To renew and Join click here

Win kits for your child and their club!

Nothing beats the feeling of lining up alongside your team for a football match in brand new kit, and the McDonald’s Accredited Club kit scheme has just celebrated the incredible milestone of handing out its 100,000th kit, with almost 5,000 individual grassroots football teams across the UK benefiting from the scheme since 2014.

There are 12 star prizes in total: 3 star prizes are available to residents in each of England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland.  Lucky winners resident in Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland will receive one set of Adidas kits for their child’s football team. Winners resident in England will  receive one set of Nike kits for their child’s football team. 90 runners-up will win a Precision training equipment pack, consisting of balls, bibs and cones, to help take their child’s training to the next level.

To be in with a chance of winning, go to the website below and fill in the entry form below.

http://www.mcdonalds.co.uk/ukhome/Sport/Football/LetsPlay/kit-scheme-promotion.html

Promoting Under 11 Football

As the season is well underway, Cumberland FA would like to remind Clubs of their responsibility regarding publishing results for Under 7s to Under 11 age groups.

Following a number of changes to formats and regulations over the past few years, mainly due to The FA Youth Development Review and with new volunteers, players and spectators getting involved in grassroots football each season, we are aware of the constant need to communicate changes and support leagues and clubs in delivering these changes.

Cumberland FA would like to remind all those involved in the game that results for Under 7s, 8s, 9s, 10s and 11s must not be published – in any format.

Our three local Youth Leagues support this stance as their websites continue to not publish the results. However, with the increased use of social media, such as Facebook and Twitter among others, results can be published in a variety of different ways by individuals associated with the grassroots game.

Cumberland FA are urging Clubs to communicate this information to team managers and parents / carers as this is a shared responsibility, to remember that football is to be enjoyed and is not always about the result.

What does this mean?
There must be no publication of scores, results or tables on websites, social media or any other means referring to Under 7 to Under 11 football.

Reports or posts which highlight the efforts and performances of teams are permitted however detailing results, scores and scorers are not permitted.

This does not mean Cumberland FA are suggesting that Under 11 football should not be celebrated and promoted. We want to hear about the experiences of youngsters in grassroots football in Cumberland and help support and promote the fantastic efforts and work going on across the County. We also know coaches, parents and carers want to talk about football across social media – but scores and results can’t be!

Below are a couple of examples (names used are not real) highlighting some Do’s and Don’ts. These are not exhaustive and provide only a guide:

Yes – it’s ok to say
‘A fantastic performance from my team today – proud of all my players!’
‘So proud of Ben scoring in his match today’
‘A great effort by all my players in the game today’
‘Played Futsal today – some cracking goals and great efforts from the players’

No – it’s not ok to say
‘So proud of my son Craig today, scoring in their Under 8 win over City’
‘Won 2-1 at Futsal – well done boys’
‘Beat Utd today – get in!’
‘Great game today, our goal scorers against City were Ben, James, Paul and Jess.’

Cumberland FA understands the importance of providing a fun environment for children to learn and enjoy the game. These regulations have been reiterated to support the development of players.

Social Media is a fantastic tool to communicate and Cumberland FA are fully aware that the majority of people use this appropriately.

All comments on these networking sites may and should be considered public, and anything deemed improper which brings the game into disrepute could lead to disciplinary action. It is the responsibility of all football to reduce and eradicate threatening, abusive, indecent or insulting behaviour, and the interactive environment is no different.

Cumberland FA will be publishing more information on the use of Social Media shortly. In the meantime please refer to The FA best practice information by clicking HERE.

Regulations around Youth Football
Page 111 which relates to FA Regulation C4 (iii) states that:
a)      Under 7 and Under 8 Mini Soccer
Leagues may organise a maximum of three trophy events per season, each to be played over a maximum period of two weeks, and may publish the results of such event. The remainder of the season may consist of organised development fixtures only, for which leagues and clubs may collect the results and compile league tables, but must NOT publish either.
b)      Under 9 and Under 10 Mini Soccer
Leagues may organise a maximum of three trophy events per season, each to be played over a maximum period of four weeks, and may publish the results of such event. The remainder of the season may consist of organised development fixtures only, for which leagues and clubs may collect the results and compile league tables, but must NOT publish either.
c)       Leagues may organise a maximum of three trophy events per season, each to be played over a maximum period of six weeks, and may publish the results of such event. The remainder of the season may consist of organised development fixtures only, for which leagues and clubs may collect the results and compile league tables, but must NOT publish either.

Click here for more information: http://www.thefa.com/football-rules-governance/more/rules-of-the-association

Follow @CumberlandFA on Twitter, and ‘Like’ us at www.facebook.com/cumberlandfa on Facebook to keep up to date with local football in Cumberland.