Winshill FC were given an early Christmas present yesterday as they became the first club in Burton to receive FA Charter Standard status.
Darren Stride from Burton Albion joined representatives from Birmingham FA at the Burton Junior Football League meeting last night to congratulate Winshill's Secretary, Gary Dunne on the club's achievement.
To gain the award, the club have proven that they are a safe, well-operated outfit by meeting the requirements set by The FA. These include Coaching qualifications for all Team Managers, and the appointment of a Child Protection Officer. One of the main aims of the scheme is to provide parents with the peace of mind that their children are enjoying football in the best possible environment, whilst raising standards and rewarding the clubs who meet them.
Football Education Courses are available to clubs in the region via the Birmingham County FA who have taught new skills to over 1000 coaches this year. The County FA also run Child Protection, First Aid and Team Administration courses and provide support to all clubs throughout their Charter Standard application process.
Winshill FC currently have 8 Managers running 11 girls and boys teams from U8's to U15's in the Burton Junior, Lichfield and Coalville Leagues. As a qualified Coach, Gary Dunne runs a Sunday Soccer School, where many of Winshill's players polish their skills!
Although he is tempted to get involved with Teams on a Saturday, Gary finds his role enough to keep him busy:
"I don't look after one particular team as it's important that someone oversees the running of the club as a whole," he said. "The administration side has to be spot on - as a Charter Standard Club we have to make doubly sure we are doing things right.
"Thankfully I receive support from a terrific group of staff, who all share that aim. Our emphasis isn't on winning; it's on making sure everyone enjoys being involved. I'm proud to say we put a lot back into our community through the club."
Birmingham FA Football Development Officer, Natalie Justice said: "Winshill FC are a great example to others - I am sure they are the first of many clubs in the area set to gain Charter Standard Status."
The FA Charter Standard Scheme is available free of charge to every youth football club in the country - no matter what size. If you are interested in finding out more, call Birmingham County Football Development on 0121 682 2525.
Wheelchair Football Proves a Hit With Youngsters (13.12.02)
Pupils from West Midlands Special Schools had a "wheelie" good time today as they took part in a Wheelchair Football taster session organised by Birmingham County FA and Aston Villa FITC.
Girls and boys from Great Barr Primary, Streetly, Golden Hillock and Wilson Stuart Schools were joined at Aston Villa Leisure Centre from schools further afield, including Blackfriars in Newcastle Under Lyme and Sherbourne Fields in Warwickshire.
Coaching was provided by Aspire - a London-based company specialising in providing opportunities for people with spinal injuries to play sport. Football Development Staff from Birmingham also attended so that Wheelchair Football can be developed at a local level.
"Most of the children have never had the chance to have a go at football, but this has been a great start for them," said Birmingham County FA FDO, Rachel Dunlop.
"It's also good that we can see how to adapt our coaching skills to make sure they can carry on playing in the future," she added.
Teachers and pupils from each school are being asked for their feedback on today's session, with the aim to set up regular coaching sessions and playing opportunities within a structured league.
"The initial reaction has been very positive from everyone who attended - you could see that from the smiles on the children's faces," said Rachel.
"Setting up a league requires an initial investment in equipment and kit - we have already found a local company who have come up with a more practical version of the padding which goes round the bottom of the wheelchairs," she added. "We are going to try to secure financial help to make sure the teams have kit and the special extra large wheelchair footballs."
If you are interested in playing Wheelchair Football, contact Rachel Dunlop on 0121 682 2525.
Sunday Junior Cup - Great Deal from Arena Pubs (10.12.02)
Arena Pubs is the proud new sponsor of the Birmingham County FA Sunday Junior Cup 2002-03.
More than 60 teams are taking part in the competition, with the final scheduled for Sunday 4th May at BCFA HQ (TBC).
Arena Pubs offer all the benefits of a town centre venue, in the heart of the local community - and are offering football clubs an invitation to benefit even more!
As well as showing all the big action matches, Arena pubs also welcome their own sports teams. If you register your team with an Arena pub, you can use the facilities as a meeting place and take part in the pub's loyalty scheme.
For every dring bought by you or one of your teammates, points are earned which can be redeemend against sport equipment or kit.
Arena Pubs can be found at the following locations: Yenton (Sutton Rd, Erdington), Man on the Moon (Redditch Rd, Kings Norton), York (York Rd, Hall Green), Old Horns (Queslett Rd, Great Barr), Golden Cross (Metchley Lane, Harborne), Tennis Court (Walsall Rd, Perry Barr), Hibernian (Pershore Rd, Stirchley), Hazelwell (Pineapple Rd, Stirchley), Old Colonial (Damson Lane, Solihull), Bromford Inn (Bromford Lane, Washwood Heath), George (George Rd, Oldbury), Kings Highway (Hagley Rd West, Oldbury), Crown & Anchor (Hollyhedge Rd, West Bromwich), Myvod (Park Lane, Wednesbury), Elms (Anchor Rd, Aldridge), Merry Hill (Trysull Rd, Wolverhampton), Red Lion (Amos Lane, Wednesfield), Wallace (Keresley Rd, Coventry), Hawthorn Tree (Broad Lane, Coventry), Bulls Head (Binley Rd, Coventry), Coundon Hotel (Barkers Butts La, Coventry), Cheylesmore (Daventry Rd, Cheylesmore)