Birmingham County FA and Aston Villa's Football in the Community Scheme are joining forces to offer disabled youngsters the chance to experience Electric Wheelchair Football at their first ever "taster session".
The free event takes place at the Aston Villa Leisure Centre on Friday 13th December, with schools from Birmingham, The Black Country, Coventry and Warwickshire invited to attend between 11 am and 2pm, with the aim of setting up a league for teams to participate on a regular basis.
Coaches from London-based company Espire will take charge of the session. They will also pass on their specialist teaching skills to Birmingham County FA Coaches who hope to develop the sport throughout the region.
"The adapted version of the game gives people with mobility problems the opportunity to play, so the taster session will give everyone in our area the chance to have a go," said BCFA Development Officer, Rachel Dunlop who is co-ordinating the event along with Aston Villa's Community Officer Duncan Riddle.
"Although all the County Coaching Staff have FA qualifications, we want to learn more about the special skills needed to teach wheelchair football," she added. "That way, we can provide regular coaching sessions at local venues.
"Our ultimate aim is to set up a league, so the players have got somewhere to put those skills to the test!"
Schools with pupils who would like to take part can get more information and book their place by contacting Rachel on 0121 682 2525.
County Scheme Scoops Award (15.11.02)
Staff at Birmingham County FA's Development Scheme were celebrating today, after scooping a National Award for their work in Girls and Women's Football.
A team of Coaches provide opportunities for all; but efforts to encourage more female participation were singled out for praise at The FA's Football Development conference, held in Nottingham this week.
Football has become the number one sport for girls and women, and in his role as Director of the Scheme, Tom Stack heads a group of 10 full time Development Staff, focused on ensuring its growth continues throughout Birmingham, The Black Country and Warwickshire.
A clear pathway now exists, from local "Turn Up and Play" taster sessions and in-school "Kick Start" coaching, to Centres of Excellence and Football Academies. Many of these initiatives have been implemented by partnerships built up with Local Authorities, Clubs and the Active Sports Programme.
To encourage girls to maintain their involvement, focus is also put on providing more female role models. Birmingham was one of the first Counties to host "Women Only" Coach Education Courses, removing barriers which have stopped them from gaining qualifications and experience in what has been a male-dominated environment. Newly qualified Female Coaches can now also benefit from a Mentor Scheme that helps them progress up the coaching ladder.
The County FA were also the first to run "Women Only" Referee Recruitment and Training Courses, proving that there are more ways to get involved than ever before.
Although the range of activities is varied, the Development Team are always striving to set and improve standards within football. This is of particular relevance with their work in Girls and Womens Club Development as staff are on hand to help start new clubs and offer guidance throughout the FA Charter Standard Application process.
The FA has approved or is currently processing 11 Charter Standard applications from local clubs who run girls teams. Gaining this "seal of approval" from football's governing body ensures that once they get a taste for the sport, girls can find a club who have proved they are a safe, well organised outfit.
"The award came completely out of the blue," said Stack, who has given 16 years to developing football. "But we have put a lot of work into the girls and women's game over the past 3 years, and it's very flattering that it's been recognised.
"I also think that the FA know we have some of the best female coaches in the country - their dedication to the development of game can't help but inspire others," he added.
To find out about girls and women's football in your area, and how you can be a part of it, call the Award-Winning Birmingham County Football Development Scheme on 0121 682 2525!
Coundon Court Celebrate New Status (4.11.02)
Coventry City's young striker, Gary McSheffrey helped players and staff from Coundon Court FC celebrate the fact they are the first football club in Coventry to attain FA Charter Standard Status.
The Charter Standard is a "seal of approval" from football's governing body, giving clubs the chance to prove that they are a safe and well operated club, meeting FA requirements in coaching, first aid, administration and child protection. The scheme is free to any club operating at U16 level or below and aims to provide peace of mind for parents and coaches and the best possible environment for children to enjoy playing the game.
In the 4 months since they formed, the club have secured the valuable support of Coundon Court School & Community College where they are now based, whilst building sponsorship deals with companies to provide kit and equipment.
The team was formed by manager and parent, Barry Morris with the help of friends, Richard Seedhouse and Peter Howarth who coach and administer the team. All three have gained FA Coaching Qualifications - a minimum requirement for Charter Standard Clubs, and intend to continue their training up the coaching ladder.
John Cook and David Seedhouse played a major part of forging links with the school, and in his capacity as the Club's Child Protection Officer, David has received FA training specific to his role.
Courses are available to clubs via the Birmingham County FA who have taught new skills to over 1000 coaches so far this year and who provide support to all clubs throughout their Charter Standard application process.
Coundon Court FC's Development Officer, Richard Seedhouse pointed out that there would be no resting on their laurels!
"We currently run one team for U13 boys, and have recently starting coaching sessions for U6's. We are now finalising plans to provide the Charter Standard to girls in the area by bringing the school's three girls teams under the Coundon Court FC banner - that way we hope to make the next step to Charter Standard Development Club status." he said.
"To become a Charter Standard Club has meant a lot of work, but we wanted to make sure we got off to a good start, with high standards from the outset," he added. "We want to ensure the best for our young players"
"By working closely with the school, we are giving more children the chance to enjoy regular football. We hope that local people will get involved with us as coaches or volunteers too - that way, they can learn new skills, the club can continue to grow and the community can benefit as a whole from the good practices we have put in place."
If you run a youth football club and are interested in finding out more about the FA Charter Standard scheme, call Birmingham County Football Development on 0121 682 2525.