Club links is a key area in both The National Game Strategy and the new FA Corporate Strategy to drive the growth and retention of new club and school teams. With all this in mind, in June 2008 The FA Charter Schools programme was terminated and a new Club Link Focus School Programme launched.
What does this mean for existing Charter Standard Schools and why change?
If they are within the three-year accreditation period they will continue to access the benefits package and access to discount England youth and women’s tickets and the UMBRO website as normal.
If they are outside the three-year accreditation period, access to the benefits finished in September 2008. By applying to become an FA Club-Link Focus School, schools will have continued support from the FA over the coming year.
If the FA Charter Standard is so popular, then why the change?
Schools received The FA Charter Standard based on their current provision in football both curricular and extra curricular to a minimum number of year groups (boys and girls) for a minimum period of time. Although recognising the excellent use of football by the school it did not always reflect a strong link to local charter clubs.
Criteria and benefits:
Focus schools will be asked to submit a plan of what they hope to achieve with their football activity over the coming year, ensuring that the programme is outcome driven. Simply, baseline activity is recorded upon which the school sets target numbers for new teams, numbers for pupils (not in the school team) attending extended opportunities (after School Clubs, Futsal etc) and key to the whole programme the number of pupils going on to club football. There is also commitment by school staff to gain FA qualifications, through attending one of the new 10 education modules or a standard coach education course, such as a Level 1.
Benefits will include a £50 UMBRO voucher for Kit, tickets to England U21, womens and youth games, FA Club Link School Certificate; added to which stronger links with local Charter Clubs will provide quality pathways for pupils.
Focus Schools & FA Club-Link Schools - is there a difference?
Effectively they are one and the same. The biggest difference is that on average we will have up to 40 focus schools in one academic year when previously we had over 125 Charter Standard Schools.
How do I become an FA Club-Link School?
Complete the expression of interest form attached to the right hand side of this page and return to the Norfolk County FA Headquarters.
Alternatively you can contact the Development team directly on 01603 704050 or email Info@NorfolkFA.com.