Two teams were formed; an Under 10’s and an Under 8’s, which were entered into the Parker Steel East Kent Youth League for the 2006/’07 season. By the end of August ’06, 5 volunteers (two of which possessed Level 1 FA Coaching Qualifications) were regularly co-ordinating age specific training sessions, which had extended to not only a Saturday morning but also a Tuesday evening.

The Club constitution was officially formed at the first meeting prior to the start of the 2006/’07 season (Appendix 3). Volunteers were appointed to key positions following an analysis of the skills set of those making themselves available and their return of a Football Association Criminal Record Bureau (CRB) enhanced disclosure certificate.

The season started with the following positions within the Club:

–Chairman

–Secretary

–Treasurer

–Team Managers (under 8’s & 10’s)

–Child Protection Officer

As the season progressed, regular meetings were held during which the development of the Club was discussed. It was decided at these forums there was a need to address the Clubs profile and raise its prominence within the community. The aim of developing an image to which children, parents, supporters, volunteers and external stakeholders could relate was set.

Subsequently, the position of Marketing & Communication Officer was created and given to a volunteer who had a working background as a Marketing Executive. In addition, a further volunteer was identified who had a personal development target to learn how to create a website. As a consequence, the position of Webmaster was created and the Hawkinge Youth FC website was developed (Appendix 4).

Meanwhile, ‘on the pitch’ the season progressed very successfully, with teams from each age group playing in the extremely competitive and well established Parker Steel East Kent Youth League, opponents ranging from small village teams to semi professional Clubs.

The ethos of providing opportunities to play competitive football (in most cases for the first time) to all, regardless of ability, worked well throughout the season, to the credit of all who were involved in picking teams and ‘rotating’ players in the respective squads.

Regardless of results, it was clear to see all the children thoroughly enjoyed themselves and this has been reflected in their continued attendance at our twice weekly training sessions.

To meet the challenges of conduct, players, coaches, team officials and supporters were individually issued the official Football Association Code of Conduct (Appendix 5). It was pleasing to note that on the whole, the conduct of all associated with the Club has been of a high standard, however the maintenance of these qualities will continue to be a challenge for the future.

In the second season (2007/08), the Club added a further 5 teams and all have had a successful rewarding season. The Club reached a significant milestone in January 2008, by achieving recognition from the FA as being a Charter Standard Club.

Our Vision (back to top)

Hawkinge Youth Football Club aims to actively encourage the local community and those in surrounding areas to participate in football. We will be proactive in providing opportunities for all, so that our members and partners reflect the diverse community within which we operate.

We will work tirelessly in conjunction with our partners to break down any barriers to participation.

We will offer the opportunity of playing, coaching, refereeing and administration within an ethos based upon equal opportunities for all those persons involved in the game.

We will encourage people to be active and take part in football regardless of ability, with the specific aims of building confidence, developing personal skills, team interaction and achieving overall self improvement in a safe and fun environment through high quality coaching and support.

Furthermore, we aim to maintain these opportunities and specifically ensure children are able to sustain their involvement with the Club throughout the year, giving them focus and direction as they grow up and making Hawkinge Youth Football Club a focal point for the football enthusiasts of our village for many years to come.

4.1

OBJECTIVES - Club Development (back to top)

Aim

Hawkinge Youth Football Club aims to take pro active steps to ensure that young people between the ages of 5 – 18 years have the opportunity to play football regardless of gender, religion, ethnicity, sexual orientation, disability, colour, race and ability.

Achievement Targets

–7 Mini Soccer Teams

–4 Youth Teams

–1 Girls Team

–1 Female Senior Team

–1 Male Senior Team

•

Objective	Tactic	Achievement target	Responsibility	Timescale	Finance
Develop new & maintain existing mini soccer teams every year in line with plan	Recruit volunteer coaches and advertise for players in local schools and the community (Appendix 6) Recruit through School/ Club link	2 Mini Soccer Teams 1 Male Senior Team P Achieved September ‘06	Club Committee	Year 1	Strips and equipment £500 Facilities (grass & winter training (£xxx) Affiliation (County FA & League) £xxx First Aid Kit £xx
Develop new (3 mini soccer/ 2 Youth) & maintain existing To achieve FA Charter Standard Club Status	As Above To work with County FA Development Officer and club committee	5 Mini Soccer Teams 2 Youth Team 1 Male Senior Team P Achieved Sept ‘07 FA Charter Standard award achieved P Achieved Jan 08	Club Committee	Year 2	As Above
Develop new (Girls Team & 2 mini soccer) & maintain existing	As Above	6 Mini Soccer Teams 3 Youth Teams 1 Girls Team 1 Male Senior Team	Club Committee	Year 3	As Above
Develop new (2 mini soccer) & maintain existing	As Above	7 Mini Soccer Teams 4 Youth Teams 1 Girls Team 1 Male Senior Team	Club Committee	Year 4	As Above
Develop new (2 mini soccer/ 1 Female Senior Team) & maintain existing	As Above	8 Mini Soccer Teams 3 Youth Teams 1 Girls Team 1 Male Senior Team 1 Female Senior Team	Club Committee	Year 5	As Above

What we have achieved to date:

No of teams	Year 1			Year 2
	3			8
	Boys	Girls	Dis	Boys	Girls	Dis
Age Groups	U8 U10 1 Senior			U7 U8 U9 U10 U11 U14 x 2 1 Senior

And our future plans:

No of teams

Year 3

Year 4

Year 5

Year 6

Year 7

Boys

Girls

Dis

Boys

Girls

Dis

Boys

Girls

Dis

Boys

Girls

Dis

Boys

Girls

Dis

Age Groups

U10

U11

U12

U15 x2

1 senior

U12

U10

U11

U12

U13

U16 x2

1 senior

U13

U10

U11

U12

U13

U14

1 senior

U14

1 senior

U10

U11

U12

U13

U14

U15

1 senior

U15

1 senior

U10

U11

U12

U13

U14

U15

U16

1 senior

U16

1 senior

4.2

OBJECTIVES - Leagues, Competition & Small sided football (back to top)

Aim

To provide all age groups with the opportunity to play competitive football.

Achievement Target

–All mini soccer teams to be entered into the East Kent Youth Football League (Mini Soccer) / Ashford & District Mini Soccer League

–All junior teams to be entered into the East Kent Youth Football League.