	Please click here to download the DEVELOPMENT PLAN which is a pdf.
	Introduction Following its first year, Hawkinge Youth Football Club has recognised the importance of producing a development plan to aid the Club in building on initial successes. This development plan seeks to recognise the achievements made to date and outline the aspirations for the future, specifying the steps that will need to be taken to move the Club forward over the coming years. It is envisaged that this document will be used to communicate our plans to the following parties within the Club: Players Coaches Administrators Parents Supporters Other Volunteers In addition, the Club also aim to use this development plan as a basis to support its applications for Charter Standard Status and funding. It will therefore also aim to reach a wider external audience to include: The Kent Football Association The Football Foundation Hawkinge Partnership Hawkinge Parish Council Hawkinge Sports Association Hawkinge/Churchill/Selsted Primary Schools Club Sponsors Other prospective stakeholders The Story so far… Hawkinge Youth Football Club was formed in May 2006 following regular ‘kick-abouts’ involving a small number of children and three enthusiastic fathers meeting on the Parish Council grounds in the village, on a Saturday morning. As the weeks went by, the numbers of children attending the training sessions started to grow and what had started as a kick around among a few friends developed into more structured training sessions. 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 held 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. 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. Initially the position of Marketing & Communication Officer was created and given to a volunteer who had a working background as a Marketing Executive. This position has subsequently been absorbed by various Committee members. 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. 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 Conduct2. 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.





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