To celebrate the start of another football season, Birmingham County FA will be opening its doors to the public between 10am and 3pm on Saturday 31st August.
The event at County Headquarters, Ray Hall Lane, Great Barr is a chance to find out more about the work carried out by Birmingham County FA in its role to administer and develop the grassroots game; providing more opportunities than ever to play, coach and referee, no matter what your age or ability.
Free "turn up and play" soccer skills sessions for boys and girls will take place throughout the day, whilst everyone who attends can test their shot in the Strikes Speed Cage!
In addition, the Vesey Girls Mini Soccer Festival will showcase the adapted version of the game, which gives all players under the age of 10 a great start to football. Smaller pitches, fewer players and less emphasis on competition mean enjoyment levels are greater, with more children maintaining their involvement later in life.
Work carried out by thousands of volunteers will also be recognised as presentations are made to winners of this year's Football Workforce Awards. The scheme is designed to help clubs recruit new volunteers to the grassroots game, and recognise the efforts of existing individuals who ensure opportunities continue to increase.
This year's winners show just how diverse the voluntary roles carried out actually are - and how football calls upon skills you would never think were needed in football. Those receiving awards range from Tea Ladies, Referees and Coaches; including Carl Davies from Coventry Sphinx FC who has guided the young team through an extremely difficult time after his friend and joint-Manager Willie Knibbs was killed in a car crash in November 2001.
The FA Charter Standard is another scheme to be highlighted at the Open Day. The national initiative gives clubs the chance to prove they are safe, well organised outfits by meeting a set of FA requirements in coaching standards, child protection procedures and many other aspects. The benefits can be felt by all those involved - from added security for parents to attracting new sponsors thanks to the FA "seal of approval".
Presentations will be made to Stechford's Glebe Farm Colts who are winners of the County Charter Standard Club Award, whilst the efforts of Graham Wilson, Secretary of Nuneaton-based Chetwynd AFC will be rewarded with the Charter Standard Administrator Award. Steve Clarke and Mark Howard will be presented with joint Charter Standard Coach Awards for their work at Streetly-based Starlands FC.
Admission to the Open Day and the Soccer Skills session is free - for more information, please call Birmingham County FA on 0121 357 4278.