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The Birmingham County Football Association requires a young highly motivated and qualified Physio to join the County Youth U18 Representative team. Duties will include the preparation of the players both physically and medically prior to kick off, attention to all match injuries and post match player requirements, assistance in dressing room preparation and ensuring that all medical sundries associated with the position is of an acceptable level, (paid for in full by the Association). This position offers a unique opportunity for the individual to work on a national level with the best players in the Birmingham County conurbation. The team competes nationally so the successful candidate will be expected to accompany the team throughout the country. Most games will be played on a Saturday albeit there will be occasions where the need to be available for Sunday fixtures is expected. Training sessions will only take place as deemed necessary by the team manager, however, which will then be considered part of the person's job requirements. The current management team travel to midweek games looking at the best available talent within our catchment area, and some Saturday matches involving future opponents in the various competitions in which the team is involved. Whilst it is not expected that the person selected attends all these, it is considered advantageous to attend a certain amount to cement relationships with players and managers from the clubs. Out of pocket expenses are provided, with the opportunity to develop your qualifications via Birmingham FA's extensive Football Education programme. This includes Child Protection training which if not already gained, must be completed as part of the appointment. For further information please contact the U18 Rep Team Administration Manager, Steve Poole on 0794 456 6046. Feel the Benefit of Birmingham FA! Birmingham County FA has a lot to offer those who share their enthusiasm to develop the game - as Coundon Court FC have found out! The Coventry-based club became the first in the city to attain FA Charter Standard status - but in the 12 months that have followed, the hard work has continued. The County FA are responsible for a whole range of initiatives which reward commitment from clubs by providing qualifications and vital equipment, allowing more people to get involved. Coundon Court FC have met the Charter Standard criteria which includes ensuring that all Coaches have minimum qualifications, whilst they are encouraged to stretch their skills further up the ladder. It also requires standards in Child Protection and Administration, to ensure the club is operated safely and efficiently. Pete Howarth, Barry Morris and Richard Seedhouse were founder members of the club and are currently taking their UEFA 'B' qualification, whilst the newest member of the Coaching staff, Steve Ryder has recently attained his Level 1 Certificate, attending a course subsidised by The FA's Community Partner, McDonalds. David Stickley, a 17 year old local referee, will be the next to join the coaching staff; he takes his Level 1 at Henley College in September, and is keen to join the ambitious club. The Coaches are kept busy by the ever-expanding ranks of the club – boosted by a new U6 and U7 programme. Up to 30 youngsters attend weekly Saturday morning coaching sessions at the club's base, Coundon Court School - not only to play football, but also to give them the chance to become familiar with the surroundings: "The children are given activity packs and are introduced to the school's Youth Worker," said Richard Seedhouse, Coundon Court's Football Development Officer. "They are hopefully left with a positive image rather than any worries about moving to 'the big school'!" With an increase in players and coaches, comes the inevitable need for more equipment. Schools and Youth Groups - including Coundon Court – are on the receiving end of a whole host of benefits from the TOP Sport Football Scheme, delivered by Birmingham FA which provides training and resource cards, along with footballs and TOP Sport goals. "We love working with enthusiastic clubs like Coundon Court!" said Birmingham FA's Development Manager, Natalie Justice who is responsible for delivering FA initiatives at County level. "The staff at the club have worked extremely hard - it is brilliant to see that they are reaping the rewards and continuing to have a positive influence in the local community. There's no reason why others shouldn't do the same." Natalie is supported by a Team of staff who can offer information and advice on Football Development in Birmingham, Warwickshire and The Black Country. Whether you want to become a coach, learn first aid, are starting a new team or wanting to develop an established club, find out how Birmingham FA can help by calling 0121 682 2525. If you live in the Coventry area and want to get involved with Coundon Court FC - either as a player, coach or volunteer - contact Richard Seedhouse on 07831 377451. Real Results for Refereeing As Referees prepare to blow the whistle and start the new football season, Birmingham County FA are pleased to be welcoming more match officials than ever to the grassroots game. A boom in training courses organised throughout the County has helped increase the number of registered Referees from 1560 to just over the 1800 mark. During 2001 a total of 279 candidates received training, a figure which rose to 345 during 2002. Figures were helped by improving access to training for those people who had not considered getting involved before, including staging the country's first ever "Women Only" Referee Course - not only providing increased opportunities for individuals, but helping to meet the demand of an increased number of affiliated competitions. Equal importance is put on retaining match officials. County Training Officer, Nigel Genner works tirelessly to provide a programme of in-service training and promotion seminars, held throughout the season to give match officials a helping hand up the ladder or simply as a chance to meet and share their experiences and learn from others in the same situation. This is where the region has seen a huge leap in numbers, doubling the national average for retention of referees; currently around the 25% mark. Birmingham County FA has seen around 55% re-registering in 2002 and 52% already returning this summer. "We have had a great deal of support from The FA over the past months and are thrilled to see that the hard work is paying off at a local level." said County Secretary, Dave Shelton. "The game of football always needs match officials - we want to continue recruiting and retaining more individuals who play a vital role in the development of the game for thousands of grassroots footballers. "We are also committed to providing the opportunity for more referees to climb the promotion ladder, with the possibility of making a career out of what more often than not, starts as a hobby," added Dave. If you fancy taking up the whistle and making a massive contribution to football, contact Birmingham County FA for details of local instructors and training opportunities. Telephone 0121 357 4278 or e-mail: referees@birminghamfa.com Holiday Scheme Strikes FA Charter Standard Birmingham County FA gave the Birmingham City Council's "Strikes" Football Coaching Scheme a big pat on the back today after earning FA Charter Standard Status Birmingham FA's County Secretary, Dave Shelton and Football Development Officer, Natalie Justice joined children from Yew Tree School, Aston to sample what this summer's holiday scheme has to offer. The award is a continuation of the highly successful Charter Standard Club initiative which aims to raise, recognise and reward high standards in youth football. Strikes have become one of only 16 holiday schemes in the country to be given FA status, having met criteria which includes: -all coaches qualified (including in first aid and child protection) -a guaranteed child:coach ratio -facility check -equal opportunities for participants -appropriate insurance cover "As a parent myself, I know how reassuring it is to know that the important questions we will all ask before leaving your child in the care of others," said Dave. "Where you see the Charter Standard badge, you know that The FA have asked questions too - and more importantly, the criteria has been met." Parents can breathe a sigh of relief knowing that week-long coaching courses for youngsters kick off on Monday 21st July, continuing through out the holiday at various sites, including: Wyndley, Fox Hollies, Stockland Green, Colmers Farm and Great Barr Leisure Centres. For more information, visit your local Leisure Centre or call 0121 464 5000. |