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Opportunities provided by Birmingham County FA and the Active Sports Initiative are encouraging greater participation from girls within the region, at more levels than ever before. By targeting schools in areas where the majority of the population is of Black or Asian origin, the County FA is seeing a more diverse cross section of society getting involved. Holiday events and after school "Kick Start" sessions provide a great start to football for those who would otherwise not get the chance to play. Bordesley Green School's Fun Week attracted 20 Asian girls during the summer break, whilst "Kick Start" sessions at other Birmingham inner-City schools have proved immensely popular with Afro Caribbean and Asian girls alike. Many now compete on a regular basis in the Birmingham Schools Girls League, launched by The Birmingham County FA and the Active Sports Initiative last season. For girls at Golden Hillock School in Birmingham whose religion prevents them from staying behind after lessons, lunchtime coaching sessions are provided at to ensure nobody misses out on the chance to play. The next aim is to encourage the girls to maintain their involvement out of school time - one that is already beginning to show results, according to Rachel Dunlop, Birmingham County FA's Girls & Women's Football Development Officer: "Our weekly Coaching Centre gives girls who show particular talent the chance to benefit from additional training and guidance from FA qualified Coaches - it is an important step in getting girls higher up the football pyramid," she said. "Although we have a Coaching Centre in Birmingham, we found that some girls couldn't attend because they had no way of getting to or from training - now there is the opportunity for girls to receive funding towards transport costs and participation is increasing all the time.'' "Football Development is all about removing barriers that prevent anyone from getting involved with football," added Rachel. "I am delighted we have been able to achieve that for so many girls who get so much enjoyment from the game - and look forward to that progress continuing for a long time to come." FOR MORE INFORMATION, CONTACT OUR DEVELOPMENT TEAM ON 0121 682 2525 Fox Hollies Find Their Football Feet Fox Hollies Strikes FC will be out to show that the girls can kick it after benefiting from the work of another team; Birmingham County FA, the Active Sports Initiative, and Birmingham City Council's Leisurepoint. The players all attended the BCFA's Annual Girls Football Festival in June, and since then have been bitten by the football bug! Following the event, around 40 girls returned to take part in the Strikes Soccer Scheme at Fox Hollies Leisure Centre in Acocks Green. After 6 weeks of top quality coaching, a team was formed to take part in the County FA's Girls Mini Soccer Festival. Not only did the players enjoy the day, but their parents were just as enthusiastic. The side won the Vesey Fair Play Award for their efforts and have since become a fully affiliated member of Birmingham County FA. The team will now compete regularly in the South Staffordshire League where they hope to continue to develop their skills - and have plenty of fun! Heather Cowan is part of Birmingham County FA's Football Development Team and has been instrumental in bringing the girls together and gaining the full support of the players' parents: "Most of the girls turned up to the Funday having never even kicked a football before - thanks to the support of the County FA, Strikes and the Active Sports Initiative, they are ready to go out and have lots of fun competing with other teams throughout our area." Whilst Heather takes on the role of Manager of Fox Hollies Strikes FC, she is delighted that the girls' families are keen to get involved too: "Everyone wants to make sure the high standards that have gone into getting the girls this far are maintained. "That's why many of the parents will be attending Child Protection Courses and administrating the club's application for Charter Standard status - the best way possible to ensure the girls enjoy their football in a safe, well organised environment." Alongside their aim for the FA Charter Standard, the club is looking to expand from its existing U10's side to ensure that the girls can maintain their involvement as they get older. "Thanks to everyone working together and the structure that is now in place for girls and women to participate, there's no reason why they shouldn't be playing and enjoying football for the rest of their lives," concluded Heather. County FA Clamp Down The Birmingham County FA is set to bring in new powers which it hopes will safeguard the future of football. Figures released on Thursday show a rise in misconduct at child and youth games - both from players on the pitch and from club officials and spectators on the touchline. Player behaviour appeared to be improving, with only 32 cases reported at this point of the 2001-02 season and an overall reduction in cautions at the end of the year. However, 1 of the 4 alleged cases of assaults on match officials this season involves a 15 year old player, whilst 6 of the 13 games abandoned are youth games. With 68 cases of misconduct by youth players this season and nearly a half of all Club Official misconduct reported at child and youth games, the County FA is taking decisive action to curb the increase and it's effects by imposing suspended punishments on players, individuals or clubs who are found to be serious offenders. "One of the main complaints from clubs is that there is not enough referees to go round all the games played," said Dave Shelton, BCFA County Secretary. "We are recruiting more and more officials each season, but this kind of behaviour puts some off at an early stage of their involvement. "Referee training now includes a practical element to ensure that newly qualified officials are as prepared as possible to take control of a game. As with any job though, experience is essential and Youth football is where many begin." He added: "We already have a well established fine or suspension system in place, but this 'suspended action' or 'good behaviour bond' facility allows Disciplinary Commissions to send out a very clear message and come down hard on those who are giving our game a bad name." The decision was made by a joint Referee and Disciplinary Group, formed from the respective Committees who have also supported the launch of the BCFA's Fair Play Award Scheme for both adult and youth football. Members of the Group will be visiting each Youth League in the Birmingham County region to explain why such action has been deemed necessary, and what clubs can do to turn the situation around. "Club officials play the most important part as they are the role models to the players of the future - we have to be sure everyone is getting the right message across. "By rewarding those who take responsibility for this problem, and clamping down on those who don't, we hope to make sure the players and referees of the future can enjoy and maintain their involvement," concluded Dave. Schemes Aim for an Official Boost Birmingham County FA is "getting official" and asking everyone to play their part in its bid to recruit and retain more referees throughout the region. In addition to its ongoing recruitment campaign, a number of schemes aiming to attract new match officials and keep those already involved progressing up the promotion ladder have been launched by The Association. Every registered referee has been offered the chance to enter a draw to win a brand new kit for themselves and a friend by introducing a new recruit to the ranks of some 1500 officials already registered within the County. Referee kit manufacturers, A&H International have kindly supported the venture, which focuses on the fact that the best advertisement for refereeing - is a good referee. Newly qualified officials are being given more support throughout the early stages of their career through a Mentor scheme, which aims to reduce the drop out rate amongst referees. A seminar to boost the number of Mentors - who are drawn from the existing ranks of officials - will take place at County HQ on Monday 14th October. Clubs are also being asked to join in with the campaign, as they are responsible for the behaviour of spectators and team officials. The BCFA is issuing each with a poster calling on everyone to "Respect The Ref" which it hopes will be displayed in every clubhouse, changing room, tea bar - or even at the local pub! The BCFA was delighted with figures showing a reduction in the misconduct by players at youth games last season. However, there was cause for concern as a third of misconduct by Club Officials or Spectators was associated to this category of football. To try to combat this problem, the BCFA is encouraging everyone associated with youth football to visit soccerparents.thefa.com and complete the FA's on-line Soccer Parent programme. The interactive course is quick to complete and aims to work positively with parents, coaches, teachers and young players to get the Soccer Parent message across. Negative behaviour not only has an effect on young players but also on officials who are encouraged to start their officiating career at this level. By involving the entire football community and offering officials the opportunity to further their refereeing if they show particular talent and desire, it is hoped that more will be encouraged to join and maintain their involvement, so that everyone can enjoy their football in a safe and organised environment. |