The idea is to help clubs develop an encouraging and supportive setting for the young children to begin playing the game. We want children to enjoy football, be given the chance to develop, and to love the game for life!
The 2011-12 Let the Children Play Programme
Taking part in Let the Children Play - Under 7s Festival/s
Under 7s teams will have the opportunity to take part in four festivals across the County throughout the season and also in the Mini World Cup in June 2012.
Cambridgeshire FA affiliated clubs entering Let the Children Play festivals will be offered:
• 1 x FREE Level 1 Certificate in Coaching space for a coach working with the new team
• Additional coaching workshops
• Additional club development workshops
• Where possible FA Tesco Skills Coaches will support with a school-club link to recruit new players to the team and also support new team coaches with club sessions.
The aim of the festivals will be to allow the children to play football and have fun in a friendly, pressure free environment. Results will not be recorded and the emphasis should be on the players enjoying the game and developing as players and avoiding the ‘win at all costs’ attitude.
During the games, spectators and managers will be expected to stay in their marked out zones on opposite sides of the pitch and should be asked to positively encourage all players and avoid criticizing.
If your club would like to be involved in the programme and take part in any of the festivals then please complete an ‘expression of interest to participate’ form from the related documents on the right. Please return the form to Cambridgeshire FA by 19th September 2011.
We will then inform you with dates and details of the Under 7 festivals, courses and workshops. We will also pass your contact details onto the festival organisers.
Hosting a Let the Children Play Festival
We are offering Cambridgeshire FA affiliated Charter Standard Clubs the opportunity to host one of four Under-7s festivals in the 2011-12 season. We will provide financial assistance, with £250 to the host club, as well as support in a consultancy capacity.
By hosting a festival your club has the opportunity to:
• Raise the profile of your club
• Raise funds for your club. £250 from Cambridgeshire FA plus the opportunity to raise funds through entry fees, sales of refreshment etc.
• Provide opportunities for your Under-7 players to develop by playing against other teams in a fun and pressure free environment.
Clubs hosting a festival will receive support from Cambs FA and we can also put you in touch with young leaders or young referees to help on the day if required.
So if your club is interested in hosting a ‘Let the Children Play Under-7 Festival’ please complete the ‘Application to Host a Festival’ form in the related documents section on the right.
Host club guidlines are also available in the related d.ocuments section on the right
Please return the form to Cambridgeshire FA by 19th September 2011.
Contact: Jo Bull, Football Development Officer on 01223 209035 or email Joanne.Bull@CambridgeshireFA.com