PARENTS

Parents play a crucial part in supporting the involvement of their children in football.

The FA aims to help parents play a positive role, recognising that involvement in football can greatly influence the development of children, both in the football environment and in their overall lifestyles.

Parents also have a big responsibility as part of The FA's Respect programme. Respect is working to eradicate touchline abuse in football, and parents can play their part by agreeing to, and signing, their club's Code of Conduct and abiding by them throughout the season.

Parents also have a responsibility for their children's behaviour. The players will also be asked to sign a Code of Conduct, and parents can encourage their children to adhere to the players' code.

parents , click on the link below to take the new free online course and get your free fa parents qualification and certificate !

www.thefa.com/respectguide

The Development Centre and ‘bad weather’

In autumn and winter there may be occasions when training is cancelled due to bad weather. To help you understand if training is ‘on or off’ we have a mobile phone number for you to call;

07593 619039

A message will be placed on the phone no later than 9.00am each Sunday explaining if training is on or off. This gives time to review the field and the current/potential weather conditions. Occasionally we may cancel the ‘Cubs’ group depending on conditions as the youngest children are most susceptible to bad weather.

Please do not leave a message as we cannot guarantee it will be attended to.

If training is on please still ensure that children are appropriately dressed for the conditions and always bring shin pads and a non carbonated drink with them. In cold weather a woolly hat is also recommended as children lose the majority of body heat from the head and due to their size can get cold very quickly.

Many thanks,

If you have any questions please feel free to speak to one of our coaches

Beware the dangers of 'overplay'

'Overplay' can leave young players vulnerable to injury.

If you work with young players, it’s vital you’re aware of the dangers ‘overplay’ can cause, how to spot it and what to do about it.

You could be a coach, parent, teacher, league official – indeed anyone working on the development of young players. Whatever your role, it’s your responsibility to look after the medical interests of the players in your care.

"So we’re clear, ‘overplay’ describes the cause of injuries due to excessive overuse of specific parts of their body," says Alan Hodson, The FA’s Head of Medical and Exercise Science.

"Young players are particularly vulnerable to ‘overuse’ injuries caused by overplay. Such injuries, which can involve certain bones or muscles/tendons, develop over time due to too much repetitive activity. They will continue unless correct medical advice and treatment is followed."

Young players are particularly vulnerable to ‘overuse’ injuries as their muscles and bones grow at different rates – particularly when they experience ‘growth spurts’.

"Because football – in training and matches – involves strong, repetitive actions like running, jumping and landing, we need to be particularly vigilant," Alan notes.

The four main areas where ‘overuse’ injuries occur are the back, knee, shin and ankle/heel. Persistent aching, discomfort, tenderness and/or pain that won’t go away without several hours/days rest is a warning sign – and remember, these aren’t injuries you can ‘run off’. They will get worse with continued activity.

These injuries will not be a result of a ‘direct’ impact, like a tackle, or twisted ankle – they will have developed over time, and will take time to cure.

"If you suspect a player in your care is suffering from an ‘overuse’ injury, your first port of call should be his/her family doctor, but keeping your eyes and ears open is vital, as problems can be minimised by early recognition and prompt action," Alan concludes.

The FA’s Medical Working Group advises all those who work with young players to consider:

• The amount of training and matches a young player is asked to be involved in
• Ensuring a player’s activities are partly aimed at success – and partly at sheer enjoyment
• Never dismissing signs and symptoms of ‘overuse’ injuries.

Code of Conduct: Spectators

We all have a responsibility to promote high standards of behaviour in the game.

This club is supporting The FA's Respect programme to ensure football can be enjoyed by everyone in a safe and positive environment.

Play your part and observe The FA's Respect Code of Conduct for spectators and parents/carers at all times.

I will:

Remain outside the field of play and behind the Designated Spectator Area (where provided)
Never engage in, or tolerate, offensive, insulting or abusive language or behaviour
Always respect the match officials' decisions
Applaud effort and good play as well as success

In addition, when attending youth games I will:

Remember that children play for FUN
Let the coaches do their job and not confuse the players by telling them what to do
Encourage the players to respect the opposition and match officials
Never criticise a player for making a mistake -mistakes are part of learning

I understand that breaches of the code may result in action being taken by my County FA and /or The FA.

TheFA.com/Respect