Squad Development - A Parent and Coach guide. Updated 26th July 2010

The ethos of our club is to provide "football for all", unlike many local clubs we do not operate a "trial" policy, if there are free places within the age group squad those places will be offered to those on the waiting list.

Should a number of players be waiting on the list, only at that stage should ability be considered, along with commitment and attitude.

The Football Development strategy is to have all players enjoying playing football at their ability level, with the club competing a side within each league once progressed to U11.

Having a number of sides competing solely with each other, in the same league is not part of the club's ambition. We ideally would like 3 sides at each age group, 1 in each league with all the players having the chance to enjoy competitive football, in a supportive environment relevant to their footballing ability. 

Under 7's

From the 2010/11 season we will have permanent coaches at Under 7's level. Those coaches will be responsible for developing the players and the future U8 Management Team for the U8's onwards. Those interested in Managing a team from U8's onwards should initially contact Myles Hanlon whilst at Soccer School to enable the FDO Team to identify interested coaches to the Mini-Soccer and club FDO and permanent U7 coaches.

Potential coaches must sign up to the strategy of the bigger squad picture, demonstrate a good knowledge of the game, ideally to have played competitively or still be playing. 

At U7 level, players and coaches will be identified to form the initial U8's sides, U8 Utd being the first team, Eagles the 2nd and when appropriate Falcons the 3rd.

Each season thereafter it is the responsibility [at the end of each season] of each Manager, supported by the age group FDO to move players between sides where appropriate, based on ability to ensure that the squads slowly migrate towards a clear 1st, 2nd 3rd set up by U10's/U11's. Annual meetings will then continue between the sides to ensure the squads continue to follow the policy [aided by FDO's]

Existing Mini- Soccer Teams

Those managing existing mini-soccer teams are encouraged to follow the enclosed strategy, with age-group and club FDO support available to broker discussions as and when required. Those at current Under 7's and 8's will ideally follow this strategy next season, with next seasons management teams to be decided by FDO / Managers representative. There has to be a combined "will" of those coaches at U7 & U8 currently to deliver this plan. Should there not be sufficient support, the structure will migrate towards the ultimate goal by following the recruitment structure below.

Anyone looking at becoming a permanent U7's Coach, should initially contact Football Development Manager, Saul Furse.

Where possible all 3 teams at each age group will train at the same time to ensure that positive relationships are forged across the age-group coaching set up to enable coaches and players to build rapport across the age group. 

Signing NEW players

From kick off of the 2011/12 season, teams requiring new players will be required to check if the SUFC sides playing in higher leagues have fringe/squad players that may be available, to ensure those fringe/squad players are given the opportunity to move to the recruiting team. This will give those players not playing regular full games the chance to become regular starters in a lower league. Only once the age group FDO is assured that there is no such player within the club to fill the vacancy, may an external recruit be signed.

The United team [or top league position side] at age group may offer trials for any spaces that become free in their sides.

Football Development Officers [See "latest news" for he latest information]

The Club has responded to our ongoing expansion and community standard expectations by appointing some new Football Development Officers,

Their key support area's will be: 

• Developing the coaches within their area
• Developing the players within their area
• Supporting the ability-appropriate development plan
• Attending an FDO meeting on the final Thursday of each month.
• Supporting the football festival within their age group
• Working alongside the other FDO's to share best practise
• Improve fluid movement between age groups and potentially pro clubs
• To ensure relationships with pro club are mutually beneficial
• Resource ownership and delivery. Sharing DVD/CDR/Coaching links/books
• Aid sides in gaining sponsorship tips to improve the professional appearance.
• Mini Soccer FDO's to cover for U7 coaches during holidays where possible
• Improve the coaches enjoyment of the role and drive manager meeting attendance and participation.
• To present at Managers meet [as FDO group] 1st Sun of the month from 10/11 season 

The roles are volunteers to support the Football Development Strategy, headed up by Saul.

Welfare role now supports Mark Morris, meeting monthly [Last Thursday of the month] at the Football Development Meeting. Duties include First Aid Kit control, attendance records, CRB data collection, child protection issues, 1st aid certification, child protection training and ad-hoc duties as deemed appropriate by Mark. All volunteers for this role must be CRB checked and an existing member of Sandbach United FC

Football Development Officer Roles  Coaches currently level 2 or have aspirations to become level 2. These roles are individuals with aspirations to apply for a permanent paid position as Football Development Officer, reporting to the Director of Football once the new facility is opened. [See below]

Duties include supporting Soccer School, the football festival, coach education within your area [be that mini soccer, youth, open age of girls], booking on coach development courses, match and training visits, coach education library and ad-hoc duties as deemed appropriate by Saul.

Football Development Officer - reporting to DOF [Sept 2010]

Sandbach United will be recruiting for a Full Time FDO.

This position is likely to be proposed on a self employed basis, c20K basic, with payable bonus based on quarterly, 20 point plan. The content of the plan will be to deliver the expectations of the football development plan and Cheshire objectives. These objectives will have football development, inclusion and financial deliverables. OTE 30K

* Please note that this position, including remuneration and role scope is awaiting committee sign off and the purpose of this communication is to keep members updated on our FD related direction only.

When is too old - too old, and too young - too young? [Updated Nov 08]

Sandbach Utd has a responsibility in conjunction with our Chartered Standard Award to ensure that all players are playing at their correct age group level.

Whilst we have always been vigilant on the fair play aspect of ensuring players are not "too old" for age groups, we have on occasion made exception for those "too young" allbeit by a matter of days sometimes.

Parents and Coaches are often keen to encourage players showing ability beyond their years to play up a year, but on most if not all occasions the player would have developed better playing with players mentally and physically of the same age.

From 2007/2008 season onwards there will be NO exceptions to the rules, and clear expectations the FA have demanded all clubs adhere to.  The following rules are now in place, with no exception, commencing season 2007/8.

• All new players must play in their school year, and remain within the age group.
• All new players must be within the age groups as determined by the FA at season start.
• All Under 11 players (1st season 11 a-side), must be 10 prior to engage in 11 aside.

We appreciate that there may be a maximum of 6 players not meeting this criteria within the club, and those Parents and Managers have been asked to consider the merits and benefits of remaining down a year. That said, we also have a responsibility to the children to ensure those having played a number of years with 1 team, are not impacted by this decision.

Whats in a name?

All teams who joined from 2005 are now seeded each season, to mirror that of other local clubs. The gives the club to option to pool the players on ability, and enter teams into leagues based on standard to ensure maximum development for the players.

In season 2007/8 we will see the Under 11, 10, 9, 8 and 7's in this structure with the 1st team pool called simply "Sandbach United" - The subsequent teams age age level will become Eagles, Falcons, or Tigers.

We expect this to offer at 11-a-side the chance for our teams to all play in different leagues to each other, whilst remaining competitive at that level.

Club Stamina Training.

Enclosed is a working suggestion to be used within the club. Should any coach wish to run this one Tuesday/Wednesday evening, please contact Saul and bright running bibs can be provided.

The Course is 6.5K v 6K.

All Players start at the same time as the Managers The Players run the 6.5K Course, the Managers the 6K.

The Challenge is to finish before ALL of the Managers!