Player and Parent Handbook 2014-2015

Player and Parent Handbook 2014-2015
WELCOME
Dear Player,
Congratulations on being selected to attend the FA Girls Advanced Coaching Centre during the 20142015 season.
The FA Advanced Coaching Centre (ACC) is a bespoke pilot programme designed specifically to
support the development and progression of players in the south-west of England.
The ACC will provide extra training and support in addition to the training and game play you are
involved in within your grassroots club.
A Regional weekend residential Centre of Excellence (COE) has been created to support selected
players aged 11-17 years and this will operate on a monthly basis and staffed with FA coaches as well
as appropriate technical and physiological support.
As a result of your selection it is expected that both you and your parents will adhere to the codes of
conduct (outlined in the booklet) set out by the ACC and which are widely endorsed by the
Gloucestershire FA and the FA, failure to do this may mean that your place at the Centre is withdrawn.
Finally, the GFA and The FA would like to congratulate you once again and wish you the best in your
development throughout the season.
Yours faithfully,
Alexis
Alexis Lunn-Gadd
Gloucestershire FA - Football Development Officer (Women and Girls)
GIRLS ACC RESPECT CODES OF CONDUCT
Players
We all have a responsibility to promote high standards of behaviour in the game. As a player, you will
have a big part to play. That’s why the FA is asking every player to follow a Respect Code of Conduct.
When playing football, I will:
 Always do my best, even if we’re losing or the other team is stronger
 Play fairly – I won’t cheat, complain or waste time
 Never be rude to my team-mates, the other team, the referee, spectators or my coach/team
manager
 Do what the referee tells me
 Shake hands with the other team and referee at the end of the game
 Listen to my coach/team manager and respect what he/she says
 Talk to someone I trust, for example my parents or the club welfare officer if I’m unhappy about
anything at my club.
I understand that if I do not follow the Code, any /all of the following actions may be taken by my
club, County FA or The FA and I may;




Be required to apologise to my team-mates, the other team, referee or team manager/coach
Receive a formal warning from the coach or the ACC Centre Manager
Be suspended from training
Be asked to leave the ACC
GIRLS ACC RESPECT CODES OF CONDUCT
Parents
We all have a responsibility to promote high standards of behaviour in the game. The Advanced
Coaching Centre is supporting The FA’s Respect programme to ensure football can be enjoyed in a safe,
positive environment.
Remember children’s football is a time for them to develop their technical, physical, tactical and social
skills. Winning isn’t everything. Play your part and observe The FA’s Respect Code of Conduct for
spectators and parents/carers at all times.
I will:
 Remember that children play for FUN
 Applaud effort and good play as well as success
 Always respect the match officials’ decisions
 Remain outside the field of play and behind the Designated Spectator Area (where provided)
 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
 Never engage in, or tolerate, offensive, insulting or abusive language or behaviour
I understand that if I do not follow the Code, any/all of the following actions may be taken by the ACC,
County FA or The FA, I may be;
 Issued with a verbal warning from a ACC official
 Required to meet with the ACC/County FA Welfare Officer
 Required to meet with the ACC Centre Manager
 Obliged to undertake an FA education course
 Asked to leave the ACC training/match venue by the Centre Manager
 Requested by the ACC to not attend future training/games
 Suspended or have my child’s ACC Membership removed
 Required to leave the ACC along with any of your dependents
TRAINING DATES
Training for the ACC will take place once a week and players will be expected to attend the
ACC sessions in addition to their Club training. Training for ALL age groups will take place at:
Gloucestershire FA, Oaklands Park, Almondsbury, BS32 4AG
IMPORTANT:
The only footwear permitted on the surface is MOULDED BOOTS or METAL SCREW STUDS. ASTROTURF TRAINERS
are not ideal but will be accepted. NO BLADES OR TRAINERS WILL BE ALLOWED!
USEFUL CONTACTS
Centre Manager
Girls and Women’s
FDO
County Welfare
Officer
Bristol Academy
Centre of Excellence
Matthew
Boucher
Alexis Lunn-Gadd
Matthew.boucher@gloucestershirefa.com
Hugh Feltham
M: 07534096185
O: 01454-615888
M: 07538581505
O: 01454-615888
O: 01454-615888
Mark Humphrey
M: 07786213684
Mark.humphrey@sgscol.ac.uk
Alexis.lunn-gadd@gloucestershirefa.com
Hugh.feltham@gloucestershirefa.com
(REGIONAL) SOUTH WEST CENTRE OF EXCELLENCE
The South West Centre of Excellence will provide players from each of the Region’s 6 Advanced
Coaching Centre’s with an opportunity to access the next Level of the FA Girls Player Pathway on a
monthly basis.
The SWCOE Camps will be residential and run over a Saturday and Sunday at a Central Venue in
Taunton. Players will have access to Regional and National FA staff and will be supported in their
Physical, Technical, Social and Psychological Development.
Players will be selected based on their ability and progress whilst attending the ACC. The age groups for
the SWCOE vary slightly from that of the ACC and therefore players will be selected based on their year
of birth as follows;
U13 – Birth Year 2002 and 2003
U15 – Birth Year 2000 and 2001
U17 – Birth Year 1998 and 1999
The selection process will be a mixture of Lead and Assistant Coach observations in training sessions and
fixtures as well as recommendations from other ACC’s who we have played fixtures against plus the
recommendation of Sarah Lawler - FA Elite Women’s Coach Developer (South West).
The FA Elite Women’s Coach Developer Role will include the following aspects for players specifically;
 Player education support.
 Organisation, recruitment and delivery of the South West FA Centre of Excellence (U13, U15, U17).
 Talent ID for players in our region to access the Elite Performance Camp (U15’s) and Youth International
Teams.
 Developing support networks for talented players and coaches in the female game.
 Research and consultation into the impact and perception of the pilot pathway.
Players selected to attend the SWCOE Camp will not be eligible to participate for their grassroots Club
during the same weekend of the SWCOE Camp.
STAFF
We are very proud of the staff involved with the ACC. As you will see on the following pages they have a
multitude of experience between them and come from various different coaching backgrounds.
The technical programme has been developed by the Coaching Staff with support from the FA Regional Coach
Developer, Sarah Lawler who will be present at a number of training and fixtures throughout the course of the
season and give support to give the girls maximum opportunity to develop their individual skills and game
understanding.
The Centre aims to offer the best coaching and environment we can offer to assist player’s personal development
in football.
This is achieved through coaching the players through a programme where they will be challenged in line with
The FA’s 4 Corner Model (technically, physically, psychologically and socially).
THE STAFF TEAM
MATTHEW BOUCHER
Role at the ACC: Centre Manager and U14’s Lead Coach
How long have you been involved in football? 22 years
Favourite Player: Steven Gerard
Most memorable football moment: Scoring in the FA Cup.
Random fact: I enjoy playing golf and going cycling in my spare time
JAVIER GORODI
Role at the ACC: U10’s Lead Coach
How long have you been involved in football?
Favourite Player:
Most memorable football moment:
Random fact:
NAOMI REID
Role at the ACC: U10’s Assistant Coach
How long have you been involved in football? I have been involved in football for about 8 years
Favourite Player: Lionel Messi
Most memorable football moment: Meeting the current England Manager – Roy
Hodgson
Random fact: I have been interviewed on BBC Points West!
GRACE MCCATTY
Role at the ACC: U12’s Lead Coach
How long have you been involved in football?
Favourite Player:
Most memorable football moment:
Random fact:
ROSS WATERS
Role at the ACC: U12’s and U16’s Assistant Coach
How long have you been involved in football? I have played football since I was 8 and I started
coaching at 15. I have been coaching now for 9 years.
Favourite Player: From the past - Paul Scholes. Currently - Michael Carrick
Most memorable football moment: Coaching – leading my under 15's side from 4-1 down at half
time to come back to win 4-8! Professional Football - Manchester United coming back in the
champions league final in 1999 in the last minute to win 2-1.
Random fact: I (apparently) look like Wesley Sneijder, who plays for Galatasaray?!
TOM NEEDHAM
Role at the ACC: U14’s Assistant Coach
How long have you been involved in football?
Favourite Player:
Most memorable football moment:
Random fact:
JAMES THOMAS
Role at the ACC: U16’s Lead Coach
How long have you been involved in football?
Favourite Player:
Most memorable football moment:
Random fact:
JEFF TURNER
Role at the ACC: U10’s and U12’s GK Coach
How long have you been involved in football? Coaching - about 3 years, supporting and playing
about 35 years!
Favourite Player: Difficult one (can I go for two?!) John McGinley and Kevin Davies both for
commitment, love of the game and club (Bolton Wanderers), perseverance and getting to the top by
hard work and getting the best out of the ability they had.
Most memorable football moment: Too many as a Wanderers fan but really only one which
was beating Manchester United at Old Trafford in 2001 and after going 1-0 down - I cried I was so
happy!
Random fact: I named my dog Kevin after Kevin Davies!
ANDY SYMANOWSKI
Role at the ACC: U14’s and U16’s GK Coach
How long have you been involved in football?
Favourite Player:
Most memorable football moment:
Random fact:
JADE HODGES
Role at the ACC: Sports Therapist
How long have you been involved in football?
Favourite Player:
Most memorable football moment:
Random fact:
ALEXIS LUNN-GADD
Role at the ACC: Football Development Officer (Women and Girls)
How long have you been involved in football? I have played football for around 20
years, coached football for around 9 years and been involved in Football Development
for the last 11 years
Favourite Player: Kelly Smith, Rachel Brown and Ryan Giggs
Most memorable football moment: Watching Team GB Ladies play Brazil Ladies in
the London 2012 Olympics (albeit on the TV) the atmosphere was amazing and the
attendance exceeded all records for a Women’s Game in England.
Random fact: I have played Crown Green Bowls for England.
CHILD WELFARE
If you take part in football you have the right to have fun and stay safe. Your coach/team
manager is there to help you learn safely and enjoy football.
This means respecting you as a person as a player and;
• Being a good role model – leading by example
• Not speaking to you in a way that makes you feel uncomfortable
• Not bullying you to make you do things
• Treating you as an individual
• Thinking about you and your team mates and not just about winning or scoring goals
• Making sure the pitch/playing area and equipment are safe for you to use
• Having the right qualifications to coach or referee
• Making football/refereeing fun!
If your coach/team manager needs to have physical contact to correct a technique or your
positioning, they need to explain this to you and check you are ok with this. If you are not
comfortable with physical contact you have the right to say no. Remember enjoy your
football – don’t let anyone else spoil it.
Getting help and advice;
If you are worried about the way a coach, team manager, referee or anyone else involved in
football is behaving towards you there are people you can talk to. Are you comfortable
talking to your parents, coach/team manager, referee mentor or club welfare officer or
someone else? Talk to someone that you trust. Perhaps you would prefer to use one of the
websites that offer advice. Some you can email your concern to and they will email you back
with advice specifically for you.
Gloucestershire FA Child Welfare Officer
Hugh Feltham | 01454-615888 | hugh.feltham@gloucestershirefa.com
Girls ACC Welfare Officer
Alexis Lunn-Gadd | 01454-615888 | alexis.lunn-gadd@gloucestershirefa.com
The FA Child Protection Unit | T: 0207 745 4909 | E: goal@TheFA.com
FA/NSPCC Child Protection | T: 0808 8005000 | E: www.nspcc.org.uk
External Contacts
Bullying Online | www.bullying.co.uk
ChildLine | T: 08001111 | www.childline.org.uk
Kids Zone Txt | 0800 056 0566 | E: www.nspcc.org.uk/kidszone
Kids-in-crisis | www.get.to/kids-in-crisis
NSPCC | www.There4me.com
www.worriedneed2talk.org.uk (aimed at 12 – 16 year olds)
NUTRITION INFORMATION
“Looking after your diet and lifestyle is a massive part of being an elite player.” Rachel Unitt
How tired you are depends not only on your fitness level but also on what foods and fluid you have consumed.
Scientific studies have shown that players who eat a good diet, in relation to quantity (number of calories) and
quality (composition of the key nutrients, carbohydrate, fat and protein), run longer, sprint more, keep their
concentration longer, are more successful with passing/crossing accuracy, and are less likely to get injured.
How you perform during a match and training will depend on what you eat/drink BEFORE, DURING and AFTER
each game/session. By eating and drinking the right foods and fluids your performance and, collectively the
team’s performance, will IMPROVE.
Energy
Energy is used as part of everyday life - Living, breathing, thinking, going to school, sleeping. It is also used for
Training and Matches. How much energy you need depends on; Body mass, Training load (intensity and duration),
Growth needs, School demands, Match demands and your individual needs
Energy Sources
Carbohydrate (best for football training and matches)
Fat (limit your intake of this)
Protein (good for recovery and muscle growth and repair)
Carbohydrate (CHO)
Purpose: limited store in your body, during a match you can use up to 70-80% of your body’s CHO stores, and
need to replace this. Your diet should be high in carbohydrate
Sources: pasta, rice, potatoes, fruit, vegetables, bread, cereals, baked beans, bagels
Protein
Purpose: important role in muscle structure, and repairing any damage to muscles and also important for growth
and development. Try to consume a protein snack after training and competition
Sources: chicken, fish, tuna, milk, cheese, yoghurts, eggs, beans, lentils, quorn, tofu, cottage cheese, fruit
smoothies, milk shakes
Calcium: builds bone and teeth, healthy nervous system Sources: milk, yoghurts, pulses, nuts, cheese
Iron: transports oxygen to muscles during exercise Sources: beef, wholegrain cereal, broccoli, liver
Vitamin C: healthy immune system Sources: orange juice, strawberries, kiwi fruit
Vitamin D: builds strong bones, helps to absorb calcium Sources: oily fish, cereals, eggs, sunlight!
Vitamin E: antioxidant helps immune system Sources: oily fish, nuts, seeds, avocado, egg yolk
NUTRITION GUIDE
Guidelines for pre-match meals
• High carbohydrate, protein and low fat meal
• Aim to have your main meal three to four hours before kick-off
• Eat familiar and easily digestible foods
• Experiment before training to find what you like
• Stomach problems during exercise may be reduced with low fibre or liquid pre-match meals.
• Eat and drink snacks/fluids up until kick-off
Examples of Good pre-match meals
1. Wholemeal, granary toast, jam, fruit and fresh orange juice
2. Cereal or porridge, fruit, muffin and jam
3. Baked beans on toast/jacket potato
4. Scrambled eggs on toasted bagel
5. Pasta, grilled chicken and pasta sauce
6. Grilled fish fingers, mashed potato and baked beans
It can take up to 3 days to fully recover from a match, methods to help recovery;
What you eat (aim for high CHO foods)
What you drink (lots of fluids)
Pool sessions/ice bath
Rest or sleep
Relaxation
Massage
Not eating properly after matches and training can cause sore and weak muscles, increase recovery and energy
replacement time, tiredness, increases risk of injury which will all result in poor performance.
Good choices for refuelling after matches and training;
Milkshakes, Fruit Smoothies, Jelly Sweets, Bananas, Bread, Pasta/Rice, Baked Potato, Vegetables
Fresh fruit, Rice pudding, Baked beans, Yoghurts
Top five NUTRITION tips for top players
1. Include one portion of fresh fruit with your breakfast every day
2. Eat at least one berry or citrus fruit every day to boost your immune system
3. Limit fried or fast foods to once per week or less
4. Pack a snack to eat after every match or training session
5. Stay hydrated – always carry a drinks bottle
FITNESS INFORMATION
Top five FITNESS tips for top players
1. You should always warm up before matches and training
2. Keep a record of the training which you do
3. Do most of your fitness work with a ball at your feet
4. Set yourself targets to improve areas of fitness
5. Put maximum effort into all of the sessions which you take part in
TYPE OF FITNESS
DESCRIPTION
HOW TO IMPROVE
EXAMPLES
Aerobic Endurance
The ability to keep
exercising for long periods
of time in training and
matches without getting
tired.
This is how quickly you run,
move, react or change
direction
Running
Steady Running intervals at
different speeds
Cycling
Swimming & Rowing
Running Style
Speed Drills
Strength
Reaction Time Drills
Bungee Cords & Sleigh Pulling
Repeated sprints
Sprints over 20m
Katie Chapman
David Beckham
Jill Scott
Changing direction with and
without the ball at pace
Running style
Body weight exercises
Any further programmes with
weights must be supervised to
ensure correct technique
Medicine balls
Power bags
Short sprints/acceleration
Resisted sprints
Jumps/hops with correct
technique
Medicine balls & Power bags
Supervised abdominal and back
exercises to ensure correct
technique
Kelly Smith
Thierry Henry
Elodie Thomas
Rachel Unitt
John Terry
Birgit Prinz
Keep-ups
Stand on one leg,
throwing/passing/volleys/headers
to a partner
Emily Westwood
Ronaldinho
Marta
Speed
Speed Endurance
Agility
Strength
The ability to be fast over
long distances and also the
ability to recover quickly in
between each sprint
The ability to change
direction quickly without
loss of balance
The ability to apply force
against a resistance.
Strength is the foundation
for all other types of fitness
Power
Power is a combination of
strength and speed, and a
measure of how explosive
you are
Core Stability
This is the strength of the
abdominal and back
muscles, which provides a
tight and powerful support
for all your movements
during football
The ability to maintain and
control your body during
your football match and
training without falling
over
Balance
Lindsay Johnson
Aaron Lennon
Marinette Pichon
Alex Scott
Ashley Cole
Hannah Ljunberg
Faye White
Wayne Rooney
Abby Wambach
Rachel Brown
Joe Cole
CANCELLATION POLICY
In the event that an ACC coaching session/match has to be cancelled due to inclement weather,
health and safety, or for any other reason, please note that we will implement the following
procedure;
1. Should we make a decision to cancel a session/match due to inclement weather, health and
safety or for any other reason; we will endeavor to contact you on the email address you
have provided. We will also put a notice on the Gloucestershire FA website
(www.gloucestershirefa.com) on the day of the session that is being cancelled and Tweet
this information via @GloucestershireFA (please follow us!)
Should you be in any doubt regarding the viability of any sessions/matches due to
inclement weather, please contact the GFA to check if the session/match is going ahead.
This will save us time as we have over 60+ parents to contact, and could save you a journey!
The office contact number is 01454-615888 (8.30am – 4.30pm) after this time please
contact Matthew Boucher on 07534096185.
There may be occurrences when messages do not get through to parents/players for
various reasons and players and parents turn up to the session/match expecting it to go
ahead. We will always endeavor to speak to you directly or leave a message for you if an
answer machine is available for us to do so but we also ask that individuals make the effort
to contact us directly if you are in any doubt.
2. In the event that a session/match has begun and has to be postponed prior to the normal
finish time due to inclement weather, health and safety or any other reason, we will do so
in the best interests of child protection, child safety and welfare of players, coaches and
administrative staff present. We will contact you to come and collect your child earlier than
the scheduled finish time should this be the most appropriate response.
SAFEGUARDING CHILDREN POLICY
All staff and volunteers involved at the Advanced Coaching Centre must be registered with the
Advanced Coaching Centre. The register must be kept up to date and no person who is not
registered shall have any involvement with the Advanced Coaching Centre. This requirement
shall apply to all persons involved at the Advanced Coaching Centre, including but not limited to
coaching, physiotherapy, administration, welfare and ancillary staff and volunteers, talent
scouts and drivers.
The register shall be liable to inspection and verification at any time by The FA as appropriate.
The recruitment process for all staff and volunteers must comply with The FA guidance as set
out in the FA Safeguarding Children Policy and Procedures and Regulations (as supplied by The
FA to the Advanced Coaching Centre and as may be updated or amended by The FA from time
to time). This includes the taking up of at least two references, interviewing and completion of
Enhanced CRB Disclosures via The FA CRB Unit.
All persons who are given a specified role to work with children and young people at an
Advanced Coaching Centre must submit and complete an Enhanced CRB Disclosure via The FA
CRB Unit when the offer of the post is made.
All persons in a specified role to work with children and young people at an Advanced Coaching
Centre shall be required to be trained in safeguarding children issues at least to include
satisfactory completion of The FA’s Safeguarding Children Workshop.
One person at each Advanced Coaching Centre shall be designated as having responsibility for
safeguarding children issues as part of the promotion of the welfare of children attending the
Advanced Coaching Centre and issuing identification to all Centre staff members. All parents /
carers and players must be made aware as to whom this person is and how to contact them.
They shall be known as the Centre Welfare Officer and, in line with FA affiliation criteria must
have attended the Welfare Officer Workshop
GRIEVANCE PROCEDURE
In the event of a player, parent, carer or member of staff having a grievance against the
Advanced Coaching Centre or an employee of the Advanced Coaching Centre, the grievance
should be made in writing to the Centre Manager in the first instance. An outline of the
grievance should be forwarded to the Centre Manager in an envelope marked confidential
stating the nature of the grievance and the player’s full name.
In the event of the grievance being against the Centre Manager the outline of grievance should
be forwarded to the Chief Executive, Gloucestershire FA, Oaklands Park, Almondsbury, Bristol,
BS32 4AG.
The grievance shall be investigated by the Centre Manager or employing body and following the
investigation the findings shall be reported to the person lodging the grievance in writing within
7 days of the investigation.
If the player, parent, carer or member of staff is not satisfied with the outcome of the grievance
procedure then an appeal may be made to The FA.
MID SEASON AND END OF SEASON ASSESSMENT
Players attending the ACC will undergo a Mid-Season Review of their progress and be provided
with feedback to support their personal development. This will be conducted prior to Xmas.
At the end of the ACC Programme, all players will be invited to attend a 1:1 meeting with their
coach and parents to discuss their individual development and recommendations for next
season.
Girls and Women’s Talent Player Pathway
www.thefa.com/womens-girls-football/england-talent-pathway
Notes
Notes