The FA Step into Sport Programme targets young people aged 14-19 who volunteer within the football environment. The programme offers reward and recognition for the work that they do, with certificates being awarded for completion of 10, 25 and 50 hours’ of volunteering.
Through County FA’s, the programme also looks to provide support and guidance to young leaders to help them develop and progress within the game. Each year Cumberland FA run a County Leadership Camp, where young leaders are offered the opportunity to interact and learn from respected figures within the game, as well as like minded people of their own age during a range of theory and practical workshops.
The Camp is used to select two outstanding leaders who are invited to attend the National FA Camp with 100 of the Country’s best, where they could earn a place on a ‘changing lives’ trip to Africa with The FA.
Last year Beth Rosary and Sam Atkinson represented Cumberland. For an insight into Beth’s experience please visit the related documents section.
Clubs are asked to inform Helen Aitchison at Cumberland FA if they have any young leaders within their organisations using the ‘Young Leader Form’ so that we might offer them the opportunity to get involved with the programme and take advantage of the benefits that it brings. The experience they gain will be mutually beneficial for both Club and leader as they will put the skills they learn into practice within the Club, and being a part of the programme will help you to attract and recruit more young volunteers and leaders in the future.
Registered Young Leaders are also entitled to free membership with the Cumberland FA Coaches Association through which they will get the opportunity to attend a number of in-service training workshops across the course of the season.
If Clubs have any young leaders who are interested in the Cumberland FA Leadership Programme, or if you have any questions please contact Helen Aitchison on 01900 872310 ext. 21 or e-mail Helen.Aitchison@CumberlandFA.com
Clubs and Young Leaders can download the booklet from the related documents section, then complete and return the registration form inside to register for the programme.