Upcoming FA Supported Projects

Safer Internet Day takes place in February of each year to raise awareness of a safer and better internet for all, and especially for children and young people.

As part of this annual celebration, we encourage everyone - including children and young people, parents and caregivers, teachers and educators, policymakers, industry and others - to join "Together for a better internet". Save the date for Safer Internet Day 2024 which will take place on Tuesday, 6 February 2024.

Please click here to find some useful resources that you may wish to share with your coaches.

National Silent Support Weekend
The landmark National Silent Support Weekend will be held over the weekend of 2 - 3 March to encourage spectators and coaches to show their support during the match through applause only. 

The aim is to reduce pressure on youth players at grassroots level and give them a better opportunity and environment to find their own voice, improve their on-pitch communications skills, develop their own game, and most importantly have fun. 

Across the National Silent Support Weekend, we're encouraging coaches and spectators to show their support by applauding good play from both teams, but refraining from talking or shouting. This is to create an enjoyable, safe and developmental experience for all youth players, so that they can play the game with freedom, without pressure, and without an over-emphasis on winning at all costs.

Please click here to register your clubs/leagues support for this initiative.

Youth Council Re-Brand

As you will be aware we are in the process of Re-Branding our Youth Council. We are hoping to engage in a positive way with our older junior and youth players so that they can have their voices heard as we develop the game locally. We are asking that our clubs help with this important and exciting venture by sharing our poster with coaches/teams/parents and encouraging individuals to apply to be an 'Aspiring Club Coordinator'.

Details will be emailed out separately but applicants should be:

• Aged: 14 - 19 years old
• Be either a player, official, volunteer
• Keen to have their voice heard
• Keen to make a positive difference

Please see poster below for more information:

Please keep an eye out in your inboxes for further information and details of how applications should be made.

Wildcats

As some of you will be aware the FA run a very popular programme with the aim of growing the girls game. They do this through working with clubs to promote and run their own Wildcats Centres. Currently, we have 7 clubs who run successful centres throughout the county and we would love to gain some more this year. Clubs that sign up to the scheme receive:

• equipment
• merchandise
• competitions
• funding
• girls pathway within the club

For more information on how to get involved and set up your own wildcat centre please click here or contact George directly at the HFA.

OTHER NEWS

Validation Visits - A reminder that club validation visits are ongoing throughout the season.
Yoga For Football - A new Yoga course in partnership with the HFA, open to anyone, starts at HFA County Ground on Monday Feb 5th - 6-7pm - First session is free - £10 thereafter. Sign up to attend by emailing: info@herefordshirefa.com

CPD

Thursday Feb 8th - 7pm - DBS Workshop for CWO's - Hosted by FA Shared Services - online - sign up here.
Friday March 22nd - 6.30 - 9pm - Benefit of Small Sided Games Workshop for Coaches - Herefordshire FA Large Meeting Room - sign up here.

Open Age Team Requirements for 24/25 Season:

*All Clubs with Open-Age adult teams are required to have a named Club Welfare Officer at the point of affiliation from 2024/25 season onwards. They will need to have completed the new FA Player Welfare in Open-Age course. Please follow the link below to access this free, online course:
https://learn.englandfootball.com/courses/safeguarding/player-welfare-in-open-age-football   

*All Clubs with Open-Age Disability Teams are required to have a named Club Welfare Officer with an in-date Safeguarding Adults Course for 24/25. This is a free course which can be accessed online using the link below:
https://learn.englandfootball.com/courses/safeguarding/safeguarding-adults-course

*All Club Welfare Officers will also need to complete the new FA Player Welfare in Open-Age Course, this free, online course can be found here:
https://learn.englandfootball.com/courses/safeguarding/player-welfare-in-open-age-football

*All Club Welfare Officers must also have an in-date DBS certificate.

If you have any questions regarding the new requirements please don't hesitate to get in touch. The aim is to ensure that all clubs are fully compliant by the end of this current season so that there are no delays in club affiliations prior to next season commencing.

Links to free FA Safeguarding Courses are below, please share these with coaches, parents and volunteers:
Safeguarding for All
Safeguarding Awareness for Parents and Carers
Safeguarding Adults Course