What is the aim of the ‘Football Futures’ Programme? The aim of the DCFA 'Football Futures' programme is to support a selected number Young Leaders as they look to gain invaluable experience and knowledge through volunteering their time to work in football. This can be achieved through volunteer placements at local Charter Standard Clubs, working at School Sports Partnership based Events and supporting DCFA run events.
What kind of activities can Young Leaders get involved in?
Six leadership and volunteering Football Futures themes are now being used to allow more young volunteers to be involved, These are:
• Coaching & Working with teams
• Refereeing
• Running Events
• Running and developing the game
• Promoting the game
• Respect
Are there any other benefits? Is there anything else The DCFA are committed to provide support and guidance necessary for the Young Leaders that attend these County Camps. The DCFA will hope to encourage Young Leaders to make the most of the volunteering experiences throughout the County, and provide them with some valuable life skills. The DCFA will also help each Young Leader to gain a number of football related qualifications.
DCFA ask all Young Leaders to log their volunteer’s hours this ensures all can be certified for their commitment to the programme.
The local Football community will also benefit by gaining the services of a willing and proactive volunteer.
Who is the programme aimed at? The programme is available to any individual with an interest in football, who is aged between 14-18. Although to be eligible for the FA South West 'Football Futures' Camp, and the FA National 'Football Futures' participants must be 16/17 years old on the dates of the camp - these normally runs in April and July respectively.
DCFA are eligible to nominate 8 Young Leaders to attend the South West 'Football Futures' camp, and 2 individuals (1 male and 1 female) to represent Devon at the National 'Football Futures' Camp.
The pinnacle of the programme, is that 4 Young Leaders from the National 'Football Futures' Camp are chosen to represent the FA and England, through the 'Changing Lives' Programme, this offers these young people the opportunity to travel to deprived countries, to work alongside and pass knowledge to young leaders from these communities. The 2011 'Changing Lives' Programme is targeted at the Caribbean island of Trinidad.
How can I get involved in the 'Football Futures' programme? The 'Football Futures' Programme is promoted through the School Sports Partnerships Network, so if you are interested in getting involved, speak to your School Sports Co-ordinator who have been provided with nomination forms. Alternatively, Please contact the Mark Young at the Devon County FA on 01626 325919, or email mark.young@devonfa.com