1. Developing Level 1 Football Coaches

Objective:
To develop and support a strong base of qualified and confident coaches who can provide high-quality football development for players at all age groups.

Actions:

• Coach Education & Development:

  • Fund and facilitate Level 1 coaching courses for volunteers and aspiring coaches, with support from the club’s existing coaching staff.

  • Provide opportunities for coaches to gain further qualifications, including FA Level 2, Level 3, and age-specific courses, with financial or logistical support where possible.

  • Create a mentorship scheme where more experienced coaches support newer coaches in their development.

 

• Coaching Resources:

  • Develop a shared repository of coaching materials, drills, session plans, and best practices that all coaches can access and contribute to.

  • Implement regular coaching feedback sessions with players and parents to ensure continuous improvement.

 

2. Attract and Develop More Age Group Teams (Under 7s, Under 8s, Under 9s)

Objective:
To expand the club’s youth football provision, offering more opportunities for young players, both male and female, to join and progress within the club.

Actions:

• Grassroots Recruitment Campaign:

  • Launch a targeted recruitment campaign using local schools, social media, and community centers to attract new players.

  • Host football taster sessions, free coaching clinics, or open days specifically for children in the Under 7s, Under 8s, and Under 9s age groups.

  • Develop a strong partnership with local primary schools to identify and recruit players into the club’s development pipeline.

 

• Create Mixed and Gender-Specific Teams:

  • Form both male and female teams in the Under 7s, Under 8s, and Under 9s age groups, ensuring equal access to football for all children.

  • Promote the benefits of same-sex teams for female players to create an environment where they can thrive and build confidence.

  • Encourage players to transition from mixed teams into gender-specific teams as they grow older.

 

• Talent Identification:

  • Introduce talent identification days or festivals to spot emerging young players and provide them with appropriate development opportunities.

  • Monitor and track player development through player performance assessments, ensuring that all players are challenged at an appropriate level.

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3. Attract and Retain Female Players

Objective:
To grow the female football section of the club, offering equal opportunities and fostering an environment where female players can develop and enjoy football.

Actions:

• Promote Female Football:

  • Launch an awareness campaign specifically aimed at attracting female players, emphasizing the benefits of football for girls and young women.

  • Engage with local schools, community centers, and women’s organizations to promote the club's female teams and facilities.

 

• Form Female-Only Teams:

  • Establish and develop female teams across various age groups, beginning with Under 7s and extending through to adult teams.

  • Encourage existing female players to take leadership roles within the club and act as role models for new recruits.

  • Offer a safe and welcoming environment for female players, ensuring that they feel valued and supported.

 

• Female Coaching Development:

  • Actively encourage female coaches and volunteers to join the club, offering specific mentorship and support to grow their confidence and skills.

4. Encourage Youth Members to Progress into Coaching

Objective:
To provide pathways for youth players to become coaches, fostering a new generation of leaders and mentors within the club.

Actions:

• Player-to-Coach Pathways:

  • Offer youth players opportunities to assist coaches at younger age groups, starting with team manager roles or coaching assistants.

  • Promote the FA Level 1 coaching qualification to youth players aged 16+ as a way of gaining a deeper understanding of the game and enhancing their leadership skills.

  • Create a formal volunteer program for youth players to contribute to training sessions, particularly for younger teams.

• Youth Leadership Program:

  • Establish a youth leadership program to mentor aspiring young coaches, providing them with both practical experience and structured learning opportunities.

  • Recognize and reward youth members who transition into coaching with special recognition at the club’s annual awards night.

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5. Safeguarding and Protection of Youth Players

Objective:
To ensure all youth players, particularly those under 18, are protected under safeguarding regulations and that all adult teams are aware of their responsibilities.

Actions:

• Safeguarding Awareness Training:

  • Provide safeguarding and child protection training for all coaches, volunteers, and club members who have direct contact with youth players.

  • Ensure that all adult teams understand the safeguarding responsibilities regarding youth players, specifically those aged under 18, and communicate this clearly through club policy documents.

 

• Regular Safeguarding Reviews:

  • Implement regular safeguarding reviews and audits to ensure that all policies are up to date and being followed.

  • Assign a designated safeguarding officer to oversee all safeguarding matters and ensure that concerns are handled appropriately and sensitively.

 

• Parental Involvement:

  • Encourage parents to actively engage with the safeguarding process and promote open communication between coaches, parents, and children.

  • Provide clear information to parents about the club’s safeguarding policies, including reporting procedures and contact details.

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6. Coach and Player Development

Objective:
To create a robust player development program that ensures all players have the opportunity to reach their potential while maintaining an enjoyable football experience.

Actions:

• Player Development Pathways:

  • Develop a clear player progression pathway from grassroots football to adult teams, ensuring players are continually challenged at the appropriate level.

  • Implement a holistic development approach that balances technical, tactical, physical, and psychological aspects of football.

 

• Regular Player Assessments:

  • Conduct regular player assessments for all youth players to identify strengths and areas for improvement.

  • Use data-driven methods to monitor and track player progress, making adjustments to training programs as needed.

 

• Mental and Physical Wellbeing:

  • Introduce programs that focus on the mental wellbeing of players, ensuring they have the support needed to manage pressures both on and off the field.

  • Provide access to physical development programs that include injury prevention and strength conditioning tailored for each age group.

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7. Club Recruitment & Retention

Objective:
To recruit new players of all ages and abilities while ensuring existing members are retained through positive experiences.

Actions:

• Youth Recruitment Initiatives:

  • Regularly host recruitment events, such as “open training sessions” or “come-and-try” days, to attract young players to the club.

  • Develop strong relationships with local schools, youth clubs, and community groups to identify potential players.

 

• Adult Recruitment & Retention:

  • Create a welcoming environment for new adult players, including an open-door policy for trials and recruitment sessions.

  • Focus on player retention through regular feedback, improving training environments, and offering clear player development opportunities.

 

• Community Engagement:

  • Foster a sense of community within the club through social events, fundraising initiatives, and collaborative partnerships with local businesses.

  • Encourage a family-friendly environment where players of all ages and their families feel connected to the club.

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8. Review of Committee and Coach Qualifications

Objective:
To ensure that the club is well-governed, with qualified and competent individuals leading the club’s activities and ensuring the club meets its development goals.

Actions:

• Annual Review of Qualifications:

  • Conduct an annual review of all coaches’ qualifications to ensure they are up-to-date and compliant with FA requirements.

  • Regularly evaluate the qualifications and roles of committee members, ensuring they have the necessary experience and skills to manage the club effectively.

 

• Leadership Development:

  • Offer training and development opportunities for committee members to enhance their governance, leadership, and strategic planning skills.

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9. Development of Club Facilities at Round Spinney Site

Objective:
To enhance and expand the facilities at the Round Spinney site, ensuring that players, coaches, and the wider community have access to high-quality football pitches, changing rooms, rest rooms, and community spaces. This will create a more welcoming, professional environment for all members and help the club grow in both size and reputation.

 

Actions:

1. Facility Needs Assessment:

• Conduct a comprehensive assessment of the current facilities at Round Spinney, identifying key areas that require improvement or expansion. This will include:

  • Condition of football pitches (including drainage and maintenance needs).

  • Availability and quality of changing rooms and rest rooms for players and officials.

  • Space for social areas, storage, and community functions.

  • Accessibility, parking, and spectator seating arrangements.

2. Architectural Plan Development:

• Engage with Architects:

  • Hire a qualified architect with experience in sports facilities to develop a proposal for the redevelopment of the Round Spinney site.

  • Work with the architect to produce architectural drawings that outline the proposed improvements, including:

    • Additional or upgraded changing rooms to meet the growing demand.

    • Development of communal spaces, including rest rooms and lounges for socialising.

    • Improved pitch drainage, field leveling, and maintenance equipment storage.

    • Designated areas for spectators with improved seating and viewing angles.

    • Consideration for accessibility features to ensure the site is inclusive for all.

    • A community space that can be used for local events, fundraising, and social gatherings.

    •  

• Stakeholder Input:

  • Consult with club members, coaches, players, and the local community to gather feedback on their needs and preferences for the new facilities. This will ensure the final design meets the needs of all stakeholders.

 

3. Feasibility Study and Budgeting:

• Cost Estimate:

  • Collaborate with the architect and contractors to produce a detailed cost estimate for the proposed development, including:

    • Construction costs.

    • Ongoing maintenance and operational costs.

    • Timeline for completion.

  • Identify any potential challenges related to planning, environmental regulations, and project scope.

• Feasibility Study:

  • Undertake a feasibility study to assess the long-term viability of the proposed development, considering factors such as:

    • Expected increase in membership and the demand for facilities.

    • Potential for revenue generation (e.g., through rental of community space, hosting tournaments, or other events).

    • Potential environmental impact and sustainability of the development.

4. Funding Strategy:

• Seek External Funding:

  • Once the architectural designs and feasibility study are completed, begin the process of seeking external funding for the development. This could include:

    • Local government grants and funding opportunities (e.g., from local councils or national sports organisations).

    • Sponsorship from local businesses or corporate partners who might be interested in supporting the club’s growth and community impact.

    • Crowdfunding initiatives or donations from club members, supporters, and local residents.

    • Applying for national football funding programs or sport-specific grants (e.g., FA or Sport England funding).

• Partnerships & Collaboration:

  • Explore potential partnerships with local schools, community groups, and other sports clubs that might benefit from improved facilities and contribute to funding or collaborative use.

  • Investigate opportunities to partner with other local clubs or organizations that can share the facilities once they are developed, increasing revenue streams and ensuring the space is used more effectively.

 

5. Planning Permission and Legal Considerations:

• Planning Application:

  • Once architectural designs are finalised, submit a planning application to the local council for approval. Ensure that all planning regulations and environmental considerations are addressed.

  • Work with the architect and legal experts to ensure all building codes, health and safety standards, and disability access guidelines are incorporated into the plans.

• Legal and Insurance Requirements:

  • Ensure that the club complies with all necessary legal requirements relating to land use, construction permits, and public safety.

  • Review the club's insurance policies to ensure that the new facilities will be properly covered upon completion.

6. Implementation Timeline:

• Phase 1: Design and Planning (0-6 months):

  • Hire architects, conduct feasibility studies, and gather stakeholder feedback.

  • Finalize architectural designs and submit planning applications.

  • Develop a fundraising strategy and begin seeking external funding.

• Phase 2: Fundraising and Community Engagement (6-12 months):

  • Launch fundraising campaigns (e.g., crowdfunding, grant applications, and sponsorship drives).

  • Continue engaging the community through events and meetings to maintain momentum and support for the project.

  • Begin securing construction contracts and finalizing budgets.

• Phase 3: Construction and Development (12-24 months):

  • Break ground on construction once funding is secured and planning permissions are granted.

  • Monitor the construction process, ensuring that all phases are completed on time and within budget.

  • Plan for minimal disruption to the club's activities during construction, scheduling works to coincide with off-peak seasons.

• Phase 4: Grand Opening & Handover (24-36 months):

  • Host an official opening ceremony for the new facilities, inviting local stakeholders, members, and the press.

  • Ensure that all new facilities are fully operational, with clear signage, access information, and staff in place to maintain the facilities.

 

7. Ongoing Facility Management:

• Maintenance and Upkeep:

  • Establish a facility management team responsible for the ongoing upkeep of the pitches, buildings, and communal spaces.

  • Develop a maintenance schedule for all aspects of the facilities, ensuring that the club can continue to offer high-quality spaces for players, coaches, and the community.

  • Set aside a portion of the club’s budget for ongoing repairs, cleaning, and facility management costs.

• Community Use and Engagement:

  • Ensure the facilities remain a resource for the wider community by hosting events, tournaments, and other activities that engage the public and attract new members.

  • Explore the possibility of renting out the community space for local groups, clubs, or private events to generate additional income for the club.

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Conclusion

This Development Plan outlines a clear and strategic vision for the future of Thorplands Club 81, with a focus on player development, coach education, youth engagement, and safeguarding. By investing in our people—both players and coaches—and creating an inclusive, supportive environment, we will foster a club culture that promotes growth, participation, and community involvement. Our commitment to adhering to best practices in governance and safeguarding will ensure that the club remains a safe, welcoming space for all members, both now and in the years to come.

A central component of this plan is the development of the Round Spinney site into a modern, well-equipped facility that serves not only as a home for football but also as a community hub. By improving our pitches, upgrading changing rooms, and creating shared spaces for social and community activities, we aim to provide a high-quality environment that meets the needs of both our growing membership and the wider community.

Through careful planning, consultation with stakeholders, and a proactive approach to securing funding, we are confident that these improvements will elevate the club’s profile, enhance the football experience for players of all ages, and create long-term sustainability for Thorplands Club 81. With these developments, we will continue to strengthen our position as a vital part of the local community, ensuring our club thrives for many years to come.

 

Acknowledgements

This Development Plan for Thorplands Club 81 FC has been created through the collective efforts and collaboration of the club’s committee members. Each member has contributed their time, expertise, and passion to ensure the future growth and sustainability of the club.

We would like to extend our sincere thanks to all those who have been involved in the development of this plan, and we are committed to working together to bring this vision to life.

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Contributors:

• Colin Lee - Chairman & Club Secretary

• Lisa Nichols - Co-Vice Chair & Child Welfare Officer

• Oliver Palmer - Co-Vice Chair

• Gaynor Smith - Committee Member

• Paul Foster - Youth Secretary

• Rob Stancombe - Committee Member