Youth football is based on the principles of boys and girls playing in matches for enjoyment, to enhance their ball skills and to learn to appreciate the rules.

Youth football provides a competitive environment for the children to learn: -

• To play with others in a team game
• To play to a set of rules
• To play to win in the right spirit
• To understand playing football

The focus of the Club is placed upon the children learning to play the game in the right spirit rather than the importance of winning or losing. To this end it is vital that parents understand fully their responsibilities and do not place undue pressure on the children, thereby reducing the enjoyment for the participants through unnecessary criticism.

The following is what you can expect of the Club and what we expect from you.

• The Club emphasises the fun of playing the game.
• The children will be encouraged to show sportsmanship towards other players.
• The children will each be provided with kit and training tops, which are owned by the Club and will be returned to either the Club Secretary or Manager on request, or should a player leave the Club. Whilst the kits and tops, are with the player they are responsible for them and shall replace any lost or damaged clothing.
• Kits should be worn for matches only, not for training or elsewhere. Training tops should be used for training and should be worn over kits to all matches both home and away.
• A high standard of behaviour is expected of the children, and more importantly adults involved in watching the games.
• Spectators are expected to watch and encourage, not moan and criticise.
• The team manager is responsible for team selection and arranging substitutes. Criticism from parents is not acceptable.
• Following a game, parents are requested to return any mud from the children's football boots to the field, and not leave mud on the playgrounds or car parks.
• The Club will arrange training and matches and all players are expected to attend where it does not interfere with schoolwork or family arrangements.
• Any actions, which are considered to be against the spirit of the game and the principles of the Club, will be dealt with by the Club management committee.

Although Youth football is competitive the Club sets out to reduce the emphasis on winning and losing by identifying stages in the children's footballing development. The game itself is enough of a challenge and the focus is placed upon the children learning to play the game in the right spirit, enhancing their skills and above all having fun.


Kind Regards, Andy Green,
Club Chairman