What is a School Club Link?
Tha FA defines a school club link as a process to assist a young person to move from participating in football in school to moving into football at a Charter Standard Club. It is Footballs commitment to the delivery of the Physical Education and School Sport Club Links (PESSCL) strategy document, which sets out to ensure that all children, whatever their circumstances or abilities, should be able to participate in and enjoy physical education and sport.
The Who,What,Where,Why and When of the FA 3 Lions Programme.........
WHO? 3 Lions courses target individual groups of players aged 5-16, i.e. girls or disability. It is helpful if players have a basic knowledge and skill level before the course starts but it is not essential as long as they show the right mix of enthusiasm and commitment, and are looking to join a CS Club.
WHAT? 6-8 week FA Coaching course, held in conjunction with both school and club, to offer regular football sessions to players of all abilities who are keen to meet new friends, learn new skills and above all have FUN.
WHERE? Any school or charter standard club can host one of these 3 Lions courses, email Guernsey FA to register an interest and for details of any existing school club link/ 3 Lion courses.
WHY? The sessions are run by FA qualified coaches who have undertaken child protection training, first aid and are CRB checked to ensure your son or daughter is in a safe environment to learn new athletic and football skills and have fun as part of the FA Football Development Programme. Coaches from CS clubs are often introduced to the group by delivering sessions, enabling players to gain further knowledge whilst allowing them to feel comfortable when making the switch from school to charter standard club football.
WHEN? Taster sessions take place during school curriculum time and courses then run at an appropriate time for the players after school hours. (for example the first 7 weeks of an 8 week course, may run at a school site as an after school club and the final week at the club before a regular training session.)
What are some of the benefits of School Club Links/3 Lions courses?
1. Establishment of strong links between schools and clubs and coaching support for players/staff.
2. Any courses provide clubs with an intake of new players.
3. Equipment & promotional resource packages available to all clubs/schools hosting courses.
4. Players given the opportunity to play in a fun, friendly and safe environment throughout the duration of the course and then the opportunity to progress to playing regularly as part of a charter standard club.