THE MISSION

Mission Statement.

Our goal as a club is to provide “Football For All” in a fun and friendly environment which is open to everyone.

As a club we are proud of our ability to provide the right level of football to players of all abilities. From players taking their first tentative steps on a football pitch to our elite Kent Youth League Teams.

How we achieve this.

Our first step is our Minis (U5 & U6). This when players and our future coaches have their first experience of the club through fun football sessions to develop each and every player's basic fundamental skills. Players then have a direct route into one of our teams’ football upon reaching under 7.

At U7 the players get their first chance to play league matches. Along with the U8 they Play 5 aside football matches.

Coaches should start looking at development over results – We all like to win but ultimately, we are focussed on developing each and every player in the squad.

Player-led development – We want to develop players who can think for themselves on the pitch. You should not be shouting instructions from the side line, these should be saved for team talks. Which at this age should start with asking the players what they think. Coaches should be looking at how best to develop and improve each player. This includes no fixed positions, however this does not mean randomly moving players it needs to be development led. And of course Equal playing time we aim to give each player equal playing time.

The keys when looking at players of this age is friend groups, attitude, commitment and experience. “Football For All” does not mean putting all the players together and seeing what happens.

All coaches should be considering players strengths and weaknesses from the start and no later than U8s. This does not mean just taking the best players from the group and forgetting the rest. It is about taking players and putting them in teams/groups that will help their development. If the teams are done right each player will have equal time on the ball to his teammates. If this is not the case then balance of your teams should be looked at. Do not be afraid to adjust teams. But please consult parents as required and if you need help speak to a Coach Mentor

Another simple example Crowborough League Rules state that both teams in the pair should be of equal ability and without considering the above this impossible. It also means teams get to play teams of equal ability.

Also by highlighting strengths and weaknesses you can organise more targeted training sessions.

You should also still be working as an age group not just teams. All players should feel part of one big squad. The longer you keep it like this the easier it is to move players between teams/groups.

We also expect these years to enter teams in the Maidstone and the Crowborough League as they both offer a slightly different football experience at this age which is suited to different players. The difference being is the Maidstone League requires a more committed footballer as they play more games and even play mini trophy events during the season.

No player should be excluded from the club based on their ability.

Also at this age waiting lists are an absolute last resort and are prohibited unless directly approved by the committee. No player should be turned away, the club will provide a coach whilst a suitable parent coach is found.

At U9 the teams move to 7 aside. Coaches should still be keeping the main aims of the U7 & U8. But should be moving more and more towards selecting teams based on players strengths and weaknesses. As due to the increased size of the pitch, differences are a lot more highlighted. If the teams are not right players will not be getting equal time on the ball, which is not acceptable. It also the year more players start recognising the ability of players around them so just keep your eyes and ears open to this. It could just be something as subtle as players not passing to one player. This is simply avoided with the right balance in teams.

U11 is first year they play 9 aside football and where players are registered to a team not an age group. The season is still split into sections so there will still be time to work on player combinations. This is the first year waiting lists are allowed without committee approval but should still be the last resort.

U12 is the first year that teams compete in a season long league. By now you should be not far off knowing which level each player should be playing at and have all of them almost in the correct teams. All teams should be based on the key goal of still trying to make every player better. The players have now left primary school, so this is the first year that it is not required to give players equal time but should always be the goal. If the stages are followed correctly in the early years you should by now have well balanced teams that get every player involved. But every player if available should play at least 50% of match time as a minimum over the season unless agreed with the parents and the committee.

U13 Is first year of 11 aside football and the start of Kent Youth League. Every season we will enter a team in the KYL. The rest of teams should be set up with the goal of being competitive in their respective leagues. Focus should not just be on the KYL team but the whole age group, each player is equally important.

U14 onwards, All teams should continue to be based on the key goal of still trying to make every player better in a fun and friendly environment which is open to everyone. And always looking how to get every player fair time on the pitch This should apply all the way through the club.

Coach Mentors

The role of the Mentors is going to vary from year to year. They are not there to take over, Head Coaches will remain. They are basically here to assist, inspire and help the development of both players and coaches.

Luke Carpenter is The Senior Coach Mentor.

In addition, following a review by Luke each age group will be also appointed their own Coach Mentor. Also Luke is going to host coaches meetings throughout the year including hopefully before the start of the season each year.