The strategy was formulated in response to the views and issues that were raised following a public consultation with over 500 people from across South Yorkshire.
These people told us how they would like to see the Sheffield & Hallamshire FA implement its contribution to the FA`s £200 Million National Game Strategy at a local level tackling the issues that of a key concern to our region.
The four year strategy sets out the vision, key priorities and targets for investment into grassroots football from 1st July 2008 until 30th June 2012. Our purpose is to lead the successful development of football within the area and to increase the participation, quality and enjoyment of football.
James Hope-Gill, Sheffield & Hallamshire FA Chief Executive said: “Sheffield & Hallamshire FA has sought the opinions of people involved in the game locally and has helped The FA devise a strategic plan which reflects what active participants want us, as the governing body to do.
“It’s sometimes easy to forget that the vast majority of football played in this country is played at the grassroots, involving millions of people, week in, week out.
“The people of our area will hopefully now see a real change in the grassroots game - from improved facilities to campaigns designed to improve player and spectator behaviour, and many have played their part in helping to secure the future of our national sport.”
This strategy effects everyone involved with grassroots football in Sheffield, Doncaster, Rotherham Barnsley and the rest of South Yorkshire. A full version of this strategy is available for download from www.sheffieldfa.com
Our challenges:
From the consultation process, the following core challenges have emerged, which we must face over the period:
reduce poor behaviour and bad discipline throughout the game
invest in facilities and signpost the football family to funding opportunities
communicate better internally and smarter with our members and partners
recruit more referees into the game whilst retaining the current cohort
recognise, reward and recruit volunteers to mobilise a strong football workforce
embrace the wider football community in respect of inclusion, representation and diversity
halt the decline of the male 11-a-side game and support the existing teams
Tackling the challenges
To tackle the above challenges, there are four strategic Goals and three Key Enablers we need to address over the next four years – each with targets to keep us on track
Goals:
1. Growth and retention – sustaining and increasing the number of players.
2. Raising standards and addressing abusive behaviour – creating a safe and positive environment.
3. Developing better players – focusing on the 5-11 age groups.
4. Running the game effectively – leading and governing the game.
Key Enablers: i.e. the infrastructure which must be in place to achieve the goals.
1. A skilled workforce – recruiting and developing a highly skilled, diverse, paid and voluntary workforce.
2. Improved facilities – improving the access and quality of training and playing facilities.
3. Marketing and PR – clear communications to everyone involved in the game.
To find out more information about this strategy, how it affects you and what part you can play please email info@sheffieldfa.com or telephone 0114 2414992
A summary of the Strategy is available for download from the related documents link on the right hand side of this page.