A ‘HOW TO’ GUIDE FOR CLUBS AND LEAGUES ON WORKING WITH YOUNG PEOPLE

There are over 11 million young people aged under 18 in England and 20 million under 25.

The benefits of developing youth participation is often framed in terms of an investment in the future of the game but it is important to recognise that youth participation in multiple settings as volunteers and leaders provides an array of benefits in the here and now. 

This generation of young people are more connected to each other and to information than previous generations. They have new skills and approaches that have the potential to transform the way in which the game is run, organised and developed.

THE FA YOUTH LEADERSHIP CHARTER

Young people aren’t just the leaders of tomorrow. They have the energy, skills and ideas to change football and the wider community for the better today. 

The FA wants to establish a culture of involving young people (16-25 years) in the organisation of football. This approach will benefit young people, promote better informed and more representative decision making, and bring through a new generation of volunteers into the workforce across the grassroots game. 

For this approach to work it needs to be based on genuine youth-adult partnerships. Such partnerships should always implement the appropriate safeguarding requirements. 

We will embed safeguards across all the activities U18s are involved in, ensuring that they feel confident and appropriately supported. The FA and its Youth Councillors will also work with County Associations and football partners to encourage a similar commitment and approach across the country. 

To achieve this we will consult and involve young people. We will promote the concept and benefits of youth leadership and volunteering within the FA and with our football partners. We will deliver programmes and events created, directed and staffed by young people that demonstrate this commitment. 

For more information, please CLICK HERE or email support@northridingfa.com 

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