Playing Philosophy

PURPOSE
This policy clearly outlines our Club’s approach to football in regard to inclusion, participation and streaming by ability level across the ages. All Frodsham Junior FC Coaches, Managers and Volunteers are expected to adhere to the principles set out in this policy. For further clarity contact the Executive Committee.

OUR BLUEPRINT
Any club that is serious about growth and future development must have a blueprint that shows the direction it wishes to take; this is our blueprint. This simple plan details the Club’s vision to create more sporting opportunities for our youth to increase their participation.

MISSION STATEMENT
To be the football club of choice providing local boys and girls with a range of footballing opportunities which develop young people mentally, physically, technically and socially, in a fun, safe, supportive and positive environment.

CORE VALUES AND BEHAVIOURS
Our core values under-pin everything we do and create the behaviours required for people to grow and develop. Every organisation has its own culture and associated behaviours. At Frodsham Junior FC we believe there are certain characteristics that define who we are and that differentiate us from others.

Below is our list of core values:
• Respect for everyone both inside and outside Frodsham Junior FC
• Positive attitude with a can-do, will-do approach
• Teamwork and collaboration
• Fairness
• Ambition to aim high and stretch our performance
• Honesty and openness
• Celebrate success
• Have fun

MINI-SOCCER & YOUTH FOOTBALL COMMITMENTS
Mini-soccer is the Under 5s – Under 10s age-range, as defined by the FA. Results are not recorded at this age as the intention is to develop the child’s love of football. The focus is the overall development of the footballer and as such Frodsham Junior FC strongly promote an inclusive and participative approach at this age.

This includes:
• Equal playing-time for every child over the season and per match when possible
• Equal rotation of positions
• Attendance to FA’s 4-corner model, attending to the psychological and the social corner
• Focus on fun and enjoyment
• Retaining children of all ability levels

Children should not be ‘pigeon-holed’ into positions as this is detrimental to their long-term footballing development. Many children are ‘late bloomers’. The aim at this age-range is to allow children to fall in love with the game.

Youth football is Under 11s – Under 18s. At this age the game becomes ‘competitive’ (in the adult sense of the word) with results recorded and the league format kicking in. Frodsham Junior FC promote the sensitive streaming of children into broad ability levels at this point to ensure the appropriate level of challenge for each individual. This approach is designed to retain players by ensuring they participate in football matches which are suitable for each player.

The club believes that the transition to ‘streamed’ teams at Under 11s is in the best interests of the child and appropriate at this age. Every player will have an opportunity to play football at the correct level of challenge – the drivers for the club being player retention and maximising potential.

During the Under 10s season, Frodsham Junior FC coaches will work alongside the C&PD Committee and co-operate to ensure streaming plans are clear and transparent. Communication will be provided to parents/guardians and players alike to ensure streaming integration is smooth and enjoyable. The remit of the C&PD Committee will also be to ensure that the correct coach is placed in care of the correct team.

The Club is sensitive to a player’s transition to a different team and – potentially – different coaches. Therefore, in the Under 10s season, all coaches at this age group will be invited to train with all sets of players and joint training sessions encouraging mixing will be held wherever possible. The social aspect of the transition will be considered, and coaches will be guided on best practice by the C&PD Committee.

It may also be possible to rotate coaches across teams during the season, depending on circumstances. In subsequent seasons, coaches will be in close contact to discuss the possibility of players moving between teams if this is deemed to be of benefit to the player. Players may also be given the opportunity to play up a year, again if this is deemed to be of benefit to the player. This will take place at the end of the season and is in order to maximise potential and retain players at the Club.

Providing the appropriate level of challenge is essential to player retention. The drop-out rate of players from grassroots football is estimated at 76% between the ages of 13 – 16.

SQUAD SIZES
To aid planning, ideal squad sizes at each age range are captured below, this is to maximise game-time. Managers/coaches are advised to plan one season ahead, operate waiting lists were enquiries are received from potential new players and recruit players as advised. If over-loaded with players, look to recruit and set up a separate team.

Mini Soccer
100% mixed ability teams. Equal playing time for all players, rotate positions

Youth Football
Squads now streamed by ability

Squad sizes may alter slightly in Girls football. Check with Lead Girls Coach (Leah Stockton) if unclear.

PLAYER TRANSFERS
Players are registered with one team within the Club. No player can transfer from one team to another within the Club without explicit approval from the Executive Committee. Coaches or parents must not actively recruit players from other teams within the Club.

If a coach/manager receives a request from a parent for a current Frodsham player to join their team, they must refer them to this executive instruction.