• What is a CRB Check?
• How do I find my local club?
• Who do I make my cheques payable to?
• What is Futsal?
• How much football should my child be playing?
• What size pitch/ball should I be playing with?
• What age group should I be playing in?
• What is the FA Charter Standard programme?
• How do I become an FA qualified coach?
• Is there a Kent FA Coaches Association?
What is a CRB Check?
The Criminal Records Bureau (CRB) provides wider access to criminal record information through its Disclosure service. It enables organisations to make safer recruitment decision by identifying candidates who may be unsuitable for certain work, especially that involving children or vulnerable adults.
All levels of football will benefit from the checks being carried out by The FA Criminal Records Bureau (CRB) Unit on people with access to children in football.
Click here for more information on FA CRB checks.
Go to top
How do I find my local club?
Kent FA have a "Find a Club" Section under the "GetIntoFootball" section of this website. The search will help you to identify a team in your locality by postcode, distance from a particular area, team name, gender and/or age group. You can also search for clubs accredited with FA Charter Standard.
Go to top
Who do I make my cheques payable to?
Please make cheques payable to KCFA LTD.
What is Futsal?
Futsal is the FIFA/UEFA recognised form of small-sided football. Many Countries that we admire for the technical skills of their players use Futsal as an aspect of Youth Development. Ball retention, quick and skillful play and tactical awareness are all promoted in Futsal.
Futsal is played on a pitch marked with sidelines. The ball (size 4) is a low bounce, slightly heavy ball.
Go to top
How much football should my child be playing?
In any one day, no player shall play more than the stipulated period given below:
Maximum duration of participation per day per player
- Under 7's & Under 8's - 40 minutes
- Under 9's & Under 10's - 60 minutes
Source: Mini-soccer Handbook
Go to top
What size pitch/ball should I be playing with?
The size of football to be used shall be:
• Size 3 for Under 8's
• Size 4 for Under 9's to Under 10's
• Size 4 for Under 11's to Under 14's
• Size 5 for Under 15's and above
Go to top
What age group should I be playing in?
A child in the age ranges Under 7's to Under 15's must not play in a match where any other player is older or younger by 2 years or more than that person (for disability football the two year age band may be varied).
To play in an Under 18 age bracket competition the player must achieved the age of 15 by midnight on 31st August of the playing season.
To play in open age competition a player must have achieved the age of 16.
To identify the qualifying dates of birth for your age group, please consult your league handbook.
Go to top
What is the FA Charter Standard programme?
The FA Charter Standard award is a best practice guide that sets standards of coaching, administration and child protection for all grassroots football clubs and leagues.
The FA Charter Standard programme has four levels - FA Charter Standard Club, FA Charter Standard Development Club, FA Charter Standard Community Club and FA Charter Standard League
Click here for more information on the FA Charter Standard programme.
Go to top
How do I become an FA qualified coach?
It is recommended that all new potential coaches should complete the FA Level 1 Certificate in Coaching Football. The course is 24 - 32 hours and includes elements of practical and theory work. All candidates will also complete an FA Child Protection workshop and an FA Emergency Aid qualification.
Click here to become an FA qualified coach.
Go to top
Is there a Kent FA Coaches Association?
The Kent FA Coaches Association provides continual professional development opportunities for FA qualified coaches in Kent.
Benefits of joining include:
- Membership card (on completion of a successful FA CRB check)
- Quarterly KCFA Newsletter
- Email alerts with coaching development opportunities
- Invite to at least four coach development workshops each season
- Support with FA CRB Enhanced Disclosure
Click here to become a member of the Kent FA Coaches Association.
Go to top