The Kent Football Strategy, which was launched in December 2007 after a 12 month consultation process with all key stakeholders, demonstrated what the priorities were for building a brighter future for football in Kent. It also clearly showed how we would deliver against the targets through the establishment of a high level Delivery Board and four Working Groups based on Leadership & Governance, Respect in the Game, Development & Support and Pitches & Facilities.
The KCFA County Plan 2008 – 2012 sets the vision, key priorities and targets for investment into grassroots football from 1st July 2008 until 30th June 2012. The plan contributes to the delivery of The FA’s National Game Strategy over the next four years.
The County Plan acts as the action plan for the Kent Football Strategy so that there is synergy between the KCFA development work and the FA National Game Strategy targets. From the consultation process which has taken place, the following core challenges have emerged, which the KCFA must face over the next four years:
- Reduce poor behaviour and bad discipline throughout the game
- Invest in facilities and signpost the football family to funding opportunities
- Provide appropriate levels of support to affiliated clubs and leagues
- Successfully lead and govern grassroots football in Kent
- Communicate better internally and externally 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
- Provide competitive opportunities for players with disabilities
- Halt the decline of the male 11-a-side game and support the existing teams
The County Plan will act as the detailed action plan for delivery of the Kent Football Strategy which was launched on 14th December 2007 and the FA National Game Strategy. The County Plan has been produced in conjunction with a wide range of partners and key stakeholders.
The plan is challenging but realistic with the following headline targets for the KCFA to achieve by 2012:
- Sustaining 3433 teams and creating 117 new teams
- Sustaining 1032 referees and recruiting 311 new referees
- A Level 1 coach with every registered youth team
- 75% of all mini-soccer and youth teams playing in FA Charter Standard clubs £12 million of investment into football facilities
- 75% of Stakeholders agree that the Kent County FA are leading the game effectively
- Everyone in roles with children in youth football or working with vulnerable adults to have an enhanced FA CRB check
- A successful Respect campaign involving adult and youth leagues
- 7 youth leagues achieving The FA Charter Standard League award
- 62,351 children aged 5 – 11 years old taking part in The FA Skills programme
Paul Dolan, County Development Manager stated “The Kent Football Strategy and the Kent County Plan allows the KCFA to be strategic in identifying gaps in provision and targeting our football development work and resources accordingly. We look forward to working with all of our partners and stakeholders to build a brighter future for football in Kent”.
To find out more information about the Kent Football Strategy please contact Paul Dolan (County Development Manager) on 01622 792 140 or email paul.dolan@kentfa.com.