The Scottish FA have created a new partnership with McDonalds with the aim of  working with local grassroots football clubs  to provide a support programme that will enable the creation of improved school and local club links which will ultimately encourage more children to become involved with our national game.  As well as targeting new players, the programme will also look to attract and support new volunteers into clubs with education and training to ensure sustainability of the newly created teams.

The Scottish FA South East Region is determined to ensure that this programme will lead to a life long involvement in physical activity and in particular, football.  A key aim of our Action Plan for Youth Football is to develop and support sustainable club structures.  We hope to be able to give every child, regardless of ability or gender, the chance to become involved with a football club in their local area.

If a club is selected for one of the next four years of the programme there will be funding available which will enable the following;

• Focus on P2/3 children to create new teams and activity
• Link with Active Schools Coordinators where appropriate
• Utilise suitable facilities - Club or Local Authority
• Recruit players/parents to a 6-week coaching programme
• Parents meeting & recruitment drive
• Coach Education for Parents
• Formal link/hand-over of new teams into club with provision of new equipment
  
The programme will be managed and coordinated through your local Football Development Officer(s) who will work alongside your club throughout the development process.

The programme is open to all Scottish FA Quality Mark accredited and registered clubs and will be offered to different clubs in each year of the four year programme. Unfortunately, the funding does not allow for every club to be supported each year and as such, we would like those clubs interested to apply for the programme using the attached application form.

Please can you ensure that your completed application form (attached) is returned to me no later than Friday 7th of May.  Applications received after this date will not be considered for year 1 of the programme.

If you have any queries please contact David Drummond on 0131 667 8245 or e-mail david.drummond@scottishfa.co.uk