Section 1 - Membership, Officers and Secretariat

ANNUAL REPORT 2012– 2013 SECTION 1 - MEMBERSHIP, OFFICERS AND SECRETARIAT

1.1 MEMBERSHIP A total of 447 Associations were affiliated in season 2012-13.

1.2 CHAIRMAN This year’s Chairman, Neil Pont, has provided the momentum which will define the future for the Association. His thorough approach to establishing a Development Plan and ensuring the participation in such by all Council Members and staff means that his legacy will guide the ESFA over the next few years.

The role of the Chairman of the ESFA has changed significantly in recent years. Reports from the Review Group and the FA have meant that the Chairman now has to take on a more strategic role. Neil’s enquiring mind and probing questioning have been ideally suited to this task.

Towards the end of this season Neil’s two presentations to the Under 15 Girls’ and Under 18 Boys’ International Squads ensured that they would be memorable experiences for the players and their parents. Neil has travelled many miles from his Jesmond home to represent the ESFA at numerous locations around the British Isles and he has become a regular on the Newcastle to Kings Cross line. He has led the Association with clarity and dignity and can reflect upon his year in the Chair with great pride.

1.3 VICE-CHAIRMAN Dave Woollaston’s wealth of experience with all matters ESFA has meant that he has been a truly supportive Vice-Chairman. He is well-versed in the Association’s traditions but is also eager to move the ESFA forward. Although he has a phobia about mobile telephones, he is keen to grasp modern communication technology as the means by which the ESFA message reaches all those involved in school football - of all ages.

Dave has recently extended his work in schools’ football by taking up the post of Assistant Secretary with SAFIB and his influence there is already proving positive. Dave will follow in the footsteps of Northumbrian W. H. (Bill) Morgan who served twice as Chairman, in 1927 and 1953, as he enters his second period in that pivotal role for the Association. Dave is very proud that his colleagues have the confidence in his commitment, experience and expertise to elect him as Chairman again following his first term of office in 2001.

He will bring a jovial approach but also a determined one as he seeks to ensure that Council carries out the plans it has in place to bring the Association even greater success.

1.4 CHIEF EXECUTIVE It has been another very demanding year for the Chief Executive, and he has coped admirably with the expectations of Council and Membership. The tasks he is expected to undertake on behalf of the ESFA are considerable, and often these mean that he has to spend a significant amount of time out of the office. Modern communications mitigate the impact of this to a certain degree, as too do the rest of the staff.

The Chief Executive continues to represent the ESFA at a variety of meetings and functions and to serve the Association as its representative on the Council of the FA. His committee work includes being a member of the Youth and Development Committees and he also represents schools’ football on the National Game Board.

Sponsorship has become increasingly important to the ESFA in order to sustain a growing competitions portfolio and the Chief Executive has played a prominent part in endeavouring to rebuild the Association’s income from this area in a challenging commercial climate.

1.5 HEAD OF ADMINISTRATION Lorna Hartwell continues her role as Head of Administration in the HQ in Stafford. This has been a difficult year for Lorna with medical and personal problems coupled by the loss of a senior member of staff on medical grounds for six months. However, Lorna has continued to run the office with her customary efficiency, whilst assisting other departments when required. In addition Lorna has managed the administration for the Girls’ Under 15 International Squad.

1.6 COMPETITIONS DEPARTMENT Mike Spinks, the National Competition Manager for the past ten years, retired at Christmas after a six-month spell recovering from heart surgery. Darren Alcock moved seamlessly into this post as acting National Competition Manager and became the permanent replacement on 1st January 2013. Ed Mitchell was promoted to National Competitions Secretary with a special role as Disciplinary Secretary. David Ebberson combined the Marketing & Communications role to assist as another member of the Department, enabling all competitions to be completed in a professional and timely manner. The fact that they did showed extreme dedication and professionalism, to which the Association is very grateful. The portfolio of competitions was again increased to take in more B cup competitions and competitions for Small Schools. A full report of the activities can be seen later in this report. 1 1.7 ADMINISTRATION STAFF All members of staff are actively involved with myriad administrative tasks. Dawn Howard continues in the role of Finance Officer, preparing monthly and annual budgets, allocating grants to Membership, reporting to the Trustees and Honorary Auditors and running the day-to-day finances of the Association. Dawn is very professional and has gained much respect for the work she has done with the County Schools’ and District Schools’ FAs in preparing their individual grant requests and Business Plans. In addition Dawn has worked tirelessly to ensure that the Isle of Wight Easter Festival ran smoothly and within budget. Sue Gifford, acting as the face of ESFA as receptionist, also assists Lorna in all administrative tasks including committee and council minute taking and the management of the AGM, Council and County meetings. Sue also manages the summer coaching courses at Repton each year and acts as the international administrator for the Under 18 International Squad.

It was with great sadness that the ESFA announced the death, after a very short illness, of Kath our long term office cleaner. Although rarely seen, as she only worked on Saturdays, she had become a popular member of staff over the years.

1.8 AUDITORS The ESFA’s Auditors, Honorary and Professional, have again provided the Association with invaluable support and expertise. The Honorary Auditors, P B Jordan MBE, D J Lailey and D Prothero , spent two days for the annual audit at the ESFA’s Offices and met with the Finance Officer, Nigel Brown (representing the Trustees) and the Professional Auditors (Lancasters & Co). It is reassuring to Council and Membership that these three colleagues perform their duties with diligence and genuine interest and, as part of an expanded remit, offer advice that is very welcome. They also performed the important task of recruiting an independent member of Council. Their report is appended to this Annual Report.

Lancasters & Co continue to perform their professional duties on behalf of the ESFA with the attention to detail that has been their hallmark for many years and their long-standing relationship with the Association is greatly valued. Council wishes to record its thanks to our Honorary and Professional Auditors for their work on behalf of the Association.

SECTION 2 – FINANCE AND SPONSORSHIP

2.1 FINANCE The Association has maintained the trend of recent years in again operating with a surplus. The Trustees have deliberately continued with a cautious financial strategy, believing this to be in the best interests of the ESFA, especially in the current financial climate. However, given the steady accumulation of reserves during the past ten years, the Trustees were able to recommend to Council that, to support the Development Plan agreed at the end of 2012, £100,000 per year be set aside for the next three years to support initiatives in the Plan.

The FA Business Plan again enabled the ESFA to provide support to those Local and County Associations that applied for it. The application process is currently being reviewed to make it more user-friendly, whilst at the same time providing the all- important statistics that are expected by the FA. The Trustees are keen to support Associations to become less dependent on grant funding and are currently developing resources that highlight good practice in some of the more successful and active Associations which others may find useful.

In setting the budget for 2013, the Trustees took a pragmatic approach, with priority being given to ensuring that all existing activities could be maintained. A review undertaken by three Council colleagues highlighted the increasing proportion of income being spent on staffing, and concluded that this trend, if allowed to continue, would be unsustainable. Balancing the increased workload brought about by more competitions with the need to keep staffing costs within reasonable limits is a challenge for the Trustees as the legal employers, but the process to appoint an apprentice is underway. The ESFA has a good track record in employing school leavers who have subsequently remained with the ESFA as loyal employees who have given, and continue to give, excellent service.

As this Report was being finalised, a new three-year sponsorship agreement with Sony Playstation was being concluded. This has the potential to make a huge difference to ESFA activities, and to reduce some of the financial constraints that have characterised recent seasons. The ESFA is especially grateful to John Scales for his role in securing this sponsorship. Using the additional income wisely will be a priority for the ESFA, and it will hopefully be the first step in a process to restore sponsorship to levels that existed a decade or more ago.

2.2 SPONSORSHIP The Primary Schools’ National Cups sponsorship with Tesco unfortunately only lasted for one year. This was partly the result of Tesco changing their sponsorship strategy, but also a reflection of the difficulties in obtaining information from District Schools’ FAs about which schools had entered and where the District rounds were being played. Fortunately, DANONE switched their sponsorship to this important age group, albeit at a lower fee, and have signed a 3 year contract.

David Ebberson, the ESFA’s Marketing and Communications Officer has also managed to obtain a partnership agreement with the Coaching Manual and PASS4 Soccer are continuing their relationship as the Association’s preferred partner for accessing scholarships to attend universities in the USA.

2 SECTION 3 – COMMITTEE REPORTS

3.1 INTERNATIONAL MATCH, SELECTION & COACHING The Coaching and Development week at Repton School in August for County players was again successful under the stewardship Andy Buckingham and his team of coaches. The trials for the International Squad took place in October and November and thirty-two aspiring trialists assembled at Lilleshall in early December. After two excellent games against the Navy (5-1) and the RAF (1-1) the International Squad was selected. A creditable performance against a strong Valencia youth team (0-2) during the training week in Spain raised hopes for the Centenary Shield.

The first game against Wales, in front of 2,900 fans at Lincoln, ended in a defeat (1-4).However, the team did not lose again in the remaining three games, drawing against Northern Ireland (1-1) at Plymouth watched by a large crowd of 3,444 and the Republic of Ireland in Cork (2-2) and winning in Scotland (3-1). This meant that the Northern Ireland won the Centenary Shield. The final game against New Zealand also ended in a draw (1-1). The squad again visited primary schools in Lincoln and Plymouth before the International matches and proved to be perfect ambassadors for the ESFA. Andy Buckingham, in his first season as team manager, led a team of Andy Blight, Mike Johnston, Steve Wilderspin and Arthur Tabor with great enthusiasm and professionalism. Council also wish to place on record appreciation to colleagues in Lincolnshire and Plymouth who hosted two excellent international fixtures.

The Under 15 Girls’ Squad continues to develop and did well in the Bob Docherty Cup in Belfast, finishing the Tournament in third place with a win against Northern Ireland (2-0), draws against the Republic of Ireland (1-1) and Scotland (0-0) and one defeat to Wales (1-3). Scotland who won this Tournament also defeated England in the friendly played at St. Georges Park (1- 3) and in the Lloyds TSB Cup (0-5). The girls were managed excellently by Sarah Steadman and Miranda Hall.

3.2 COMPETITIONS Following the retirement of Mike Spinks, Darren Alcock was appointed as the new National Competitions Manager in January. The National Competitions portfolio continues to go from strength to strength; the Secondary Schools’ Cup competitions attracted 5884 teams this season – an increase of 67 teams on the previous year’s total. Darren, Ed Mitchell and David Ebberson were responsible for the organisation and administration of all 39 of the ESFA National Cup competitions and for bringing them to a successful conclusion.

Once again, the winter weather was challenging and contributed to a large number of postponed fixtures in the middle of the season. The NCD patiently encouraged participating teams to play their fixtures within a realistic timeframe in order to allow for the finals to be played on time at the end of the season. The two Under 18 Schools’ Cup finals that were scheduled to be played at Doncaster Rovers FC in March, both fell victim to the weather. Three inches of snow on the Keepmoat Stadium pitch meant that the two finals had to be re-scheduled until after the Easter break.

All 11-a-side National Cup Finals were played on Football League grounds, with the exception of the Under 18 Colleges’ Trophy for Girls that was played at Mansfield Town, and the Under 15 Inter Association Trophy final that was held at Hereford United. Chairman, Neil Pont, was well supported by his Council colleagues in presenting trophies and medals at the conclusion of some hugely exciting finals.

As ever, the ESFA is most grateful to the following clubs for allowing the use of their facilities for National Finals: Burton Albion FC, Chesterfield FC, Coventry City FC, Derby County FC, Doncaster Rovers FC, Fleetwood Town FC, Hereford United FC, Leicester City FC, Mansfield Town FC, Milton Keynes Dons FC, Sheffield United FC, Sheffield Wednesday FC, Walsall FC and Wolverhampton Wanderers FC.

On Saturday 11 May, twenty-four Primary School teams, eight Primary Association teams and two Secondary School teams took part in an exciting day’s football, under the banner of the DANONE Nations’ Cup. The event was hosted at The Hive, Barnet FC’s training ground facility. Despite the appalling weather conditions, the participating children all experienced an excellent day’s football, which resulted in the winners of each category being invited to participate at the DANONE Nations’ Cup play-offs that were held at St George’s Park, on Sunday 9 June. This tournament determined which school would represent England at the International Danone Nations’ Cup that is being held at Wembley Stadium in September 2013.

Following on from the success of the inaugural ‘B’ Team Schools’ Cup competition at the Under 12 age group, the ESFA portfolio of competitions will continue to expand next season with the introduction of a new Under 13 ‘B’ Team Schools’ Cup. The popular Small Schools’ Cup format will be extended to include the Under 15 age group. New competitions will also be offered for schools at the Under 14 age group – Under 14 Schools’ Cup for Girls and Under 14 Open Schools’ Cup. The latter will have no restriction on the number of programme for excellence players that can be fielded by a school in a fixture.

Given the constraints of manpower and finance, the National Competitions Department has coped splendidly with the demands of administering so many Inter-school, Inter-Association and Inter-County games throughout the season.

3.3 COMMUNICATION & PR Regular communication from the ESFA Office to Membership continues to improve across the different platforms of media; the website is in the process of being updated and re-skinned and will have a vibrant, fresh look with plenty of updated news and information. The e-zine is a regular source of information to Membership and the Chairman’s notes offer regular insights and updates in response to requests from Membership. 3 The ESFA now has a ‘twitter’ feed (@schoolsfootball) and a Facebook page and these provide a noticeboard for all that is happening with competitions, festivals and the international teams. ESFA branded wall planners were again sent to every school that entered National 11 a side competitions and these continue to raise the profile of the ESFA within PE offices all over the country. It is anticipated that over the course of the next year there will be more branded ESFA merchandise for teachers (e.g. clipboards, resource cards).

The Under 18 International Squad inspired primary school children in Lincoln and Plymouth by delivering coaching sessions and assemblies in conjunction with the Centenary Shield fixtures; they continue to be high quality ambassadors for the ESFA in every aspect.

The ‘Coaching Manual’ has been developed with former ESFA International Chris Smalling being used as an Ambassador for the project and this has been promoted and marketed to all schools in Membership. Owen Aiston has worked very closely with the development of this resource and has also been instrumental in the introduction of the Primary teachers Coaching and Development Course at Repton this August.

There have been a number of new initiatives and the further embedding of existing projects will continue to develop our profile as the National Governing Body for Schools’ Football.

3.4 GOVERNANCE The ESFA Review Group reported in Spring 2011 and tasked the ESFA Council to consider their recommendations. One of the recommendations was for the Council to consider it’s accountability to Membership. The Governance Committee has worked on behalf of Council to implement changes that have been made following this consideration.

The first change was a review and subsequent increase in the role of the Honorary Auditors. The first report of the expanded group of Auditors has been received and will be shared with Membership as part of the Annual Report.

The second significant change was the decision to appoint an Independent Council Member to the ESFA Council. The Governance Committee have worked with the Chairman and the Honorary Auditors to prepare the details and the process of this appointment. This process has been successful and the candidate will be nominated for Council at the AGM.

3.5 DISCIPLINE This season the ESFA has adopted the FA’s new guidelines regarding discipline in youth football. ‘Schools’ Football’ is now a separate category of football meaning that the issue of reciprocal arrangements has been removed. Players in receipt of a standard suspension now only serve that suspension within the category of football in which it was issued. This season the ESFA processed 70 standard red card offences, 298 standard yellow card offences, and 17 cases of misconduct regarding teachers/spectators and team management

At the start of the school football season each County Schools FA was invited to opt in to a central system for the administration of discipline run by ESFA HQ. Nineteen of the forty four counties did so, along with two association members. Their discipline was dealt with by Ed Mitchell at ESFA HQ and the fines reimbursed to counties at the end of the season.

The ESFA has agreed to adopt the FA’s new discipline management system, called the Whole Game System, when it has been successfully trialled and has been implemented in FA counties. This development will require all ESFA counties to work through ESFA HQ for all discipline. Details of this will be published when finalised..

SECTION 4 – LIAISON

4.1 FOOTBALL ASSOCIATION Due to age restrictions the current FA Chairman will retire in June 2013. The FA Council decided that the age restriction should remain in place despite Mr David Bernstein having to retire mid way through the 150th FA Celebrations. During his tenure Mr Bernstein has supported schools’ football and has notably attended the DANONE Under 12 final. The Chairman’s largest task has been in fronting the Government’s review into the governance of football in England. This review is due to end before the season 2013-2014, but final outcomes as yet are not known. Mr Greg Dyke, the former Brentford director and TV executive has been appointed as Chairman for 2013-2014.

4.1.1 The National Game Board The Chief Executive remains on the Board to support all schools’ football (ESFA and ISFA). It is to the NGB that ESFA reports and to the NGB Finance Committee for the annual grant. The Chief Executive annually compiles an ESFA Business Plan, which is presented to the NGB Finance Committee. For the first time in ten years the annual grant has been increased, but the increase must be used exclusively for the development of girls’ football and the introduction of Futsal.

4.1.2 FA Development Committee Under the FA’s recent restructuring exercise the Development Committee made a bid to subsume other committees to eradicate much of the ongoing duplication within committees and to make decision making easier. This met with strong opposition from the Women’s and Youth Committees and thus no change is expected in season 2013-14. The Committee continued with their

4 policy of raising the mixed football age limit on an annual basis and recommended to the FSA that season 2013-2014 should allow mixed football up to age U15.

The Youth Review was agreed and taken to Council, although the relative age effect proposal was withdrawn leaving the change to competition structure and format of the game for the FA Council to vote on. The Development Committee has introduced a Youth Review Booklet for County FAs. ESFA Officers have assisted with the writing of a specially adapted booklet for teachers.

4.1.3 FA/ESFA Partners Working Group This group consists of the Chairman, Chairman of Trustees and the Chief Executive. The FA is represented by Mr Peter Clayton (CEO of Middlesex CFO) who chairs the meetings, Mr Geoff Lee (ESFA Life member, Chairman of Cornwall CFA and NGB member) and Ms Donna McIvor (FA Staff). The group meets at Wembley four times a year to discuss partnership opportunities and initiatives. Much of this past year has been spent discussing the implementation of the Youth Review, the purchase of 9 v 9 goalposts and disciplinary procedures under the FA’s Whole Game System.

4.1.4 County Schools’ FA Business Plans The compilation of the annual County Schools’ Business Plans continues to cause concern for Membership. The reporting forms are designed by the Football Association and are not ideal for schools’ use. However, thanks must be given to County Schools’ FA secretaries for liaising with the ESFA Office, their appropriate District Schools’ FAs and County FAs. The purpose of the Plans and their accuracy is not solely for grant distribution. Almost as important is the collation of statistics which are required by Sport England; therefore it is essential that all ESFA Associations (County and District) report back to ESFA on an annual basis, even if they do not require a grant.

4.1.5 FA Tesco Skills Programme The FA and TESCO have announced further funding for this very successful initiative. The programme can now be rolled out throughout the country. Coaches from the programme support ESFA Year 3 and 4 Festivals and undertake many coaching initiatives in primary schools.

4.2 FA YOUTH COMMITTEE The future of the FA Youth Committee is currently in doubt as the FA goes through a restructuring exercise suggested by the Government, although the signs are positive that the Committee will be retained. Mr Brian Adshead, Chief Executive of Staffordshire CFA, on behalf of the Committee, has produced a strong and compelling case for its retention. The ESFA Chief Executive represented the committee at the Under 16 International against Germany in Cologne.

4.2.1 Victory Shield Once again England Under 16s proved to be too strong for the other home countries with wins over Northern Ireland 5-0, Wales 1-0 and Scotland 1-0. Manager Kenny Swain manages to bring on some 40 young players each season in preparation for the Easter Montaigu Tournament (see below). ESFA continues to play a part in the development of these young players by ensuring that each squad has a member of ESFA Council present.

4.2.2 U16 Montaigu Tournament Mike Spinks was asked to represent the ESFA at the Annual Easter Montaigu International Tournament in Western France. The England Under 16 squad was again very ably led by Kenny Swain, assisted by Noel Blake and Martin Thomas.

Results in the Group games were as follows:- 1st series of matches (Tuesday 26 March) Group A – France 2 Turkey 2 Japan 1 Portugal 2 Group B – Germany 0 Chile 1 England 1 Holland 1

2nd series of matches (Thursday 28 March) Group A – France 2 Japan 3 Turkey 1 Portugal 1 Group B – Holland 1 Germany 2 England 3 Chile 1 3rd series of matches (Saturday 30 March) Group A – France 4 Portugal 1 Japan 0 Turkey 2 Group B – Holland 1 Chile 0 England 1 Germany 1 Group A – Winners TURKEY Runners-up France Group B – Winners ENGLAND Runners-up Germany The series of play-off games were completed on Easter Monday (1 April) and these matches all took place prior to the early evening England v Turkey Final, with the results as follows:- 7th / 8th place – Japan 2 Chile 0 (at St Georges de Montaigu) 5th / 6th place – Portugal 1 Holland 2 (at La Roche sur Yon) 3rd / 4th place – France 2 Germany 1 (at Montaigu) The Grand Final was played in front of a large crowd of some 5,000 with well over a thousand Turkish spectators creating a carnival atmosphere. 5 2nd / 1st place – England 2 Turkey 2 (at Montaigu) Turkey won 4-2 on penalties The ESFA enjoyed a full and fruitful partnership with The FA at this prestigious tournament and are grateful to them for the invitation to attend once again.

4.3 THE BARCLAYS PREMIER LEAGUE In conjunction with the FA and the Football League, the Premier League have introduced new rules and regulations for the Excellence Programme under the new title of “Elite Player Pathway Programme” or EPPP. Although initial problems have occurred with the relationship between professional clubs and ESFA Associations these are being dealt with.

4.3.1 EPPP The Excellence Programme review has identified a gap in quality between grassroots football, community programmes and inter school football and the excellence programme. The ESFA Chairman and Chief Executive are working with the Premier League in order to “plug” that gap by introducing Primary School Districts to professional centres. Initially, this will be rolled out to Premier League clubs with the intention of taking the initiative through development centres throughout the country. If this initiative succeeds it will not only allow for a better pathway to the EPPP but also a catching platform for those players discarded by the EPPP. This initiative sits alongside the new Primary School Sports programme initiated by the Government.

Regular meetings are held with the Youth Directors of both the Premier League and the Football Leagues.

4.4 CHILD WELFARE Council continues to work closely with the FA to implement and develop sound policies and procedures for the guidance and implementation of Associations. During the past season all Associations running representative teams were required to appoint a fully compliant Child Welfare Officer and Council thanks these Associations for their full co-operation in this process.

Council, following discussions with the FA, have agreed that for season 2013/2014 all Associations will now be required to complete a registration of all personnel (both teachers and AOTTs) working with representative teams. This will be part of the affiliation process and will allow the ESFA Child Welfare Officers to check whether personnel have the necessary DBS (CRB) checks and appropriate coaching/first aid qualifications and to ensure associations are compliant with changes in safeguarding legislation.

Membership will be informed of any changes necessary to the DBS (CRB) process as a result of any guidance from the FA on changes in Government policy

4.5 SAFIB SAFIB continues to organise international fixtures between the home countries at the Under16 and Under 18 age groups as well as home international games in the Under 15 Girls Bob Docherty competition. It is also developing a role for the discussion of youth football issues throughout its membership which extends across much of Europe.

In a change to the constitution this year the differentiation of membership has disappeared with the home countries ‘full membership’ status being discontinued; all nations are now referred to as ‘Members’. The new Executive Committee includes representation from each of the home countries plus three members from other nations, currently Germany, Belgium and Switzerland. One other change recommended to the Board was that the age qualification for the Centenary Shield Competition should be in line with FIFA regulations; therefore the age grouping from next season will be set within a calendar year.

The Under16 Victory Shield was retained this year by England under the excellent guidance of Kenny Swain and Noel Blake, The Under 18 Centenary Shield was won by Northern Ireland and the U16 Girls Bob Docherty tournament was won in a very close finish by Scotland. At the time of writing the Alan McKinstry Under 14 British Isles individual school competition has yet to be played (24 – 26 May). The ESFA representatives will be St Leonard’s School, from Chester le Street & Washington SFA.

In season 2013-14 SAFIB will be led by Nigel Brown who takes over the Chairmanship from Keith James of Wales. The ESFA are justifiably proud of his appointment and wish Nigel all the best for his year in Office.

SAFIB activities can now be followed at www.safib.org

4.6 SARA It is the remit of the Sport and Recreation Alliance to represent the views of its members to the people who make decisions, to promote the interests of the sport and recreation sector so that as many people as possible know about their work, and to campaign on issues affecting members.

Current campaigns that may affect the ESFA are: 1. As a follow-up to the Olympic and Paralympic Games, SARA is leading the campaign to ensure that plans and investment are in place to make sure the lasting legacy of sporting participation happens.

2. SARA is working with the Government to pinpoint the frustrations of red tape and bureaucracy through its Regulatory Burden Review, so that volunteers can pass on their passion for their sport. 6 3. SARA is campaigning to ensure the UK is best placed to win the right to host major sporting events by introducing a series of measures which will promote the country in the bidding processes.

The ESFA remains committed to supporting the Sport and Recreation Alliance, taking advantage of the benefits that come from Membership. The Association is fully represented at its meetings

4.7 NCSS The ESFA remains supportive of the work of the NCSS, which continues to have strong links with the Sport & Recreation Alliance of which it is a member and the International School Sport Federation (ISF) for which it acts as a focal point for Governing Bodies of ISF sports in Britain.

The NCSS is the collective voice of extra-curricular school sport in England and through the ESFA membership and regular contribution at meetings disseminates information relating to changes in government policy and funding. During the last year the profile of NCSS has been elevated in government circles and it seems that a much better appreciation of the important work it does is understood. The NCSS provided the ESFA with information about the new ‘Sport Premium’ whereby the Government is providing £150m in each of the next two years to support the delivery of PE & Sport in primary schools. This funding will be ring fenced, and will be allocated directly to primary schools across England providing them with dedicated resources to buy invaluable expertise and support. The NCSS made a strong and enthusiastic response to the Government’s new national curriculum for PE especially the parts encouraging team games and competitive sports in school and beyond. The NCSS also discussed the expansion of academies and ‘free schools’ and the effect they might have on competitive sports and sports organisation. The NCSS and other national sports organisations wait to see whether the 2012 Olympics will result in an increase in participation.

Funding remains a problem for NCSS as it tries to find a place within youth sport even though there are an ever-increasing number of schools’ sports bodies joining.

SECTION 5 – FESTIVALS

5.1 UNDER 11 JERSEY Ten teams participated in the 39th Jersey Primary Festival of Football held between 6th – 13th April: Barking & Dagenham; Chiltern & South Bucks; Hackney; Jersey; Orpington; Plymouth; South Birmingham; Thurrock and Tower Hamlets. A local Under 12 club side was invited to compete thus guaranteeing a game each day for all concerned.

The financial support traditionally injected by the local Education, Sport and Culture Ministry was withdrawn for the first time in many years, but fortunately Price, Waterhouse Cooper very kindly came to the rescue with a very generous sponsorship.

Five primary-size pitches had been marked especially for the Festival which meant that all games took place at the same time each day at the Florence Boot Playing Fields. Together with several hundred spectators attending, this certainly helped to create a wonderful festival atmosphere on each occasion. The weather was kind on all match-day mornings and the sun also shone on most of the afternoons when the visitors were out and about exploring the island. All agreed that the standard of play was very good throughout with a skill factor predominating and all games played in a true sporting spirit.

The whole group was accommodated at the Metropole Hotel where the management were sufficiently impressed to make a point of commenting very favourably on the overall excellent standard of behaviour of all the children. The Festival was delighted to welcome the Chairman of the ESFA Neil Pont and his wife Julia who spent three happy days in attendance. It was also a great pleasure to have the presence of a rejuvenated Mike Spinks.

The Festival will celebrate its 40th anniversary in 2014 – an occasion for a special celebration.

5.2 UNDER 11 NORTH TYNESIDE The 30th Festival took place from 2nd–5th April. Numbers were down slightly with twelve teams representing eight Associations taking part. Gloucester ‘A’ team joined their ‘B’ team regulars, their term times preventing them from attending Jersey.

The teams fell into two distinct groups with ‘A’ teams and larger Associations in one and ‘B’ teams and smaller Associations in the other. This resulted in very close contests but interestingly no draws in the eighteen matches. Again there was some very good football played. Hull continued their impressive record over several Festivals with three wins from three. Gloucester ‘B’ and St Alban’s ‘B’ also had 1005 records. As always Leeds ‘A’ were strong but they slipped up against an enthusiastic Potters Bar side. York and Gloucester were well-organised and played good football but only managed one win each. It was noted that the standard of football from North and South was very even, each of the teams capable of beating the others in their group. The only two local teams taking part were hosts North Tyneside and Wallsend. Both struggled in the early part but improved as the Festival went on.

ESFA Chairman Neil Pont attended on the Friday in what was an extremely busy schedule for him. The visitors enjoyed trips to St James’ Park, the Stadium of Light, Whitley Bay Leisure Pool, Wet ‘n’ Wild Water Park and Star Bowling. The hotels and guest houses of Whitley Bay provided excellent accommodation and Priory Coaches gave impeccable service for the teams.

7 Thanks are expressed to Valley Gardens Middle School for the use of the pitches and facilities and to John Farnie who is, as always, a great support. The managers, coaches and helpers who bring the teams are an impressive group of people whose care of the boys and girls is exemplary. They encourage the games to be played in the best traditions of schools’ football and the ESFA is appreciative of their continued participation and support.

5.3 UNDER 14 ISLE OF WIGHT The 26th successive Under 14 Festival on the Isle of Wight (and the 30 th in all) took place for the seventh time at the PGL Centre at Wootton during the Easter holidays. A resurgence of participating district association teams resulted in sole occupancy of the centre with over 400 young players comprising seventeen Under 14 sides in residence and the local Isle of Wight side also taking part. They were joined this season by five Under 13 squads who were participating in a mini-Festival of their own, an initiative which the English Schools’ FA is anxious to expand next year.

Over 100 teams representing their Associations have taken part in the Festival over the years and many past and current professional players have travelled to the island with their Associations during this period. Notable among these have been internationals such as Rio Ferdinand (Blackheath), Gary and Phil Neville (Bury) and Wes Brown (Manchester) and several current or past Premier League players such as Matthew Taylor (Vale of White Horse), Dean Whitehead (Vale of White Horse) and Kevin Davies (Sheffield). When one adds to these, hundreds of Football League and Conference players, the standards of the Festival are certainly high but equally important to the ESFA are those boys whose only representative football could well have been at the Festival.

There was only one trophy on offer, the Bert Worrall Fair Play Award, named after a former Plymouth headteacher who was one of the founders of the Festival when it began in Oakham in the early 1980s.This is now financially supported by PGL, and at the presentation evening Cambridge were names worthy winners for their behaviour and attitude on and off the field of play. All the matches played were ‘friendlies’ although no less competitive for that and the emphasis throughout was on sportsmanship on the pitch and good behaviour off it. One of the other main functions of the event was to allow teams to meet opponents they cannot usually play because of distance. The fixtures during the festival week reflected this. (Detailed match reports and all the festival results can be viewed on the ESFA website.)

The festival expanded the use of young referees, with full teams of officials for each match being guided by more mature mentors. This was greatly appreciated by team managers and proved to a great success.

Thanks must go to all team managers, ESFA council members and staff, referees and the PGL staff for their contribution to a successful and resurgent under 13 /14 festival. It is hoped next year, with a later festival date, will result in an increase in temperatures and under 13 teams.

SECTION 6 – COMPETITIONS 6.1 RESULTS SUMMARY

U11 Inter Association Trophy - Sponsored By Danone Nations UK Saturday 11 May 2013 - The Hive, Barnet FC Training Ground Wirral PSFA 0 Kingston Upon Hull PSFA 1

U11 Small Schools Soccer Sevens - Sponsored By Danone Nations UK Saturday 11 May 2013- The Hive, Barnet FC Training Ground Esh CE Primary School 0 Rickling C of E Primary School 2 (Durham City PSFA) (Uttlesford PSFA)

U11 Schools Cup for School Teams - Sponsored By Danone Nations UK Saturday 11 May 2013 - The Hive, Barnet FC Training Ground Edmund Waller Primary School 2 Elmbridge Junior School 1 (Lewisham PSFA) (Gloucester PSFA)

U11 Girls Cup - Sponsored By Danone Nations UK Saturday 11 May 2013 - The Hive, Barnet FC Training Ground Waverton Primary School 3 Elloughton Primary School 1 (Chester SFA) (East Riding SFA)

U12 Boys Indoor 5-A-Side Cup Final - Sponsored By Munich Trophies Saturday 2 March 2013 - Powerleague, Derby Alameda Middle School 0 William Howard School 1 (Bedford & District SFA) (Carlisle SFA)

U12 Girls Indoor 5-A-Side Cup Final - Sponsored By Munich Trophies Saturday 2 March 2013 - Powerleague, Derby Thomas Telford School 1 (AET) Broadstone Middle School 1 (AET) 4 (PENS) 5 (PENS) (Telford & Wrekin SFA) (Poole & East Dorset SFA)

8 U12 Boys Schools Cup Final -Sponsored By Danone Nations UK Saturday 11 May 2013 - The Hive, Barnet FC Training Ground Cardinal Heenan Sports College 3 Emerson Park Academy 0 (Liverpool SFA) (Havering SFA)

U12 Boys Schools Cup for B Teams Final Wednesday 15 May 2013 - Bramall Lane, Sheffield United FC Harefield Academy 1 Thomas Telford School 0 (Hillingdon SFA) (Telford & Wrekin SFA)

U13 Boys Schools Cup Final Monday 20 May 2013 - The Proact Stadium, Chesterfield FC Northampton School for Boys 4 (AET) Walkwood CE Middle School 3 (AET) (Northampton SFA) (Redditch SFA)

U13 Girls Schools Cup Final Monday 20 May 2013 - The Proact Stadium, Chesterfield FC Didcot Girls’ School 3 Thomas Estley Community College 2 (Vale of White Horse SFA) (South Leicestershire SFA)

U13 Boys Small Schools Cup Final Wednesday 1 May 2013 - The Banks’s Stadium, Walsall FC Clitheroe Royal Grammar School 1 Great Cornard Middle School 0 (Hyndburn & Ribble Valley SFA) (West Suffolk SFA)

U13 Inter Association Trophy Final Wednesday 8 May 2013 - Edgar Street, Hereford United FC West Cornwall SFA 2 Liverpool SFA 0

U14 Boys Inter County Trophy Final Friday 17 May 2013 - The King Power Stadium, Leicester City FC Essex CSFA 1 Merseyside CSFA 2

U14 Girls Inter County Trophy Final Tuesday 7 May 2013 - Hillsborough, Sheffield Wednesday FC Kent CSFA 1 Lancashire CSFA 2

U14 Boys Schools Cup Final - Sponsored By Premier League Tuesday 7 May 2013 - Hillsborough, Sheffield United FC St Leonards RC Comp School 2 St Ignatius College 1 (Chester Le Street & Washington SFA) (Enfield SFA)

U14 Boys Small Schools Cup Final Friday 3 May 2013 - The Banks’s Stadium, Walsall FC Ibstock Place School 1 Seaton Burn Community College 3 (Richmond SFA) (North Tyneside SFA)

U15 Inter Association Trophy Final Friday 17 May 2013 - The King Power Stadium, Leicester City FC Bradford Metro SFA 3 Brent SFA 0

U15 Boys Schools Cup Final Wednesday 15 May 2013 -Pride Park, Derby County FC Winterbourne International Academy 0 Blessed Trinity RC College 5 (Bristol & South Gloucestershire SFA) (Burnley SFA)

U15 Girls Schools Cup Final Wednesday 15 May 2013 -Pride Park, Derby County FC Queens’ School 5 Laurence Jackson School 0 (Watford & District SFA) (Redcar & Cleveland SFA)

U16 Boys Inter County Trophy Final Saturday 27 April 2013 - The Ricoh Arena, Coventry City FC Lancashire CSFA 2 (AET) Greater Manchester CSFA 2 (AET) 5 (PENS) 3 (PENS)

U16 Inter County Girls Trophy Final Saturday 27 April 2013 - The Ricoh Arena, Coventry City FC Essex CSFA 2 Lancashire CSFA 1

U16 Boys Schools Cup Final Monday 18 March 2013 - Pirelli Stadium, Burton Albion FC Chelmer Valley High School 0 Thomas Telford School 3 (Chelmsford & Mid Essex SFA) (Telford & Wrekin) SFA) 9 U16 Girls Schools Cup Final Monday 18 March 2013 - Pirelli Stadium, Burton Albion FC Laurence Jackson School 2 Maiden Erlegh School 3 (Redcar & Cleveland SFA) (East Berkshire SFA)

U18 Boys Inter County Trophy Final Wednesday 20 March 2013 - Stadium:MK, Milton Keynes Dons FC Cleveland CSFA 0 (AET) Sussex CSFA 1 (AET)

U18 Girls Schools Trophy Final Wednesday 24 April 2013 - The Keepmoat Stadium, Doncaster Rovers FC Balby Carr Community Sports Coll 2 Thurstable School 0 (Doncaster SFA) (Colchester & North East Essex SFA)

U18 Boys Schools Trophy Final Tuesday 30 April 2013 - The Molineux, Wolverhampton Wanderers FC Thomas Telford 4 Haberdashers’ Aske’s Knights Acad 3 (Telford & Wrekin SFA) (Bromley SFA)

U18 Boys Colleges Trophy Final Tuesday 12 March 2013 - Highbury Stadium, Fleetwood Town FC Stanmore College 5 Hopwood Hall College 3 (Harrow SFA) (Rochdale Metro SFA)

U18 Girls Colleges Trophy Final Friday 15 March 2013 - The Moss Rose Stadium, Mansfield Town FC South Gloucs & Stroud College 0 Gateshead College 3 (Bristol & South Gloucestershire SFA) (Gateshead SFA)

ESFA / NDCSA Senior Boys 5-a-side Cup Tuesday 5 February 2013 - Powerleague, Derby Hamilton Lodge School “A” 0 Oak Lodge School 1

ESFA / NDCSA Junior Boys 5-a-side Cup Tuesday 5 February 2013 - Powerleague, Derby Derby School “A” 0 Heathlands School 1

ESFA / NDCSA Girls 5-a-side Cup Tuesday 5 February 2013 - Powerleague, Derby Braidwood “A” School 1 Derby “A” School 0

HONORARY AUDITORS’ REPORT

There was a meeting in October with ESFA Chairman, Neil Pont, to discuss and agree terms of reference and protocols for the new role to be undertaken by the Hon. Auditors’ for 2012-13. It was agreed that this should be an annual meeting to arrange the following year’s work.

The audit took place on the 14th & 15th March and 22nd & 23rd April 2013. The following activities were undertaken:  A meeting with Dawn Howard (Finance Officer), Nigel Brown (Trustee) and Mark Ashton from the professional auditors (Lancaster & Co.). The financial statements were inspected and questions asked.  A review of the Business Plan procedure for District and County Associations.  The members of the headquarters office staff were interviewed individually.  The Council requested that “The auditors will prepare, by the end of May 2013, an advisory paper to Council with regard to succession planning within Council.”  The arrangements and documents for the 2012 Annual General Meeting were reviewed.  The interviews for the new position of Independent Council Member

The main observations from these activities are: 1. The cooperation between Dawn Howard and Lancaster & Co. continues to be excellent and the relationship works to the benefit of the ESFA. 2. The surplus of income less expenditure for 2012 is £15938.00, which is less than the 2011 surplus. It should be noted that the majority of the Associations income comes directly from the Football Association. Unless new sponsorship is found the income from this will be reduced to from £147,000 to £96,000 next year. 3. The number of District Associations who applied for Grant Support in the County Business Plans for 2013 is 82% of the membership. This is a 7% increase on the 2012 applications. In all, 4 Regional Associations, 43 Counties, 198 Secondary/All Age Associations and 134 Primary Associations applied for grants.

10 When reviewing the arrangements at the various stages of the County Business Plan it was apparent that the collection of data from the District Associations is not assisted by the poor design of the data collection sheet. The present design does not accurately fit the activities undertaken by the ESFA at District level and until the categories and age ranges on the form are changed there will always be the possibility of incorrect data been transferred to the County Form. This will not provide the FA with accurate information and causes unnecessary work for County Secretaries and in the ESFA office. 4. There is a need for another full time staff member to work in the Association’s office. The workload of the Competitions Department has increased with the new competitions and the retirement of Mike Spinks. 5. In looking at the question of succession planning with the Council the Auditors began with the Association’s Trustees. They play a vital part in the management of the budget and the Chairman has a vital role in dealing with matters on a day to day basis. To be able to do this, in depth knowledge of the Association’s finances and experience gained over a period of time is required.

The Auditors’ are asking the Council to consider that a Council Member should serve a six year term as one of the three Trustees with the final two years as Chairman before retiring from the committee. This would require that a new Trustee to be appointed from Council every two years. While holding office as Chairman of Trustees a person cannot be ESFA Chairman as this would compromise the composition of the Emergency Committee.

The other aspects of succession planning could follow a similar pattern, including the Honorary Auditors.

6. Other matters a) The arrangements for the AGM were discussed and some observations have been presented to the Council. b) There will be a new discipline system in place for the 2013/2014 season which has been developed by the F.A. and caters fully for E.S.F.A. needs. c) The Association’s website does not provide a useful ‘first point of call’ to anyone trying to find information about the ESFA. It works well as a source of information for Schools, Districts and Counties about progress in competitions but much of the other information is not available or out of date.

7. Independent Council Member Five candidates from the fourteen who applied were offered interviews. From these interviews the person to be proposed to the AGM is Richard Graham from Hampshire.

P.B. Jordan, D. Lailey, D. Prothero April 2013