www.armyfa.com THE SOLDIERS’ GAME THE MAGAZINE OF THE ARMY FA FOOTBALL iSSUE 5 - MARCH 2010

COVER STORY: Help for Heroes game at Wembley ALSO FEATURING: The day we really did ‘Live the Dream’ Taking penalty kicks under pressure South Africa here we come The FA pull-out magazine Offi cial Partners

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COUNTY CONTENTS

STAFF TAKING PENALTY KICKS UNDER PRESSURE 4 Secretary SOUTH AFRICA HERE WE COME 7 Maj WTE Thomson THE DAY WE REALLY DID ‘LIVE THE DREAM’ 8 [email protected] Tel: (Civil) 01252 348571 THE FA PULL-OUT MAGAZINE 9 Tel: (Mil) 94222 3571 SO HOW ARE WE GETTING ON? 10 Deputy Secretary and Referees Secretary WHERE DO WE GO FROM HERE? 12 Mr Graham Brookland THE FOOTBALL MISSIONARIES 16 [email protected] Tel: (Civil) 01252 348574 REME TOUR TO LOS ANGELES 18 Tel: (ATN) 94222 3574 CELEBRITY HELP for HEROES CHARITY GAME 20

Discipline and Registration Secretary Mrs Sue Clarke [email protected] Tel: (Civil) 01252 348574 Tel: (ATN) 94222 3574 THE ARMY FA WELCOME Coaching and Development Officer Steve Stone Welcome to the fifth edition of The Soldiers’ Game. We are [email protected] delighted that the magazine is proving to be popular with Tel: (Civil) 01252 347280 such a wide spread distribution. Tel: (ATN) 94222 2280 The Heroes Cup, played at Reading Football Club, proved to be a popular initiative raising thousands of pounds for ‘Help for Heroes’. Teams included Coaching and Development Administrator international celebrities and personnel from the three Armed Services. We also Gill Jones supplied players to compete in a mixed Army/RAF side versus the Royal Navy [email protected] at Wembley, in November in aid of the Cancer Fund (see page 8). Tel: (Civil) 01252 347962 In addition to raising awareness and funds for another excellent charity, it also Tel: (ATN) 94222 2962 gave those soldiers involved the chance of a lifetime to participate either as a player, coach or match official. Office Administrator Despite the inclement weather this season we are up-to-date with the Carol Williamson Major and Minor Units cup competitions with both finals being played at [email protected] the Aldershot Military Stadium in April. At the time of writing both Men and Tel: (Civil) 01252 347962 Womens teams are challenging for The Southern Counties Cup and South and Tel: (ATN) 94222 2962 West Counties Cup. Preparations for their Inter Services competitions are now underway. Army Football Association Ministry of Defence (ASCB) Refereeing numbers have increased this season and we have a healthy Clayton Barracks number of officials who are currently looking to complete their promotion Thornhill Road packages. It is an honour to note that we have match officials in the Premier Aldershot League, Football League and Conference, in addition we have had Hampshire appointments in The FA Cup fifth round and FA Vase quarter finals. GU11 2BG Coaching remains productive and rewarding. We continue to attract Fax: 01252 348630 excellent numbers in attendance, which is an indication of the high standards maintained by our FDO, Steve Stone. Sponsorship is an important factor in the running of the Army FA and we www.armyfa.com are grateful for the continued support of Serco, Towergate Wilson, Trinity Insurance, Fujitsu and UMBRO. Please also note that our new website is now live and can be viewed at www.armyfa.com

Billy Thomson Major (Retd) W T E Thomson Secretary, Army Football Association

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Taking penalty kicks under pressure – think about it!

By Dr Matt Pain and Anna Stodter Last summer, ’s Under-21 their attention inwards, trying to consciously In football, for instance, instructional side achieved the unprecedented - control the components of the skill. In other cues (such as “focus on the target”) have winning a penalty shoot-out in words, this ‘conscious processing hypothesis’ been found to improve passing skills and a major competition. states that thinking too much about how shooting performance. This was no ‘lottery win’. , to perform the shot causes a breakdown in The key seems to be in choosing cues who had been on FA psychology courses automatic performance. that help players keep task-focused but don’t - had his players practising for two years, Instead of undertaking the skill naturally, lead to over analysis of the technique. This using crowds to increase pressure, and in an expert fashion, players go back to gives a point of focus, blocking out negative analysing preferences and success rates for a step-by-step, beginner stage of and distracting thoughts, while also all 23 squad members, including goalkeeper performance. preventing players thinking about the Joe Hart, who scored in the victory against Support for this idea comes mainly from skill in a very detailed, step-by-step way. Sweden. studies in golf. Shouting random letters of Indeed, process goals relating to specific These hugely pressurised situations the alphabet while putting under anxiety movements of dribbling (such as “keep low provide a clear demonstration of how the appears to improve performance compared with knees bent”) seem to harm performance mind influences performance. Even the most to using technique-focused coaching points. under pressure, while more strategic goals skilled players in the world often appear It seems that thinking up random letters about the positioning of the ball in relation to unable to perform the relatively simple task helps by preventing golfers from thinking the player, or the player’s position (such as of beating the goalkeeper from 12 yards, too much about how to perform the skill. “keep the body over the ball”) do not. and yet, many players and managers still You might think then that we could help Our study was designed to test see shoot-outs as a lottery, with no agreed players avoid choking by encouraging them this argument, and find out whether strategy to ensure success. not to think about how exactly to execute the performance differs when players think Famous misses, such as Roberto skill, to just let it happen. The problem with about skill execution at a higher, more Baggio’s 1994 World Cup-losing penalty, this is that, under extreme pressure, negative general level, versus at a step-by-step, are a high-profile example of ‘choking under thoughts often rush in to fill a blank mind. specific level. pressure’, when, despite their best efforts, So, a common method used for some years Explaining the psychology of taking players cannot perform a well-learned skill in applied sport psychology has been to use penalty kicks under anxiety in this way is under intense pressure and anxiety. simple task cues, which help players focus crucial in creating useful strategies to help Sport psychologists have claimed that on the specific actions and elements needed players cope when the pressure is on. anxious performers in these situations direct to carry out skills. Thirty one experienced male and female players took penalty kicks in practice low-anxiety, and competitive high-anxiety sessions. The latter involved league tables of Box 1: Swing thought and coaching point cue words. performance, cash prizes, and an audience, including sport science judges, to increase SWING THOUGHTS pressure. In both sessions, players took five penalties in three blocks: • As they normally would, with no extra Cue word What to focus on strategies. Smooth Even, easy movements • While using swing-thought cue words, Easy Effortless technique for example ‘smooth’ and ‘balance’. These related to general technique as Balance Aware of balance, centre of gravity a whole. Rhythm Natural rhythm of movement, back and forth • While focusing on coaching-point Tempo Rate of motion, fast versus slow cue words, targeting specific parts of technique, for instance ‘head down’, COACHING POINTS ‘follow-through’ and ‘direction’. These cue words, chosen by the players Cue word What to focus on themselves, were mentally repeated from ball placement up to the point of contact. Head Head down and over ball They can be seen in box one. Centre Strike through centre of ball Performance was measured using Follow-through Big, fast follow through the scoring system shown in box two. Participants faced goalkeepers matched in Direction Follow through in direction you want shot to go ability to themselves and knew they could Aim Aim with non-kicking foot get more points for hitting target areas, but were not aware of the actual scores. THE SOLDIERS’ GAME ISSUE 5 5

Taking penalty kicks under pressure – think about it!

Results Coaching implications Firstly, and importantly, players reported providing a task focus, keeping the player’s • Practise penalty kicks under pressure. feeling significantly more anxiety in the mind focused on the skill. Processing the Bring in a crowd, ask spectators to stay second session, evidence that changing cue word also leaves less mental space for after matches. Recreating shoot-out situational pressure successfully made distracting or unhelpful thoughts to interfere situations, like walking from the centre players anxious. Average penalty with performance. circle and waiting for the referee’s performance scores, shown in box three, For players and coaches, these results whistle, will allow players to get used to seemed to suggest that players did best show that cue words relating to the task or pressure, test different strategies and overall without the use of cue words. skill of taking a penalty are helpful under give the coach an idea of how they react. However, when players did not use pressure. Carefully selected and well-learned • Run competitions with league tables and cue words, their performance got worse cue words that address either part of or prizes to add pressure and systematically under pressure, something that didn’t capture the whole technique should keep identify the best penalty-takers. Without happen when using coaching points or the players’ mind on the job and not this kind of knowledge, Joe Hart’s swing thoughts. With the use of these, wandering or worrying, which harms penalty abilities may have remained players performed equally well under performance. unexploited for England. pressure as they did in practice situations, Like the words used in this study, • Emphasise concentration on the task at and there was no difference in performance they should be short and simple, to avoid hand, and work with players to create of swing-thought and coaching-point over-using mental resources. Worth noting is and select cue words relating to the penalties. the suggestion that concentrating on things process. These words should be simple The results provide no evidence to outside the player, in the environment, rather and possibly externally focused. support the idea that different levels of than an internal, thought- or body-related • Different cue words work best for conscious processing have different effects focus prevents any harmful conscious different players. They will need to on performance. Instead, patterns support processing. experiment and practise to find the most a rival attention-based explanation of how Two of the coaching points involved effective strategies for them. anxiety affects performance. focusing on the ball, which could have It appears that cue words are a little lessened any negative effect of ‘specific’ distracting or difficult to use in initial practice processing. Dr Matt Pain (CPsychol) works full-time settings. Without anxiety, players can quite An example of a simple, task-appropriate as a sport psychologist for the Football easily concentrate on the easier single task and externally focused cue word could be Association and Loughborough of taking a penalty without interference from ‘net’, used to direct attention towards hitting University. His work incorporates cue words or anxious thoughts. When the the inside of the goal-side netting. Once research, coach education, and working pressure is on and anxiety increases, players chosen, the key is to repeat this instruction with England’s various squads. Read can get distracted by anxious thoughts and mentally and not change your mind. Of more about sport psychology and irrelevant information. course, some expert penalty-takers maintain football at http://www-staff.lboro. For example, they might be worrying an external focus on the goalkeeper and use ac.uk/~psmap2/index.html about the consequences of missing or paying the dive as a cue. Under extreme pressure, undue attention to opposition fans, using up however, this strategy can be risky as it Anna Stodter, MSc, works as an applied mental resources vital for the task at hand. involves a lot of mental work and the sport psychologist in football. In this situation, cue words appear to help by keeper may not move.

Box 2: Scoring system. The number of points available Box 3: Chart of average penalty performance scores. for hitting each target area (shaded) with the ball is low anxiety high anxiety shown, as well as the measurements of each area. The boundaries of the target areas were indicated to 7 players using red markers on the goal frame in the 6 positions shown below. 5 0.60m 4 3 3 0.60m 1.22m 3 3 2 1 1 1.22m 0 2 2 Score Performance Mean Penalty swing thoughts coaching points control Penalty Condition SAVE TIME AND MONEY PRODUCE YOUR LEAGUE AND CLUB HANDBOOK ONLINE Our online handbook artworking and proofing system enables leagues and clubs to manage and produce their handbook in an easy and cost effective way.

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South Africa here we come ARMY PHYSICAL TRAINING CORPS SETTING OUT ON COACHING TOUR TO IMPOVERISHED TOWNSHIPS

The Army Physical Training Corps (APTC), which was formed largely because of poor fitness standards of soldiers during the Crimean War, has arranged a number of spectacular events to celebrate its 150th anniversary this year. These include sports tours to Florida and Australia, gymnastics displays at the Edinburgh Tattoo, cadet adventurous training expeditions and, the jewel in the crown, a football coaching tour to impoverished townships in Durban, South Africa. The date of the tour has been set with the World Cup in mind – the APTC travel on 24 April and return on 10 May. Organiser Capt Lee Dyson has already been out to recce the coaching areas and meet the Sports and Recreation Department APTCs presenting coaching equipment to local school in Durban. from the Durban Municipality. Lee went to South Africa in 2004 to run a similar tour, but with the focus on playing local teams. This time the focus is firmly on coaching in the impoverished townships. In addition, the APTC felt strongly about leaving a lasting legacy behind and, as such, would like to leave the townships with enough equipment and materials to enable them to continue coaching when they have left.

The coaching will be broken down into the following areas: • Basic football coaching. • Train the trainer – to enable the more senior boys to run the coaching. • Lifeskills – based around the core values of loyalty, courage, respect for others, self-discipline, honesty and integrity. Coaching clinic for impoverished children in Durban. Twenty members of the APTC will be conducting 10 coaching clinics with up to 100 children per clinic. The ages will vary as all the other problems associated with been in the form of old strips, balls, cones from 12 to 20. The impoverished townships poor townships in South Africa. and football boots. The FA will also donate are Wentworth and Amaoti, both of which A number of clubs kit and equipment. suffer all forms of social problems – high (Man United, Arsenal, Everton) and Football If you would like any further information levels of unemployment, crime, drugs and League clubs have made kit donations to be or would like to make a donation, please extremely poor housing conditions, as well handed out in the townships. These have contact Capt Dyson on 01252 347110.

In addition, the APTC felt strongly about leaving a lasting legacy behind and, as such, would like to leave the townships with enough equipment and materials to enable them to continue coaching when they have left. 8

The day we really did ‘live the dream’ CHARITY FOOTBALL MATCH AT , MONDAY 23 NOVEMBER 2009

BY MICK COTTON MBE AGC (SPS) In early October, I received an invitation to lead a joint Army and football team to play the Royal Navy at Wembley in aid of the Bobby Moore Fund. My immediate thought was to go for a run and prove my fitness. I did, but soon realised that I should stick to the management side and therefore began the privileged task of selecting and preparing a joint team to grace the hallowed turf at Wembley Stadium. To ensure a true joint approach to the game, I was grateful that Warrant Officer Joint Army and Royal Air Force Team. Keith Christie RAF accepted the offer to be team manager. We were soon joined by The training session under floodlights became The presentation party comprised, among a coach from each Service, with Warrant a defence and attack exercise, with everyone others, Sir Trevor Brooking, Patron of the Officer Dean Boughen RSIGNALS volunteering to take free-kicks around the box Bobby Moore Fund as well as the Football volunteering his experience and, to in case the opportunity arose 24 hours later. Association’s Director of Football complete the management team, Major Stacy I am not sure how the players prepared that Development, and Stephanie Moore, who McQueeney RAMC agreed to be the team’s night for the biggest game of their lives, but founded the Bobby Moore Fund in 1993 to physiotherapist. I do know that the management team retired honour her husband’s memory and to use The difficult part was still to come, to the mess for a nightcap and spent nearly his iconic status to save lives. selecting nine Army players (to form half the four hours working out tactics - with the The game itself was a closely-fought affair, squad) from a cast of thousands, of which occasional top-up. with two totally committed teams, neither one must be under-23, one under-19 and With a 1400 hours kick-off, the team coach players nor management wanting the game one a veteran. After considerable deliberation set off around midday - minus a television to end. with various Army coaches and the Army crew, which I had thought was the norm for The result was a 4-3 victory for the joint Football Association, as well as ‘generous cup final day teams - for the short journey Army and Royal Air Force team and every offers’ from some players, the playing side to the ground. As the now famous arch player and member of the management team consisted of the following personnel: came into view, the excitement aboard played his part - a true team effort. Are we was clearly evident. the only team with a 100 per cent record SSgt Kev Haley - 42 Engr Regt (GEO) Even without motorcycle outriders, at Wembley? Cpl Keith Emmerson - ATC Pirbright we made it to the stadium and, as we drove The after-match reception in the stadium Bdr Christian Holliday - 4 Regt RA down Wembley Way and disappeared into was attended by all spectators, players and the complex, we knew we had arrived at officials and the unanimous verdict was that Cpl Paul Douglass - 4 GS Med Regt RAMC our holy grail. It was one of the few military the occasion was a great success. A large Cpl Danny Bemrose - HQ ARRC coach journeys I had been on without an sum of money was raised, including £150 Cpl Carl Boyd - 1 RRF infamous ‘haverbag’. from every member of the joint team through Walking into the changing rooms was like sponsorship and personal contribution. LCpl Tony Lannan - KRH entering a five-star hotel and, once the players Leaving the stadium and heading back LCpl Jason Bates - 3 (UK) Div HQ & Sig Regt had found their lockers, the moment arrived onto the North Circular was a reality check, Nigel Wiscombe (ex APTC) - 42 Engr Regt (GEO) when we walked out to take a look at the pitch but no one cared - we had the trophy. and the magnificent stadium. It was a sight In true military fashion, I was missing four With the fierce and respectful rivalry between to behold, nothing compared to the ‘Little match footballs after the game and, despite our two Services during the Inter-Service Wembley’ pitch at Hobart Barracks in Detmold. my best diplomatic skills to find them, I accept Championships, it was imperative to have As you would expect, everybody had that they are sitting in a trophy cabinet in a training session the day before the game, a photo shoot for about 20 minutes, and the someone’s home. That said, I know who you with the idea of at least passing the ball to one surge on the local mobile telephone network are. The look on your face gave you away. another and, with luck, formulating a game must have been considerable. Your secret is safe with me. plan understood by all of the players. I have never been in a changing room After 36 years of Army service, this has We all met at RAF Uxbridge, with its close where so many ‘staff’ wanted to say a few to be one of the most memorable sporting proximity to Wembley Stadium, on the Sunday words before a game and, once the coach occasions of my career, and I would like to and, as is the norm in the changing room, the driver had rounded off with his words of thank all the players and management of players positioned themselves with their tribal wisdom, we lined up in the tunnel for what both teams and instincts. The manager and coaches talking seemed an eternity. for making it so. tactics was an education for all involved,the David Elleray, who was officiating at The Bobby Moore Fund has benefited suggested RAF formation was too ‘delicate’ Wembley for the 15th time, then gave the both from a financial perspective and from for the Army players to understand and the signal and, as we came into view of the 500 awareness of its aim. All those involved look on the RAF players when Dean Boughen spectators, we all realised that we were at last with this particular match have now suggested a 4-2-4 formation was a sight to living the dream. Being an Ipswich Town fan, ‘lived the dream’. behold. I thought it would never happen. FA NEWS We’ve made a flying start FA’s new National Game Strategy is making huge strides already for grassroots football – but there’s still plenty to do

Less than two years in and The FA’s The four-year strategy got under To make it all work, two ‘key £200m National Game Strategy, way in March 2008 after a massive enablers’ were agreed: one of the most ambitious and far- consultation exercise, involving • A skilled workforce. reaching projects ever undertaken more than 37,000 of you at the • Improved facilities. in any sport, is already reaping huge heart of the game. dividends for grassroots football. The FA then put in place a national You told us you wanted: and regional team focused on Thousands of new teams have been • Poor behaviour to referees and delivering 17 key targets to achieve created, more and more children young players addressing as your these overall goals. And the County and young people are flocking top two priorities. Football Associations also received to the game, and real progress • A qualified referee for every game. FA investment to deliver support has been made in football for • Improved facilities. where it is most needed – on the the disabled. More coaches and • Skills training for young players. ground in your community. referees are being better trained, • 1.1m five to 15-year-olds wanted clubs and leagues are becoming to know how to join a club. The 17 key targets are measured stronger, safer, more responsible • Equality across football. quarterly, locally and nationally, as and more community-orientated, • Support at every level, from part of a scoreboard. This allows us and on-field behaviour is improving Conference to Sunday league. to react quickly to areas of concern by the day. • More direct communication with and understand which areas of the The FA. game are the biggest priorities. Put simply, more people are playing football to a higher standard in a Four clear goals were adopted: better environment than ever before. • To grow and retain participation. • To raise standards and address abusive behaviour. • To develop better players. • To run the game effectively. News from The FA So how are we getting on?

It was an enormous undertaking – 32,000 coaches have now qualified we are investing £200m over the Case study 1: Participation at Level 1, 6,000 at Level 2 and four years – but, as we approach 1,100 at Level 3 through The FA’s the half-way point, there’s no doubt ‘The best thing that has education arm, FA Learning. progress against key objectives is happened to school football’ encouraging. Just look at what has 200 free in-service events have been achieved so far: An innovative new nine-a- been run through the regional team side school-club link league for coaches working in FA Charter GOAL 1: has proved inspirational in Standard Clubs. Participation uniting a previously disjointed 4,212 new Mini-Soccer teams have community in South Bristol. been created. It was introduced by Somerset 3,213 young people have joined County FA after being created club teams across the UK through by an action group involving The FA Club Links programme. local schools, Charter Standard Clubs, the local authority and 13 county disability leagues have the School Sports Partnership. been established. Sue Jay, a teacher at Christ the King School, Knowle, Strategic alliances have been Bristol, said: ““The 9v9 school- developed with British Colleges club link league is the best Sport and British Universities thing that has happened to Case study 2: Raising standards and Colleges Sport to increase school football. This provides participation across education. us with a hassle-free solution to Pioneering boys’ league shows finding extended safe and fun how it’s done 20 Focus Colleges and Universities opportunities for our children to are now hubs of football enjoy and achieve. Hull Boys’ Sunday Football development. League has been a pioneer in “The project will also provide the development of The FA’s A powerful men’s 11-a-side our teachers, teaching Charter Standard programme, recruitment campaign has been assistants, parental volunteers becoming the first FA Charter encouraging lapsed players to join and local young people with Standard League in the local teams. necessary training and support country. By working with clubs to ensure that this activity and volunteers, it has helped GOAL 2: continues for years to come.” provide a high-quality, safe and Raising standards and addressing enjoyable football experience. abusive behaviour The FA Respect programme has Two County FAs have achieved the League chairman Les Fussey been introduced at all levels, from Foundation level of the National said: “I am delighted the HBSFL the professional game to Mini- Standards for Equality – Middlesex are the first in the country to Soccer, with 570 leagues already and West Riding. Eight others have achieve this award, which is signed up as Respect leagues. set up equality advisory groups. in recognition of the forward thinking we have tried to bring A paid welfare officer has been GOAL 3: to soccer in this area. funded at each of 46 County To develop better players FAs to support safeguarding Vital funding has been extended “This award is about us children measures. into The FA Skills Programme achieving high standards in through increased contributions providing safer, more enjoyable 11,500 youth league and club from Tesco and Sport England. soccer for boys and girls at a welfare officers have been CRB- younger age through bringing checked, appointed and trained in Amazingly, more than one million a much-needed emphasis on safeguarding children. children have now been trained respect on and off the field. through the Skills Programme. That It’s also about opening the A new FA Charter Standard League landmark was reached in August doors for opportunities for award has been introduced. 2009 – one year ahead of schedule. clubs and teams through the excellent development team - The FA Charter Standard Club The FA Youth Award has been at the East Riding County FA. programme has been reviewed, launched, with nearly 2,000 We have to thank them for and we’ve re-launched criteria to candidates completing the first their hard work in helping us ensure clubs continue to meet module. A second module was achieving this award.” high standards. introduced late in the season. ENABLER 1: Supporting the workforce Case study 3: Developing 32,000 coaches have qualified better players at Level 1. Refugee boys who just can’t 6,000 coaches have qualified at wait for skills sessions Level 2. A foster parent who brings 1,100 coaches have qualified at her adopted refugee boys, Level 3. Ayo and Ade, both aged six, to The FA Skills Centre at Platt 2,000 coaches have completed Lane, Moss Side, Manchester, The FA Youth Award. each week described how excited they always are about A referee development officer has attending the sessions. Their been installed in every County FA. understanding of the week is through knowing how many Each County FA has a Respect lead more ‘sleeps’ there are until officer and nationally these officers FA Skills football. have supported 570 leagues to sign up to Respect, as well as offering free “When I put them to bed every referee Respect training sessions. night, they want to know how many more sleeps it is until A paid welfare officer has football again,” she says. been funded in each of 46 County FAs to support safeguarding When skills coach James children measures. Burton asked Ade what he thought about the Skills Centre, ENABLER 2: he said: “I love it. I love coming Better facilities here and playing football with GOAL 4: Year One investment has been more new friends.” Running the game than £57m in Football Foundation 50 County FAs have received grants in 162 projects, worth £191m James himself is delighted investment after developing and in total project cost. with the way the programme delivering against local area plans is progressing. “Ade and Ayo linked into the over-arching strategy. A further £1.2m of Football are just two of over 50 children Foundation small grants (under who regularly attend The FA - Match-based discipline £20,000) has been handed out for Tesco Skills Centre at procedures have been extended grassroots projects, worth £4.7m Platt Lane. We are delighted to Step 7 of the National League total project cost. with the effect the centre is System for 2009-10 after having on the surrounding successful implementation at We’re on target for £300m total community, particularly with Steps 5 and 6. expenditure across 2008-2012. children like Ade and Ayo. 40 artificial grass pitches (AGP) Long may it continue.” Administration grants topping have been supported through £650,000 have been handed out Football Foundation grants. as support continues for leagues in Steps 1-7.

A digital communications strategy has been introduced, including a newly re-launched TheFA.com, three monthly grassroots football e-newsletters and direct targeting through social networking (including The FA’s men’s 11-a-side YouTube channel).

A joint County FA and FA magazine is now being published in 40 areas to communicate with participants and providers.

England and FA Cup matches are being used to promote grassroots messages.

An annual online survey has begun, testing perception of The FA and County FAs. News from The FA Where do we go from here?

As you can see, we’ve achieved plenty, but don’t think we’re resting on our laurels. We’re well aware there’s still a lot to be done. These are our major priorities for the rest of the current season:

Goal 1: To grow and retain participation Pushing ahead with the £5 million Whole Sport Plan investment in player retention.

Using England’s participation in next year’s World Cup to drive a player recruitment campaign.

Delivering higher and further education football plans.

Creating 20 new disability centres of excellence and 26 new county disability leagues. Case study 4: Aimed at officials who are new to Supporting the workforce the game, the academy provides Goal 2: us with the opportunity for forum- To raise standards and address ‘With such camaraderie, based discussion. abusive behaviour refereeing is a pleasure’ Increasing support for The FA “As well as providing additional Respect Programme. More than 150 entry-level referees training, it also gives me the have joined up in the North opportunity to talk to other Reviewing and improving The FA Riding the past 12 months – a sure referees, who like me, are just Charter Standard Club Programme. sign that the County FA there is starting out, encountering similar making great strides in its drive to complications and yet tackling Working with the 200 leagues who boost recruitment and retention. them in different and sometimes have committed to achieving The better ways. FA Charter Standard League award. That’s a 22 per cent increase year-on-year, made possible by a “Another vital asset to new The FA has appointed a National comprehensive set of measures, referees is the coaching/ League Development Manager to including the use of three centres mentoring programme, through provide direction, resources and of referee development and an which an experienced official support to CFA teams working enhanced coaching scheme for provides personal guidance with leagues. new recruits. and support for one or two less experienced colleagues. Developing a training programme Matthew Lindley is one of those for league personnel within the to benefit, having qualified as a “With such a sense of pyramid, as well as those at Level 7 referee in the summer of camaraderie and community, grassroots level. 2008 after a two-day course at refereeing is a pleasure. Teesside Athletic. “I have been There has for me been Ensuring more effective reporting fortunate enough to participate in many highlights - cup and management of safeguarding some fantastic matches and meet finals, games in Premier cases, and piloting information- some top officials,” he said. “In the League stadiums, fantastic sharing to develop a closer working North Riding, we are particularly hospitality and of, course partnership in managing cases lucky to have a Referees Academy. top-class, fast-paced football.” between The FA and CFAs.

News from The FA

Goal 3: Enabler 1: Enabler 2: To develop better players Skilled workforce Facilities Securing funding to maintain and Recruit 3,753 new male and Expanding the Facilities and potentially expand The FA Tesco female referees. Investment team to make an Skills Programme. even greater impact on Training, development and grassroots facilities. Continuing the coach education mentoring of existing referees. plan and the age-appropriate Working closely with the course programme. Expanding the Get into Refereeing Football Foundation to ensure marketing campaign. that the highest priority facility Goal 4: needs are addressed wherever To run the game effectively Introducing an FA-licensed coaches possible. Supporting the work of Testing to see if match-based programme through FA Learning to Sport England and other agencies discipline can be extended outside continue to develop our coaches. in protecting playing fields. the National League System by Ensuring delivery of capital running a pilot in five leagues Focusing on identifying volunteers investment secured through (four Saturday and one Sunday) from diverse backgrounds. The FA’s Whole Sport Plan. in 2009-10. Delivering targets in the coaching Working closely with County FAs Extending the National Game strategy to increase the number of to support county facility plans. communications plan by improving coaches at all levels from minority Working closely with leagues TheFA.com content and maximising ethnic and emerging communities. and clubs to create sustainable the reach of e-newsletters to facility plans capable of supporting stakeholder groups. retention and growth.

Providing an annual report on performance, and implementing a media plan to communicate progress.

Case study 5: Better facilities The re-development included: Club Chairman Peter Durman said: • Four dual-gender team “It continues to take my breath How a village club became hub of changing rooms with showers. away when I see so many young the community • Two match officials’ changing people involved so passionately in rooms. sport. We are a community club, Things have changed down • Male, female and wheelchair- and this new facility will give us a in rural West Somerset ever accessible toilets. long-awaited and much-needed since Bishops Lydeard AFC was • Medical room. home, allowing us to take the awarded Football Foundation • Ramped access. next step in our plans to develop funding of £430,357 in • Clubroom with kitchen. football and other sports in our March 2008. community. The new facility has created The FA Standard Charter huge momentum, which the club “The club motto is ‘Passion Standard Community Club has harnessed to develop new and Pride‘, which we have in received the grant to develop relationships in the village and abundance throughout the club, new facilities and become a neighbouring community and and we appreciate the support of sporting hub in the community – to deliver sport opportunities to The Football Association, Football and the whole area is benefiting. more and more local people. Foundation and other partners in this project. We are sincerely Plans are already under way for grateful to them all.” a disability football section, which will be fully inclusive and provide As well as the grant from the pathways to the emerging county Football Foundation - part disability football structure, of the money came from the national disability football squads Sport England Community Club and the Ability Counts Pan- Development Programme Fund – Disability Football League. the project received funding from Somerset County Council, Taunton Deane Borough Council, Bishops Lydeard Parish Council and other benefactors. might not have his touch, control or speed. But you can wear his socks.

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616219 UMBRO_A4_Owen_297x210.indd 1 27/5/09 15:44:47 The football missionaries It’s all go for FA Young Leaders as they spend a week aiming to inspire youngsters in Botswana

For the four FA Young Leaders, As the week progressed, the African sure that our time here will create it was a punishing schedule and leaders began to lead the sessions opportunities through football for a huge challenge. For the hundreds more and more themselves as they many young people.” of African children they met, it was prepared to carry on the work once a fresh insight into what football The FA visit was over. The SEDYEL program is an has to offer. For all of them, it was attempt to channel the energy and a life-changing experience. FA Education Project Officer enthusiasm of the young in Aids- Steve Swallow, who has recently ridden Botswana to a healthy and When Sarah Cummings (Manchester taken over responsibility for The productive lifestyle through sport. FA), Doug Howie (Worcester FA), FA’s Leadership and Volunteering Elizabeth Adewole ( FA) Programme, said: “The values It is an initiative of the South East and Joe Brownless (Isle of Man statement of the SEDYEL is to District Council in Botswana, in FA) touched down in Botswana inspire and empower young partnership with the City of Toronto on October 25 as part of an FA people through football. Both the in Canada, and in co-operation with contingent, they had little idea how leaders within our party and from Commonwealth Games Association hard they would have to work over the SEDYEL have enjoyed a life- of Canada, UK Sport and the Mathare the coming seven days – or how changing experience, and we are Youth Sports Association of Kenya. uplifting the week would prove.

The four were selected from the Tell us what you think Ian Watmore, The FA’s Chief 100 who attended the 2009 FA and win prizes! Executive, said: “As we move into Leadership and Volunteering Camp the third year of the National at Warwick University in July. The We believe the National Game Game Strategy, which has seen idea was to work with a youth-led Strategy is bearing fruit, and a £200m investment into the sports and community development that grassroots football is in grassroots game through the programme in Botswana called increasingly good shape, but are County FA network, The FA is SEDYEL (South East District Youth we getting it right? Your views committed to helping County Empowerment League) and pass are the ones that count, and you FAs meet these targets. The on some of their expertise to their could win some fantastic prizes if annual survey is vital to ensure opposite numbers there. you tell us just what you think. that we remain on track, and, by listening to the thousands of We’d love everyone involved in It was all go from the moment they players and volunteers, it allows football throughout the country arrived. First stop that Sunday us to understand whether we – including players aged over 11, morning was an SOS orphanage, are meeting expectations and coaches, referees and volunteers – where they rolled up their sleeves to whether we are getting it right.” to take part in the 2010 FA annual deliver a mini-festival. The following online survey and have their say It takes just five minutes to have day, it was on to the SEDYEL youth on local football provision and the your say, and this year we are centre to provide leadership training future of the grassroots game. offering some tempting incentives to a group of 16 SEDYEL leaders. to get involved. This is the third annual online Over the next three days, The FA survey, and The FA wants To access the survey and for more contingent visited six schools and grassroots stakeholders to say information about competition more than 300 children took part in what they think about the way prizes, visit HYPERLINK “http:// football coaching sessions delivered their County FA runs the game, www.TheFA.com” TheFA.com. by Sarah, Doug, Elizabeth and Joe, the services it provides and Hard copies of the survey are supported by the team how it is implementing some available by contacting The FA’s from SEDYEL. of the key central initiatives, Customer Relations team on such as the highly publicised 0844 980 8200. The deadline for Respect programme. responses is February 14. Safeguard children through training, best practice and responsible recruitment (CRB)

Call: 0845 210 8080 /footballsafe 18

How we showed Vinnie Jones & Co a thing or two in LA REME FA TOUR TO LOS ANGELES: 7-15 SEPTEMBER 2009 Report by J M Edwards, Lt Col Vice Chairman REME FA

“LA’s fine shines all the time and the feeling is laid back” (Neil Diamond, 1971)

Nothing much has changed since We stepped off the plane at LAX into In 1994 we rolled over the opposition and, Mr Diamond penned the lyrics to his 30-degree heat, and after a short wait for in truth, many of us expected a similar fate song ‘I am. I said’ in 1971, but what the transport to the hotel we were on our due to the strength of the playing staff. he fails to mention in any of the way to the Hotel Erwin, Venice Beach, However, this was not the case, as we verses is that LA is a great place to Santa Monica. The hotel was in the heart were about to find out. take a touring Corps football team. of the artisanal centre of LA, not more than The match was played at a very high Planning for a REME overseas tour a pitching wedge from the boardwalk and tempo, with both teams playing a fluid, began way back in early 2008. The the site of the world-famous Venice Muscle accurate passing game. The home side had destination was New Zealand, where we Beach Gym. the advantage of being acclimatised and planned to compete in the NZDF inter- After allowing the lads their heads to certainly more used to the field of play (the service football tournament as a guest team. explore the surroundings, we congregated pitch was also marked out, yellow and white All was going well until the NZDF pulled on the hotel’s roof terrace to view the lines, for grid iron – very confusing). the plug, albeit with sincere apologies, last Pacific coast and the odd TV and movie There were some stars on display, with February. Contingency plans were quickly star frequenting the hotel. cast members from ‘Heroes’ and ‘NCIS’ drawn up in order to get a tour off the Our first match was scheduled for a 2000 making up their numbers. The match was ground in quick time, and in the end we hours kick-off and, even at that late hour, a nine-goal thriller (4-5) and was to set the were able to secure a trip to Los Angeles the humidity was telling. Wearing our standard for the following games. with Teamlink. new kit, sponsored by REME’s partners in The second game was against Real The seven-day tour had an itinerary that engineering, VW, warming up was enough Hollywood Football Club. The night was included three matches, a training session to draw heavy sweat from everyone. again very humid, but luckily it was a slightly with LA Galaxy coaches, a tour of the Home Our opponents for the first game were narrower pitch than the previous venue. The Depot stadium, including a 45-minute Q&A Hollywood United. The pitch was third opposition started the game short in a few session with the President, Tom Payne, and generation artificial turf and, in truth, a joy positions, so we lent then a couple of men tickets for an LA Galaxy match. to play on. until their players arrived. The game was again played at a high tempo, but it was REME who stole the march, scoring two early goals. Real FC played their part to the full and replied twice, to make it 3-2 at half-time. The second half produced more great football, but it was to REME’s credit that we applied greater pressure and were rewarded with a justified winner (5-4). REME played out the last 10 minutes in complete control. Our last match was against Vinny Jones’s team, the Hollywood All Stars. Apparently, Vinny had returned from filming in Hungary especially to play against the football team. It was again a hot, balmy evening and the largest crowd yet turned out to watch us – or them. The pitch was long and wide, and our players were not looking forward to covering the ground in this, the last exertion of a long week. The All Stars started the brighter of the two sides, and only the heroics of the REME keeper prevented them taking the lead. On the 15th minute, however, it was REME who went ahead. This goal stunned the home fans and settled the REME side, who started Vinny Jones presenting Sgt ‘Ashy’ Ashurst with his plaque. to control more of the ball. THE SOLDIERS’ GAME ISSUE 5 19

How we showed Vinnie Jones & Co a thing or two in LA REME FA TOUR TO LOS ANGELES: 7-15 SEPTEMBER 2009 Report by J M Edwards, Lt Col Vice Chairman REME FA

REME FA and All Stars.

Time on the pitch was beginning to tell, and the REME legs seemed to grow heavier as the half went on. The All Stars capitalised, and went ahead just before half time, 2-1. After a few changes, the second half started much as the first had finished, with the All Stars making most of the running and the Corps working hard to stem the flow. The All Stars pinched two easy goals, but not before the REME keeper pulled of a remarkable treble save that brought the crowd to its feet. Then, for some unknown reason, the Corps got a second wind and, for the last 20 minutes, completely dominated proceedings, which included a wonder strike that screamed into the top left-hand corner of the net from a full 30 yards. The referee blew for full time and, although we were beaten, we were not broken. With pride in tact the next 10 minutes were spent gathering autographs and photographs with Mr Jones. More great memories. Vinny flying the flag. Without funding from the Army Sports Lottery, the Berlin Infantry Brigade Memorial Trust Fund and the REME Corps Sports Association, this memorable tour The All Stars started the brighter of the would not have taken place. Moreover, it two sides, and only the heroics of the REME generated that esprit de corps that is so necessary for fighting power. keeper prevented them taking the lead. Arte et Marte. 20

CELEBRITY MATCH AT WEMBLEY RAISES MONEY FOR HELP for HEROES CHARITY

On Wednesday, 25 November 2009 the Crusaders played at Wembley in a charity (Help for Heroes) game! The Crusaders joined forces with The Sun (newspaper) Team to battle against a Celebrity XI. The FA let them take over the national stadium and together they netted more than £10,000 with a Help for Heroes charity football match. Stars including boxing hero Joe Calzaghe took to the hallowed turf. Eastenders actors Jake Wood (Max), Neil McDermott (Ryan) and Charlie G Hawkins (Charlie) swapping The Arches for Wembley’s famous Arch to play. They were joined by Strictly’s Craig Kelly, Sky footie pundit Chris Kamara and The Help for Heroes Cup Teams. comics Lee Mack and Dave Gorman.

Premiership referee Peter Walton took While Page 3’s Peta Todd - who has raised charge of the game, while footie legend and thousands for Help for Heroes - arrived on The FA’s Director of Football Development The Sun battle bus to collect donations on Sir Trevor Brooking was on hand to present the night, flanked by fellow pin-ups Ruth, our Help For Heroes Cup with the charity’s Nikkala, Danni and Kelly. Chief Of Staff Mark Elliot. The Sun had invited brave soldiers from The Sun teamed up with The FA, across the country to take part. They were Wembley and Ladbrokes to put on the Maj Martin Aspin, Capt Simon Langham, fundraiser treat for Our Boys. Big-hearted Capt Si Smith, Sgt Ellis Langford, Sgt Zain bookies Ladbrokes showed their ongoing Sharif, Cpl Douglas, Capt Steven Pugh, support for our armed forces yet again, Capt Dan McBirnie, Lt Col Colin Francis, Sir Trevor Brooking presenting the stumping up a generous £10,000 donation Maj Nathan Evans, Maj Alex Atherton and trophies. to sponsor the match. Maj John Rendall.

Capt Dan McBirnie goes for Wembley Eastenders Jake Wood under pressure from SSgt Ellis Langford. glory! THE SOLDIERS’ GAME ISSUE 5 21

CELEBRITY MATCH AT WEMBLEY RAISES MONEY FOR HELP for HEROES CHARITY

Safe hands from the Celebs keeper. Maj Nath Evans celebrates following scoring a penalty on the hallowed turf!

Captain Si Smith, 29, from the Royal Ladbrokes chief executive Chris Bell added: outside the stadium. Signals, based in Wilton, , almost “The courage our troops show is unfailing In March, members of the RAF, Army missed out after the birth of his child just and we’re delighted to still support Help for and Navy were treated to lunch with England hours before. Heroes in any way we can. skipper John Terry and the team, in early He beamed: “My son Oliver John Smith, “Since day one we’ve been right behind November the squad took time out to meet was born on Tuesday and my wife Natalie the campaign and we’ll continue to give Armed Forces stationed in Qatar ahead of knew how much playing at Wembley meant a hero’s welcome to our service men and the friendly against Brazil. to me, so my father-in-law took the day off women in all our shops up and down The FA also brought in referee Peter work to be with her. the land.” Walton, who applauded The Sun, Ladbrokes “I want to thank her so much for making The FA and Wembley have proved and The FA for putting on the event, which both my dreams come true this week!” huge supporters of our armed forces in he said came as a welcome change from the Retired boxer Joe Calzaghe hailed the recent years, offering troops free tickets stick he received in the Premier League. charity match, which finished in a 2-2 draw. for England and FA Cup matches, as well He added: “This time the players were He said: “Well done The Sun - the charity as raising thousands through collections nice to me...that makes a change doesn’t it! is so close to my heart because of the great work they do. “I’m hoping to raise £500k for them in the next four months and with The Sun behind us I’m sure we can do it.” Help for Heroes chief Mark Elliot also praised The Sun, adding: “The incredible match at Wembley on the 25th November organised by The Sun, supported by The FA and Ladbrokes was nothing short of inspirational. “It was an amazing evening and we can’t thank them enough for their kindness, support and commitment to ensuring we can make sure our wounded heroes get the very best.” The FA’s Sir Trevor Brooking said: “We’re only too delighted to have the troops down - it’s nice for them to have something Celebs Captain Lee Mack feeling the to remember and it’s a bit of a reality check effects of playing the Army! ... and lunge. for everyone to have an evening like this.” ORDINARY PEOPLE, EXTRAORDINARY EFFORTS

Do your bit to help our blokes www.helpforheroes.org.uk Registered Charity No. 1120920 Plans Drawn

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