’s International Newsletter Issue Eight Communiqué

Communiqué Issue Eight

England’s captain OBE • Spreading goodwill in South Africa Leaders takes the opportunity to meet Nelson • Growing the Game in Botswana Mandela on the eve of the recent • AFC President visits FA HQ past and international friendly against South • FA-CONMEBOL programme to launch in September Africa. For Lucas Radebe, the South • FA-CONCACAF advanced administration workshop African captain, the match marked his • Mark Palios named as new FA Chief Executive present retirement from international football. • Q&A with Graham Noakes CAF Hand in hand at the mo

During their goodwill trip to South Africa, ex-England players, Gary Mabbutt MBE and Viv Anderson MBE, visited the Soweto Mountain of Hope project. They participated in a coaching clinic and handed out mini footballs and shirts alongside Britain’s Foreign Secretary, the Rt Hon Jack Straw MP.

The two FA Ambassadors took part in five short games with teams of all age groups and held a Q&A session with coaches from three schools in the Soweto area.

A game progresses in the shadows of the Mountain of Hope

FA Ambassadors shared their collective invited us to play this game when our expertise and spread goodwill Ambassadors Over 35s team played at the The results of the BBC’s shirt amnesty are proudly displayed throughout the townships of South same stadium in Durban in June 2001 in Africa in advance of the recent senior memory of the victims of the Ellis Park As a prelude to the historic England v Bafana team international friendly match, disaster. We are delighted to have been able Bafana game at Durban’s ABSA Kings Park arranged to coincide with the launch of to fulfil our promise and it was a great Stadium, The FA’s goodwill ambassadors the South Africa 2010 World Cup Bid. honour to meet Mr Mandela,” said David. also visited two township sports projects in

England’s captain, David Beckham OBE, grasped the opportunity to meet ‘Madiba’ on the historic occasion. “Mr Mandela Gary Mabbutt MBE and the Rt Hon Jack Straw MP distribute kit and mini footballs to those attending the coaching clinic untain of hope

Durban, at the King Zwethilini stadium in and having participated in the charity game Umlazi, Durban’s biggest township, and the two years ago. The children’s potential is Sport For All project at Cato Manor. The there and they are hungry for success. With projects train coaches to give the help of The FA, SAFA and other underprivileged children of all ages the stakeholders, I feel that these kids, who opportunity to participate in sport, maximise have a great deal of natural talent, could go their potential and develop their skills. Kit a long way.” and equipment were donated to the projects, including shirts collected by BBC Kim Fisher of The FA’s International Radio Five Live through their nationwide Relations Team commented, “Our FA ‘Football Shirt Amnesty’ campaign. Ambassadors goodwill trips have proved to be very rewarding and inspiring experiences for all concerned. The goodwill generated by our delegation coming here is well worth the effort and we have seen the joy that a few people can bring to the youth population in countries such as Albania, Viv shows a few pieces of trickery to the Afghanistan, South Africa, China and Iran. onlooking trainees Football is a unifying educational tool and by taking interest in youth development, we Viv added, “It has been a fantastic hope that more organisations will see the opportunity for me to get involved, having light and support community football played here in South Africa 15 years ago projects such as these”.

Gary and Viv enjoyed warm welcomes on their visit to SoMoHo where they participated in games and coaching clinics

“I have been coming to South Africa every year for the past ten years and have been involved in many different football development initiatives”, said Gary. “It is obvious that standards have vastly improved over the past couple of years through projects such as these here in Durban, demonstrating that the country is tuning into the idea of using sport to develop the youngsters’ self-esteem and confidence.” All cheers at the King Zwethilini stadium at Umlazi, Durban CAF

Growing The Game in Botswana

On Saturday May 17th FIFA Executive Committee Member Ismail Bhamjee, the Deputy British High Commissioner John Smith, BFA President David Fani and other senior BFA staff attended the opening ceremony of The FA’s workshop entitled ‘Growing The Game’. 30 Botswana football administrators from all over the country took part to learn about football development and human resources.

FA instructors, HR Manager Helen Hughes, and National Football Development Manager for Small-Sided Football Dermot Collins, presented the workshop, with FA Ambassador Gary Mabbutt MBE adding the player’s perspective.

“The FA’s relationship with Botswana has flourished significantly under the auspices of the UEFA-CAF Meridian Project”, explained Gary congratulates the attendees of the coaching clinic workshop organiser Kim Fisher. “This is the second workshop for football administrators, and the SOS Children’s Village. Gary the first having covered strategic planning in Mabbutt also ran a coaching clinic for 160 the areas of finance, refereeing, competitions, children at the National Stadium in support PR & marketing. Other FA assistance has of the BFA’s grassroots development included kit donations, refereeing courses, a programme. training camp for the U20s team in England and the hosting of study visits for senior BFA “I am delighted to have had the opportunity executives in London.” to visit Botswana for the first time and have been touched by the warm welcome I have As a gesture of goodwill, the delegation also received from all at the Botswana FA, the visited the Ramotswa School for the Deaf British High Commission and at the schools Gary meets the presidents of the FAs of we have visited,” England’s Meridian Project partners - Gary said. “I have Botswana, Lesotho and Malawi been impressed by the abilities of the President of the Botswana FA David Fani, children and by the and FIFA Executive Member Ismail Bhamjee, encouraging ideas that England and The FA are well-respected on development we in Africa for their efforts in Meridian partner discussed with BFA countries, and for their co-operation with senior executives.” CAF,” said Kim Fisher, International Relations Officer. “Continuity is the key, and we look “It was rewarding to forward to the ongoing expansion of our hear from the work in the African continent”. Kim meets the children at the Ramotswa school for the deaf AFC OFC

Oceania’s indigenous New vision for Asia coaches

The co-operation programme between The FA and OFC will officially kick off later this year following the conclusion of the OFC’s new Technical Programme.

Put together with the assistance of UEFA’s special adviser Dr Zdenek Sivek of the Czech Republic, it will be managed by OFC’s new Development Manager, Tai Nicholas. A major focus of the programme will be the development of the indigenous coaches throughout the region.

CONMEBOL

The AFC delegation pictured with The FA Cup on their visit to Soho Square

AFC President, Mohamed Bin Hammam, “English football has an established and FA Chairman to accompanied by General Secretary, sustainable structure, which is not the case launch new Dato’ Peter Velappan, visited The FA in in Asia, and we welcome the opportunity to agreement London to review the FA-AFC share its expertise and knowledge.” co-operation agreement in light of the AFC’s new ‘Vision Asia’. Jane Bateman, FA Head of International The FA’s International Development Relations, added, “The discussions today Programme will be expanded to include “We appreciate the efforts of The FA to were positive on a number of levels. The South America later this year when FA assist the AFC in the development of its new AFC embraces 45 national associations Chairman Geoff Thompson travels to vision for football within the Asian which, whilst of varying levels of Paraguay at the invitation of confederation,” said the President. development, are all being addressed by the CONMEBOL President, Dr Leoz. The two AFC’s new strategy. Asia is an enormous workshops - on Strategy Planning for growth area in football, and therefore an Coaches and Marketing & important market for The FA, not least in Administration - will launch the FA- Saudi refs visit terms of offering our expertise through CONMEBOL co-operation agreement. A delegation of referees from the Saudi training services such as FA Learning.” Arabian Football Federation held a study visit in London in May, hosted by Football continues to grow in Afghanistan The FA, which included a visit to Upton Park, home of West Ham United FC. The FA continues to play a role in the development of Afghanistan’s football infrastructure alongside FIFA, AFC and the DFB, by finalising the arrangements for an administrator to be seconded to the Afghanistan Football Federation in Kabul.

In the light of football’s continued growth in Afghanistan, the Afghan national army team faced a British forces side in a recent match organised as part of the international support for the rebuilding of the country. The team sported shirts donated by English clubs CONCACAF FA-CONCACAF advanced administration workshop

your own countries and continue to develop your associations in accordance with these changes.”

Richard Braithwaite, CONCACAF's Director of Development, explained, “Through CONCACAF’S co-operation agreement with The FA we have placed significant emphasis on quality, both in terms of organisation and content. We are delighted that this workshop has attracted so many senior officials from the region which is testimony to this quality and to the enthusiasm of our members to learn, share and develop.”

The group of 38 attendees ranged from association Presidents and General Secretaries to Vice Presidents and Finance Directors In giving the vote of thanks, the Mexican Federation’s Director of Finance, Sr. Manuel 38 senior administrators from 17 Moreno Quiroga, said, “I have learnt a lot, countries attended the recent from The FA and from the other participants. FA-CONCACAF workshop in Port of Football is a big family and is a force for Spain in June. Even Mexico and the uniting all our countries. I congratulate the USA, two of the strongest football organisers on an excellent workshop.” nations in the region, were present to hear from the panel of English experts Kim Fisher, FA International Relations which comprised The FA’s Director of Officer, said, “Preparation is the key to the Football Administration and Refereeing, success of our workshops. CONCACAF Graham Noakes, guided us as to the themes they wanted this FA County The FA delegation is seen here along with particular workshop to cover and with the Business Richard Braithwaite, CONCACAF’s range of expertise within our FA delegation, Development Director of Development we were able to deliver on topics that were Manager, Mark highly relevant to all involved.” Ives, and Director Marina Lee, senior administrator to the / Legal Adviser to Caribbean Football Union and one of two The FA programme continues with a women at the workshop, commented, “I refereeing workshop in October which, United Plc and FC, have to be aware of the needs of countries together with The FA International Coaching Maurice Watkins Maurice Watkins. in the CFU and the knowledge I have gained Licence course held in March (pictured will assist me to deal more efficiently with below), concludes the programme for 2003. The main themes included contracts, our member countries. I am grateful to The transfers and structures for development FA for sharing their knowledge.” with participants asked to make presentations on the four main topics: Maurice Watkins said in his closing remarks, Defining the Role, Structure and “Football is a global game and times are Responsibilities of a National Association; changing fast. We must be responsive to Setting up a ; Establishing a this change and develop the new skills National League Structure - Club necessary to survive and grow. It is vitally Development; and Making Football important that each of you imparts the Commercially Attractive. knowledge you have gained here back in FA News FA welcomes new Chief Executive

The Football Association’s new Chief “I am excited at the prospect of leading The Executive, Mark Palios, officially took FA through a very important period in its up his position on July 1st. history,” said Mr Palios.

A former professional footballer with over “From what I can see, The FA has talented 400 league and cup appearances to his and committed staff and loyal high quality name and, until recently, a Partner at global commercial partners. It enjoys a fabulous professional services firm, name in world football and owns some of PricewaterhouseCoopers, Mr Palios brings the game's most prestigious brands with him football experience together with a including, of course, The FA Cup, the degree in psychology and business acumen, England team and Wembley. All of this qualities described by FA Chairman, Geoff provides a firm foundation on which to take Thompson, as “huge assets”. the business forward.”

Manchester FA Learning releases range of educational tools

International Mini The FA Learning website, www.TheFA.com/FALearning is now Soccer Festival home to Soccer Star, a resource designed for coaches and teachers Following the success of the 2002 comprising practices and games to learn Spirit of Friendship Commonwealth the essential soccer techniques. Also Games Mini Soccer Festival, the available is Soccer Parent, a free online Manchester FA and The FA will run course designed to focus on the key this year’s festival on Sunday issues encountered when a child joins a August 10th. football team. FA Coach Instructor Colin Morris on the field in Uganda

84 clubs - over 700 children from FA Learning also produces a catalogue be delivered overseas, so if you would like Under 7s to Under 10s - from the North promoting coaching-specific books, videos, to receive a catalogue please email West of England will take part and each CD-Roms and training tools. Products can [email protected]. will ‘adopt a country’ with each team receiving learning resources and information on their country. Stadium stewards take centre stage

May 2003 saw 20 teams of FA Premier Andrew Dean of organisers enjoyfootball League and Football League Club said, “The tournament has gone from stewards come together for a unique strength to strength and we really are seeing tournament hosted this year by stewards being recognised for the vital Newcastle United FC. Now in its 10th contribution they make to football.” A year, the Stewards Championships is donation from the tournament will be made recognised by both The FA and the FA to Sargent Cancer Care Premier League, and supported by for Children. brand names synonymous with football such as FA Partner Carlsberg. The event was hailed as a great success in 2002 Q&A

with Graham Noakes, Director of Football Administration and Refereeing

Is there a significant international Manchester United FC as well as The FA's dimension to your work? representative on the FIFA Dispute Resolution Chamber. They were excellent opportunities I am frequently in contact with other to convey the English experience as well as to associations over requests for international hear the issues facing other countries on clearance certificates and issues concerning governing the game. In terms of refereeing, Players' Agents. The most important contact is we have conducted courses in the CAF and probably in receiving overseas visitors at The CONCACAF regions under The FA's FA. In my eight years here, I have met International Development Programme, and representatives from over 40 national of course we hold the respected International associations which has offered the opportunity Course for Referees Instructors every year in to exchange views and ideas. It is always England. reassuring in meeting people from other countries to find that in many cases we all face What has been the impact of the recent common issues within the game. The scale changes to the way that the game is may vary but the issues are similar. regulated? What does your role at The FA entail? Is there much interest in your field from In Europe we probably face more changes My role covers four main activities: in overseas? than other parts of the world as a result of the addition to Refereeing, I oversee FA intervention of European law on sport. The competitions including The FA Cup, FA I have presented on two occasions recently to changes to the FIFA regulations were largely Trophy, FA Youth Cup and FA Women's Cup; international audiences: in Egypt last year and prompted by possible intervention from the Disciplinary, dealing directly with the at an FA-CONCACAF workshop in Trinidad & EC and have already had an impact on misconduct of clubs in the top six leagues Tobago last month. Both addressed the issue international football. They introduced a (over 300 clubs) and indirectly with appeals of player contracts and registrations and how number of new concepts which, as with any from decisions of County Football The FA has reacted to the new FIFA new system, have given rise to many Associations; and finally Registrations which regulations for the status and transfer of questions on the application of the new rules. involves the registration and transfer of non- players. On both occasions, The FA was However, FIFA made it clear from the start amateur players and the sanctioning of over fortunate to have the services of Maurice that a review of the new regulations would be 250 competitions each season. Watkins - a solicitor and Director of carried out to assess its success.

International Events Kit donations

DATE VENUE EVENT

August 10 Cardiff FA Community Shield - Arsenal v Manchester Utd

August 16 England FA Barclaycard Premiership season begins

August 20 Ipswich England v Croatia - Senior Friendly International Pupils at a school in Lisbon (pictured above during a visit from the Royal Navy FA) and Aug 24 - Sep 13 Lilleshall FA International Coaching Licence Course Dr Bertie Chimilio in Belize (below) are the grateful recipients of recent FA kit donations September 6 Macedonia Macedonia v England - Euro 2004 qualifier

September 10 Manchester England v Liechtenstein - Euro 2004 qualifier

September 11 Germany Germany v England - Women’s Friendly International

September 26-28 Paraguay FA-CONMEBOL Workshops

October 5-12 Lilleshall FA International Course for Referee Instructors Designed and produced by The Bridge October 11 Turkey Turkey v England - Euro 2004 qualifier Contact Rob Chappelhow Tel: 01525 288000 Email: [email protected]

The International Relations Team, The Football Association, 25 Soho Square, London W1D 4FA, England. Tel. +44 (0)20 7745 4703, Fax +44 (0)20 7745 5703 For more information on The FA’s international activities, email [email protected] or visit TheFA.com/InternationalRelations