• What is a CRB Check?
• How do I set up a team/club?
• How do I find my local club?
• Who do I make my cheques payable to?
• What is Futsal?
• How much football should my child be playing?
• What size pitch/ball should I be playing with?
• What age group should I be playing in?
• What is Charter Standard?
• How do I become a qualified coach?
• Is there a Kent Coach Association?
What is a CRB Check?
The Criminal Records Bureau (CRB) provides wider access to criminal record information through its Disclosure service. It enables organisations to make safer recruitment decision by identifying candidates who may be unsuitable for certain work, especially that involving children or vulnerable adults.
All levels of football will benefit from the checks being carried out by The FA Criminal Records Bureau (CRB) Unit on people with access to children in football.
For more information on CRB checks please click here.
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How do I set up a team/club?
Kent FA have produced some guidelines for organisations wishing to set up a new club/age group. Please have a look at the guidelines. If you have any queries please contact the Football Development Team.
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How do I find my local club?
Kent FA have a "Find a Club" Section under the "GetIntoFootball" section of this website. The search will help you to identify a team in your locality by postcode, distance from a particular area, team name, gender and/or age group. You can also search for clubs accredited with FA Charter Standard.
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Who do I make my cheques payable to?
Please make cheques payable to KCFA LTD.
What is Futsal?
Futsal is the FIFA/UEFA recognised form of small-sided football. Many Countries that we admire for the technical skills of their players use Futsal as an aspect of Youth Development. Ball retention, quick and skillful play and tactical awareness are all promoted in Futsal.
Futsal is played on a pitch marked with sidelines. The ball (size 4) is a low bounce, slightly heavy ball.
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How much football should my child be playing?
In any one day, no player should play more than the stipulated period below:
Age Group Minimum duration of participation per day per player.
Maximum duration of participation per day per player
- Over 6 & Under 8s 10 Minutes 45 Minutes
- Over 8 & Under 10s 15 Minutes 60 Minutes
- Source: Mini-soccer Handbook
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What size pitch/ball should I be playing with?
The size of football to be used shall be:
• Size 3 is recommended for Under 8's
• The ball should be no larger than size 4 for mini-soccer (up to U10's)
• Size 4 for those playing U11-U14 age groups
• Size 5 for those playing in 14+ age groups.
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What age group should I be playing in?
The FA operates a strict 2 year age band in Youth football. The oldest player on the pitch must not be more than 2 years older than the youngest player on the pitch.
To identify the qualifying dates of birth for your age group, please consult your league handbook.
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What is Charter Standard?
The FA Charter Standard is the Football Association's Kite mark of quality. Accreditation is available for all clubs, schools, colleges and holiday courses.
Click here for more information on Charter Standard.
Please contact the Football Development team if you are interested in the FA Charter Standard Scheme.
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How do I become a qualified coach?
It is recommended that all new potential coaches should complete the FA Club Coach Award (FA Level 1.) The course is 28 hours and includes elements of practical and theory work. All candidates will also complete a FA Child Protection workshop and an FA Emergency Aid qualification. For more information please Click here.
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Is there a Kent Coach Association?
The Kent Coaches Association objective is "To affect positively the attitudes, ethics, knowledge and performance of football coaches."
Benefits of joining include:
- KCA Membership card (on completion of a successful FA CRB check)
- Quarterly Newsletter
- Email alerts with opportunities
- Invite to at least four coach development workshops
- Support with FA CRB Enhanced Disclosure.
To become a member click here.
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