Merville United AFC Club Development Action Plan
Football Development Plan Issue 1 2006 - 2008

To be Revised September 2008

Merville United Structures 2006-2008

Club Committee 2008/2009

President: James McGarry Senior (RIP)

    Chairman: Frank McGarry

Vice Chairman: John Coen

Secretary: Benny O'Loughlan

Treasurer: John Foley

Director of Coaching: TBA

300 Club Project Manager: TBA

1. INTRODUCTION

Merville United Football club aims to provide a happy environment where children of all abilities can learn to play and love football.
Merville United Football club was founded in 1983 with a small group of children and parents who loved playing and watching football.
Today the club boasts more than 180 playing football on a weekly basis for boys and ranging from 6-18 years of age.
We have league representation in six age groups, from Soccer 4 Kids to full sided football.
Merville United is a community wide project that is self funding and relies on the generosity of parents, associated sponsors and goodwill.
We provide excellent kit, equipment, training and playing facilities with a safe environment for our members.
The plan sets out the key issues for the successful development of the club, outlines policies for its development over the next five years and includes detailed action plans.

Merville United Football Club aims to provide a happy environment where children of all abilities can learn to play and love football.
We undertake to treat each child the same and to encourage fair play, team spirit and friendship.
Football is a competitive sport but our club training sessions are open to all children regardless of their ability, colour, creed or religion.
We pledge to deal with any complaints speedily and will try our best to resolve all situations, but the interest of our junior members will be foremost in our minds.
We ask for all adults involved with the club as Managers, parents or committee members to do their bit to encourage fair play as well as commitment.
Abuse and foul language will not be tolerated by players, officials or spectators.

To be the first choice youth football club for young people and their parents in Maugheraboy and district through provision of high quality coaching, an enjoyable club atmosphere and a wide range of activities and opportunities for all.

This plan aims to build on the success of the Club since its foundation in 1983. We wish to remain a club, which is not exclusively about winning leagues and cups. Everyone should find an opportunity to enjoy and learn about football. With the club's assistance players should find the opportunity to progress to adult football and other football related positions (such as referees and coaches). Above all everyone, players, coaches, helpers and parents should feel included both directly with the football and through our club events.

We recognise that a number of key points are important to parents and their children and, therefore, the successful development of the club.

5.1 For children

       Being part of a team which has good teamwork, plays well and is successful

       Having opportunities to play in matches

       Receiving good and enjoyable coaching

       Playing and training with friends

       Having opportunities for fun and socialising

       Being part of a well organised team and club with opportunities for future progression.

5.2 For parents

       Use of recognised FAI policies and standards

       The club's profile and reputation

       A positive and successful experience for the child

       Their child has opportunities to play in competitive matches

       Responsible managers who provide good coaching and discipline

       Social activities for the parents

       A reasonable cost.

       All Managers / Coaches will be First Aid trained.

The policy and plans, which are considered central to the development of the club, are outlined below. The key actions, which we look to take forward are outlined in the Action Plan - see appendix A.

       Code of Good Practice

       Standard Club Rules/Constitution

       Codes of Conduct for Football

       Code of Conduct for Coaches

       Code of Conduct for Players

       Code of Conduct for Team Officials

       Code of Conduct for Parents and Spectators

       Anti-Discrimination and Equal Opportunities Policies for Clubs

       Goalpost Safety Guidelines

       Club Complaints Procedure

       Child Protection Policy

6.1 Marketing

We will market the club effectively to primary and secondary schools in order to attract interested children to the club.
We will celebrate the successes of our teams and individual players in order to increase the profile of the club.
Weekly match reports will be forwarded where possible to the Regional Press
Development and launch of the football club web site 

6.2 Quality and Standards

A good club management structure and good team managers/coaches are the key to a successful club and good teams.
We will strive to adopt FAI approved policies and standards. We will measure ourselves against the FAI Charter criteria
All potential managers will meet with the committee to consider their suitability for the role.
All potential managers will be asked to complete a personnel Disclosure form and return it to the Clubs Management Team.
All managers will be required to commit to attending the FAI KickStart Course.
All managers will attend the FAI Child Protection course.
All managers will be qualified First Aiders.
All managers will be given the opportunity to develop their coaching skills at higher levels.
Managers and Committee Members will adhere to the FAI Coaches Association Code of Conduct
Managers and Committee Members will work towards adopting best practice within the Club. This will include attendance at FAI training courses and locally organised training sessions in order to keep up to date with the latest football and administrative practices.
All players and managers will be expected to adhere to a code of conduct.
All parents will be asked to adhere to a code of conduct.
The club will set standards for the kit and equipment it will make available for each team. This will be the responsibility of the club's Kit Manager.

6.3 Team Development

The club will operate such junior teams, for girls (2008) and boys.
All players will be welcome with training provided for all.
The club will develop teams to provide opportunities for matches, development and success for weaker players.
The club will run teams at 11 a-side and Soccer 4 Kids.
The club will develop specific coaching opportunities to provide players with intensive coaching for specific areas of football development.
The club will establish links with professional clubs to ensure that players have the chance to progress.
The club will seek opportunities for further development in football related activities, such as coaching development and refereeing.

6.4 Benefits For Players and Parents

The club will run a programme of social events.
The club will run one major presentation evening per year.
The club will run a programme of events for parents and friends as social and fund raising activities.

6.5 Finance And Resources

The club will monitor its finances at each committee-meeting and review the business plan.
Income generated will be developed from four main sources.

       Annual membership - 50 euro per player, 75 euro per family (to be reviewed annually).

       Sponsorship - an information pack will be developed for the benefit of sponsors.

       Fund raising - there will be an annual programme of events, including a soccer summer camp

       Charges to players - Training 2 euro per session, a no pay policy will be developed for parents on low incomes (to be reviewed annually)

The club will seek to maximise disposable income through charity status and by utilising all grants available for new projects.
The club will seek to attract more managers to assist expansion.
The club will establish links with schools and other organisations to ensure it has sufficient pitches for the number of teams.
The club will organise itself to ensure good communications and establish the roles necessary to deliver the Development Plan.

A management team will be elected annually at the Club's AGM. The management team will be responsible for development, structure, forward planning and financial status of the Club.

7.1 CHAIRMAN

a) To oversee the development of the club.
b) To ensure that the work of the committee is well planned and co-ordinated.
c) To chair committee and Management meeting and other public meetings run by the club.
d) In between committee meetings to take executive decisions as required in line with club policy.
e) To promote the club through the issue of press releases to newspapers and radio.
f) To act as spokesman for the club when issues are raised by the media.
g) To oversee all material produced for presentation to the public.
 

7.2 VICE CHAIRMAN

a) To deputise for the Chairman as required.

 

7.3 CLUB SECRETARY

a) To operate the administration of the club to ensure that league requirements are complied with and that the business of the club is carried out as smoothly as possible.
b) To liaise with all members of the committee to ensure that communications and correspondence are managed effectively.
c) To organise the preparation of the agendas of meetings, in conjunction with the Chairman.
d) To organise the production and distribution of the minutes of meetings.
e) To keep essential club records of all meetings, register of Members, database of pitches.
f) To oversee all communications with FA leagues and committees.

7.4 Soccer 4 Kids SECRETARY

a) To operate the administration of the club to ensure that league requirements are compiled with and that the business of the club is carried out as smoothly as possible.
b) To liaise with all members of the committee to ensure that communications and correspondence are managed effectively.
c) To keep essential club records of all meetings, register of Members, database of pitches.
d) To deputise for the Clubs Secretary as required.
 

7.5 TREASURER
a) To maintain books of account for all of the financial transactions of the club.
b) To keep all relevant supporting documents eg invoices, receipts, fee registers, and bank statements.
c) To bank all cash as soon as possible after receipt and to monitor payments and commitments so that the club remains solvent.
d) To report to the committee monthly on the cash position of the club for comparison with previous years.
e) To prepare a draft of the annual accounts ready for audit and liaise with the auditor to ensure that the accounts are ready for the annual general meeting of the club.

7.6 DIRECTOR OF COACHING

a) To organise the overall coaching ethos of the Club, in consultation with the Coaching Team.

b) To monitor players needs in regard to positive development in ability

c) To provide coaching opportunities for all who wish to gain Coaching Qualifications on behalf of the Club
 

7.8 PROJECT MANAGER
a) To organise and market the events with the assistance of other members of the committee and parents.
b) To take particular responsibility for the planning of the Annual Soccer Camp.
c) To act as chairman of the Supporters Group and to recruit and retain members from each age group. To plan a programme of social and fund raising events for the players and parents of the club through the Supporters group.
d) To review the success of each event and modify the programme as required in future years.

7.9 KIT & EQUIPMENT MANAGER

a) To prepare proposals on the standards of kit and equipment for each team.
b) To maintain records of all of the kit and equipment owned by the club.
c) To carry out annual stock takes of the club's kit and equipment.
d) To make proposals annually for additions and improvements including specialist facilities for training.

Code of Good Practice Merville United AFC
2006 - 2008
Produced By Richard Deignan, Club Secretary, December 19, 2005

Appendix A

This Appendix has been developed to support Merville United Football Club

who wish to develop good practice in the organisation and operations.

The document complements the Club Development Plan.

The appendix includes:

• Standard Club Rules / Constitution
• Codes of Conduct for Football
• Code of Conduct for Players
• Code of Conduct for Coaches
• Code of Conduct for Team Officials
• Code of Conduct for Parents and Spectators
• Anti-Discrimination and Equal Opportunities Policies for Clubs
• Goalpost Safety Guidelines
• Club Complaints Procedure
• Child Protection Policy

Standard Club Rules / Constitution

1. The club shall be called Merville United F.C. (the Club) With the Club Colours of All White and All Blue.
2. The object of the Club shall be to arrange association football matches and social activities for its members.
3 STATUS OF RULES These rules (the Club Rules) form a binding agreement between each member of the Club.

4. RULES AND REGULATIONS

5. CLUB MEMBERSHIP

6. ANNUAL MEMBERSHIP FEE

7. RESIGNATION AND EXPULSION

8) MANAGEMENT TEAM
The management team will be elected annually at the AGM from the club's committee. The quorum/officers listed below will be charged with running and overseeing of the club. All financial, strategies and future Development of the club will be vested with this team.

9. CLUB COMMITTEE

10. ANNUAL AND SPECIAL GENERAL MEETING

11. CLUB TEAMS
At its first meeting following each AGM, the Club Committee shall appoint a Club member to be responsible for each of the Club's football teams. The appointed members shall be responsible for managing the affairs of the team. The appointed members shall present to the Club Committee at its last meeting prior to an AGM a report on the activities of the team.

12. CLUB FINANCES

13. DISSOLUTION

A Code of Conduct for Football

Football is a International game. All those involved with the game at every level and whether as a player, match official, coach, owner or administrator, have a responsibility, above and beyond compliance with the law, to act according to the highest standards of integrity, and to ensure that the reputation of the game is, and remains, high. This code applies to all those involved in football under the auspices of The Football Association of Ireland.

Community
Football, at all levels, is a vital part of a community. Football will take into account community feeling when making decisions.

Equality
Football is opposed to discrimination of any form and will promote measures to prevent it, in whatever form, from being expressed.

Participants
Football recognises the sense of ownership felt by those who participate at all levels of the game. This includes those who play, those who coach or help in any way, and those who officiate, as well as administrators and supporters. Football is committed to appropriate consultation.

Young People
Football acknowledges the extent of its influence over young people and pledges to set a positive example.

Propriety
Football acknowledges that public confidence demands the highest standards of financial and administrative behaviour within the game, and will not tolerate corruption or improper practices.

Trust and Respect
Football will uphold a relationship of trust and respect between all involved in the game, whether they are individuals, clubs or other organisations.

Violence
Football rejects the use of violence of any nature by anyone involved in the game.

Fairness
Football is committed to fairness in its dealings with all involved in the game.

Integrity and Fair Play
Football is committed to the principle of playing to win consistent with Fair Play.

Code of Conduct for Players

Players are the most important people in the sport. Playing for the team, and for the team to win, is the most fundamental part of the game. But not winning at any cost - Fair Play and respect for all others in the game is fundamentally important.
This Code focuses on players involved in top-class football. Nevertheless, the key concepts in the Code are valid for players at all levels.

Obligations towards the game
A player should

Obligations towards one's own team
A player should

Respect for the Laws of the Game and competition rules
A player should

Respect towards Opponents
A player should

Respect towards the Match Officials
A player should

Respect towards Team Officials
A player should

Obligations towards the Supporters
A player should

Code of Conduct for Coaches

Coaches are key to the establishment of ethics in football. Their concept of ethics and their attitude directly affects the behaviour of players under their supervision. Coaches are, therefore, expected to pay particular care to the moral aspect of their conduct.
Coaches have to be aware that almost all of their everyday decisions and choices of actions, as well as strategic targets, have ethical implications.
It is natural that winning constitutes a basic concern for coaches. This code is not intended to conflict with that. However, the code calls for coaches to disassociate themselves from a "win-at-all-costs" attitude. The FAI Technical Plan has outlined non-competitive football for players of 10 years and younger, and Merville United participate in football for these players on that basis.
Increased responsibility is requested from coaches involved in coaching young people. The health, safety, welfare and moral education of young people are a first priority, before the achievement or the reputation of the club, school, coach or parent.
Set out below is Merville United Code of Conduct (which reflects the standards expressed by the SLYSL, SFAI and FAI) which forms the benchmark for all involved in coaching:

Code of Conduct for Team Officials

This Code applies to all team / club officials (although some items may not apply to all officials).

Obligations towards the Game
The team official should

Obligations towards the Team
The team official should

Obligations towards the Supporters
The team official should

Respect towards the Match Officials
The team official should

Code of Conduct for Parents / Spectators

Parents / Spectators have a great influence on children's enjoyment and success in football. All children play football because they first and foremost love the game - it's fun. It is important to remember that however good a child becomes at football within the club it is important to reinforce the message to parents / spectators that positive encouragement will contribute to:

• Children enjoying football.
• A sense of personal achievement.
• Self-esteem.
• Improving the child's skills and techniques.

A parent's / spectator's expectations and attitudes have a significant bearing on a child's attitude towards:

• Other players.
• Officials.
• Managers.
• Spectators.

Ensure that parents / spectators within the club are always positive and encouraging towards all of the children not just their own. Encourage parents / spectators to:

• Applaud the opposition as well as your own team.
• Avoid coaching the child during the game.
• Not to shout and scream.
• Respect the referee's decision.
• Give attention to each of the children involved in football not just the most talented.
• Give encouragement to everyone to participate in football.

Anti-Discrimination and Equal Opportunities Policies

As the governing body of the game, The Football Association of Ireland is responsible for setting standards and values to apply throughout the game at every level.

Football belongs to, and should be enjoyed by, everyone equally. Our commitment is to eliminate discrimination whether by reason of gender, sexual orientation, race, nationality, ethnic origin, colour, religion or ability and to encourage equal opportunities.

The following policies should be at the heart of the club's activities.

• Merville United is responsible for setting standards and values to apply throughout the club at every level. Football belongs to and should be enjoyed by everyone, equally. Our commitment is to confront and eliminate discrimination whether by reason of sex, sexual orientation, race, nationality, ethnic origin, colour, religion or disability.
• Equality of opportunity at Merville United means that in all our activities we will not discriminate or in any way treat anyone less favourably, on grounds of sex, sexual orientation, race, nationality, ethnic origin, colour, religion or disability.

• Merville United will not tolerate sexual or racially based harassment or other discriminatory behaviour, whether physical or verbal, and will work to ensure that such behaviour is met with appropriate action in whatever context it occurs.
• Merville United Football Club is committed to the development of the programme of ongoing training and awareness raising events and activities, in order to promote the eradication of discrimination within its own organisation, and within football as a whole.

Equal Opportunities Policy

1. General

• Merville United is committed to a policy of equal treatment of all members and requires all members of whatever level or authority, to abide and adhere to this general principle and the requirements of the Codes of Practice issued by the Equal Opportunities Commission.
• All members are expected to abide by the requirements of the Race Relations Acts, Sex Discrimination Acts and Disability Discrimination Acts. Specifically discrimination is prohibited by:

• Merville United commits itself to the immediate investigation of any claims of discrimination on the above grounds and where such is found to be the case, a requirement that the practice cease forthwith, restitution of damage or loss (if necessary) and to the investigation of any member accused of discrimination.
• Any member found guilty of discrimination will be instructed to desist forthwith. Since discrimination in its many forms is against the Football Club's policy, any members offending will be dealt with under the disciplinary procedure.
• The Football Club commits itself to the disabled person whenever possible and will treat such members, in aspects of their recruitment and membership, in exactly the same manner as other members. The difficulties of their disablement permitting assistance will be given, wherever possible to ensure that disabled members are helped in gaining access. Appropriate training will be made to such members who request it.

Goalpost Safety Guidelines

The Football Association of Ireland would like to draw your attention to the following guidelines for the safe use of goalposts. Too many serious injuries and fatalities have occurred in recent years as a result of unsafe or incorrect use of goalposts. Safety is always of paramount importance and everyone in football must play their part to prevent similar incidents occurring in the future.

1. For safety reasons goalposts of any size (including those which are portable and not installed permanently at a pitch or practice field) must always be anchored securely to the ground.

• Portable goalposts must be secured by the use of appropriate anchors to prevent them from toppling forward.
• It is essential that under no circumstances should children or adults be allowed to climb, swing on or play with the structures of the goalposts.
• Particular attention is drawn to the fact that if not properly assembled and secured, portable goalposts may topple over.
• Regular inspections of goalposts should be carried out to check that they are kept properly maintained.

2. Portable goalposts should not be left in place after use. They should be removed to a place of secure storage.

3. It is strongly recommended that nets should only be secured by plastic hooks or tape and not by metal cup hooks. Any metal cup hooks should be removed and replaced. New goalposts should not be purchased if they include metal cup hooks which cannot be replaced.

4. Goalposts which are "home made" or which have been altered from their original size or construction should not be used. These have been the cause of a number of deaths and injuries.

5. Guidelines to prevent toppling:

REMEMBER TO USE ALL EQUIPMENT, NOT JUST GOALPOSTS, SAFELY AT ALL TIMES.

Merville United AFC  Complaints Procedure

In the event that any member feels that he or she has suffered discrimination in any way, or that the Club Policies, Rules or Code of Conduct have been broken, should follow the procedures below

1. They should report the matter to a member of the Management Committee.

2. The Club's Management Committee will sit