BUCS Football Regional Advisory Group

Regional Advisory Group In order to create a clear structure and system to effectively develop and share best practice in Football Development in the Higher Education sector it is essential the programme is being developed and driven at three levels by: National – BUCS - Football Development Strategy Regional – Regional Football Development Strategies Local – Focus Universities and other institutions

Key Goals & Enablers BUCS four year Football Development Strategy which is funded by The FA has four clear goals and one key enabler as identified below. The Football Development Programme is managed by a full time Football Development Manager and supported by a full time Football Development Administrator. Key Goals and Enablers Growth and Retention Raising Standards & addressing poor behaviour Better Players Running the Game Workforce development (enabler)

Football Development Advisory Group The Football Development Advisory Group will provide advice, guidance and support on the strategic development of the BUCS Football Development Programme. An independent chairperson will be appointed by BUCS. The group will be made up of the Focus Universities from the 2009 intake that will represent each region that they chair. There will also be a representative from each of the Home Nations. The BUCS & FA National Football Development Staff will make up the remainder of the group. Minutes of the group will be presented to the BUCS board to ensure the development of football through HE is visible at the highest level

Regional Regional Football Development Advisory Groups will be established to design, develop and implement a Regional Football Development plan based on the goals and enablers. The rationale behind the regions is to align with the new FA regions to create improved partnerships with The FA. Each region will be chaired by a Focus university who will report back to the National Group. Standard terms of reference will be provided to ensure there is a consistent approach to the formation and operation of each group. Groups will meet three times a year with a standard agenda provided each term by BUCS / FA to ensure consistency of message and direction across the country.

Purpose of the Groups Contribute to the delivery of the BUCS National Football Development goals and enablers. Identify the specific Football Development needs of the Region and develop a strategic Football Development plan based on those needs. Identify funding to support the implementation of the Regional plan. Create sustainable partnerships with like minded bodies across the region. Encourage and develop innovative Football Development programmes across the region.

Purpose of the Groups Share best practice across the region Chair of the Advisory group to sit on the National Advisory Group to represent the region Pilot projects in partnership with BUCS Provide different formats of football and more flexible playing opportunities. Improve communication between BUCS, Universities & FA Partners

Meeting Dates The dates for the Regional and National meetings are outlined below. There is scope for the regional meetings to work alongside other regional meeting days which you may already have through BUCS channels, although this may not be suitable in some regions. RegionalNational November December February March May 2010June 2010 TBC

Focus Universities There are 10 Focus Universities selected each year based on an application process that includes a Development Plan / Strategy 10 were selected in and there are a new 10 for In year one a Focus University will meet quarterly with BUCS Football Development Staff and the local County FA to work on and deliver the development plan BUCS will continue to work with Focus Universities on their football development plans and build up sustainable partnerships with County FA’s, local clubs and key partners in the local community This year the Focus Universities will chair the Regional Advisory Group and attend the National Advisory Group

BUCS Football & Futsal Update BUCS Football has it’s own Facebook page where students are kept up to date and can add their own pictures, videos and messages The BUCS Football Leadership & Volunteering Programme is now available for students to join online The BUCS Championship Football Finals will take place at Sheffield United FC on 10 March as the opening event at the Championships in Sheffield The Futsal regional heats have started and will continue in December and twice in February before the National Finals in Sheffield March English Universities applications have been filled in online English Universities Men’s Regional Tournament between the North, Midlands & South takes place at Warwick in December English Universities Women’s trials will take place in December / January 2010

BUCS Football Leadership & Volunteering

Register ONLINE via the BUCS website Record hours ONLINE Incentives & Certificates Volunteer of the Month University of the Month Volunteer of the Year University of the Year Ambassador Awards

Intra Mural Football Universities have intra mural football of varying sizes & formats BUCS Football have previously piloted a small sided National Tournament BUCS Football want to hold a National Finals for intra mural football for men’s small sided, 11-a-side and women’s small sided as part of the BUCS Championships in Sheffield in March 2010.

Intra Mural Football Discussion Points Can regions run regional events in January / Feb 2010 with selected teams coming to the National Finals in March? Is this viable / worthwhile? How will these events work? Best format? How can you utilise your Leaders & Volunteers? Who will run it / organise it? How many teams should it be for? Scale / size? Budgets / Costs / Entry fees? Incentives / Prizes? What pathways can be created for intra mural players to join 11-a-side football clubs in the community or at the university?

England Football Festival – World Cup 2010 The FA is considering holding a festival of football during the first couple of weeks of the 2010 World Cup This ‘festival’ would consist of numerous local, regional and national events with the aim of getting more young adults (target yrs) involved in organised football. Students in higher education are a key target group for this initiative. The FA would therefore like you, as part of BUCS, to consider the some things and feed back at the National Meeting

England Football Festival – World Cup 2010 When and how should The FA look to engage students in ‘England Football Festival’? Bear in mind the following: The Festival will begin at the start of World Cup (11th June) and last for 1 or 2 weeks (TBC) Students may not be on campus at this time or in exams? The FA’s ambition is to get more young men involved in organised 11 v 11 football The FA plans to build a micro-site where festival resources and information can be found