Guidelines for developing a grassroots football plan

Introduction
It is very important to analyse the existing situation of grassroots football in a country before starting up the programme. The context can vary considerably between different Member Associations; the personnel involved in the development of the programme should adapt to the existing situation. Specific issues must be considered before the programme is launched so that the vi sion and objectives of FIFAs grassroots football programme can be fulfilled.

Guidelines
Analysis of the situation in a country

Population, Administrative and technical organisation at national, regional and local levels, The educational system, Sports policies, The existence of a grassroots football structure, Sports infrastructures and facilities, Links between the Member Association and government ministries. The practice of football

A study of football throughout the country, in all provinces and regions, will show the extent to which the sport is practised in all sectors. Determining the facilities available in all sectors, in particular in rural areas, offers vital information, such as the number of children who have access to football equipment and under what conditions. The availability of coach-educators and equipment, as well as the different types of tournament organised throughout the country, will give an indication of the needs of each sector. Can a programme be launched in the various sectors, or a seminar organised to study the feasibility of the programme? Are there official links between Member Association staff, leagues, clubs, communities and schools? Guarantees for the continuity of the grassroots football programme in rural areas and other regions must be based on the stability of those involved, including the communities and ministries of health, youth, sport and education. These bodies must not only be present, but also active in working towards a common objective. Analysis of needs

Coach-educators: number and qualifications, Development of grassroots football, Activities: competitions, tournaments and festivals, Equipment, materials, Infrastructures, Grassroots football committee.

Aims

To introduce grassroots football to boys and girls (aged 6-12), To promote the philosophy of grassroots football, To develop the activities of grassroots football, To increase participation in grassroots football programmes, To improve training and match equipment, To instruct teachers (including women) to become coach-educators, To encourage parents and volunteers to get involved, To establish links and build relationships between all partners, To put a legitimate structure for the development of grassroots football in place, To appeal to an audience and increase recognition, To seek out sponsors and partners.

The stages of implementation

1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. Initial consultations: coach-educators, teachers, parents, etc., Bringing together the essential people: an executive committee, key individuals, etc., Preparation and presentation of a development plan, Consultation seminars and meetings: Member Associations, ministries, sponsors, etc., Submission of a final plan: federations technical department, Approval: Member Association / FIFA, Launching the plan: FIFA grassroots football project, Plan for implementation: short/medium/long-term development plan.

Recommendations
The main recommendations for the successful promotion of a grassroots football programme are as follows:

Football must be accessible to all without discrimination on the basis of gender, race or social status. Anyone who wants to play football must know that it is possible to do so through their school or community, using the facilities available in the country. Trained coach-educators must ensure that the required standards of discipline and behaviour are observed by all. An appropriate psychological approach is needed for the successful development of young people, especially those from disadvantaged backgrounds. All children are entitled to education and health services, irrespective of their familys background and educational history. These are essential considerations that must be taken into account. Young players must be asked about their progress at school, their healthcare arrangements and the involvement of their parents in their everyday life. The development of relationships between children from different cultural, religious and geographical backgrounds must be encouraged in order to reduce the differences between them and increase respect on and off the pitch. The attitude must always be to emphasise fair play when faced with difficult situations on the pitch, when assessing victories and defeats and in order to give a positive slant on, and draw lessons from, all circumstances. Every effort must be made to ensure that everyone involved receives equal treatment irrespective of differences in terms of physical, mental or psychological development. Respect can break down barriers and improve the friendship between communities.

Coach-educators must focus on the technical and human development of children and encourage the most advanced to seek out football schools, clubs and community teams. This encouragement will certainly lead to other children improving their standard of play, and by extension, their maturity. As play has been established as the best manner of teaching, it is important that selection processes do not just focus on individual talent but also take into account all the children participating in the sessions and playing sport together. Children enjoy sport and this must be encouraged by the coach-educator. The objective is for the children to look forward to each session and gradually develop a passion for football.

Marcos grosche By Fifa grassroots development program