CHARTER FOR ACADEMY PLAYERS AND PARENTS - EFL YOUTH DEVELOPMENT PLAYERS' AND PARENTS' GUIDE SEASON 2020/21
←
→
Page content transcription
If your browser does not render page correctly, please read the page content below
CONTACTS • CONTENTS • WELCOME • THE ACADEMY SYSTEM • PARTICIPATION • ACADEMY PERFORMANCE PLAN • PLAYER RECOGNITION SYSTEM • PLAYER DEVELOPMENT AND PROGRESSION PLAYER AND SAFEGUARDING WELFARE • INDEPENDENT ADVICE • FEEDBACK • KEY CONTACTS • THE FA RESPECT PROGRAMME • YOUNG PLAYERS RESPECT CODE OF CONDUCT • SPECTATORS RESPECT CODE OF CONDUCT EFL EQUALITY STATEMENT • REPORTING DISCRIMINATION • FA EDUCATION AND WELFARE STATEMENT • APPRENTICESHIPS • TRIALS • EFL YOUTH DEVELOPMENT RULES • CONFIRMATION OF RECEIPT CHARTER FOR ACADEMY PLAYERS AND PARENTS EFL YOUTH DEVELOPMENT PLAYERS’ AND PARENTS’ GUIDE SEASON 2020/21
CONTACTS • CONTENTS • WELCOME • THE ACADEMY SYSTEM • PARTICIPATION • ACADEMY PERFORMANCE PLAN • PLAYER RECOGNITION SYSTEM • PLAYER DEVELOPMENT AND PROGRESSION
PLAYER AND SAFEGUARDING WELFARE • INDEPENDENT ADVICE • FEEDBACK • KEY CONTACTS • THE FA RESPECT PROGRAMME • YOUNG PLAYERS RESPECT CODE OF CONDUCT • SPECTATORS RESPECT CODE OF CONDUCT
EFL EQUALITY STATEMENT • REPORTING DISCRIMINATION • FA EDUCATION AND WELFARE STATEMENT • APPRENTICESHIPS • TRIALS • EFL YOUTH DEVELOPMENT RULES • CONFIRMATION OF RECEIPT
ENGLISH FOOTBALL LEAGUE
(EFL) STAFF CONTACTS CONTACTS CONTENTS
EFL YOUTH DEVELOPMENT (YD) DEPARTMENT EFL
CHARTER
Youth Development Director EFL House
Dave Wetherall T 07552 166367 10-12 West Cliff
1 THE ACADEMY SYSTEM 6
Preston
Youth Development Business and Operations Manager OUR VISION 6
Lancashire
Jim Briden T 07711 077267
PR1 8HU OUR MISSION 6
Youth Development Co-ordinator YOUR OPPORTUNITY 6
Pauline Hothersall T 01772 325814
T 01772 325800
THE PERFORMANCE PATHWAY 7
efl.com
Senior Regional Manager UNDERSTANDING ACADEMY CLASSIFICATION 7
Phil Stant T 07703 273844 LEAGUE FOOTBALL EDUCATION (LFE)
EFL (YD) REGIONAL MANAGERS
EFL House 2 PARTICIPATION 8
10-12 West Cliff JOINING THE ACADEMY SYSTEM 8
North – Graham Mitchell T 07436 812345 Preston
North West – Dave Robertson T 07918 151246 ACADEMY REGISTRATION 9
Lancashire
North East – Adrian Shaw T 07736 668056 SCHOLARSHIP OFFERS 10
PR1 8HU
East – Darren Bloodworth T 07768 322258 ACADEMY INDUCTION 12
T 01772 326870
South West – Bob Bloomer T 07760 788687
E info@lfe.org.uk
Central – Ben Smith T 07795 677078 3 ACADEMY PERFORMANCE PLAN 16
South & London – John Clayton T 07760 616865 lfe.org.uk
COACHING PROGRAMME 16
South East – Ken Oram T 07436 562220 THE PREMIER LEAGUE (PL) GAMES PROGRAMME 18
EFL PLAYER ADMINISTRATION DEPARTMENT Brunel Building FESTIVALS TOURS AND TOURNAMENTS 20
57 N Wharf Road EDUCATION PROGRAMME 20
Head of Player Administration
London
Debbie Birch
W2 1HG 4 PLAYER RECOGNITION SYSTEM 23
Player Admin Manager
T 0207 8649000
Louise Smith
premierleague.com 5 PLAYER DEVELOPMENT ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
Player Admin Officers’
AND PROGRESSION 24 THE FA RESPECT PROGRAMME 30
Gill Banks T 01772 325828 THE FOOTBALL ASSOCIATION (FA) YOUNG PLAYERS RESPECT CODE OF CONDUCT 31
Jake Sanders T 01772 325972 Wembley Stadium
6 PLAYER AND SAFEGUARDING SPECTATORS RESPECT CODE OF CONDUCT 32
E playeradmin@efl.com PO Box 1966
WELFARE 25 EFL EQUALITY STATEMENT 34
London
EFL PLAYER RECOGNITION SYSTEM SW1P 9EQ
REPORTING DISCRIMINATION 35
(PRS) DEPARTMENT 7 INDEPENDENT ADVICE 27 FA EDUCATION & WELFARE STATEMENT 36
T 0844 9808200
E PRSid@efl.com APPRENTICESHIPS 36
TheFA.com 8 FEEDBACK 28 TRIALS 37
EFL COMPETITIONS DEPARTMENT
THE PROFESSIONAL FOOTBALLERS’ FEEDBACK AND OPEN COMMUNICATION 28
Competitions Manager
ASSOCIATION (PFA) COMPLAINTS 28 EFL YOUTH DEVELOPMENT RULES
Paul Snellgrove T 01772 325833
20 Oxford Court EFL YOUTH DEVELOPMENT RULES 2020/21 39
Fixtures Officer Bishopsgate 9 KEY CONTACTS 29 CONFIRMATION OF RECEIPT 81
Alex Neary T 01772 325978 Manchester
E aneary@efl.com M2 3WQ
EFL SAFEGUARDING DEPARTMENT T 0161 2360575
thepfa.co.uk
Safeguarding Manager
Alex Richards T 01772 325940
E arichards@efl.com
EFL INCLUSION DEPARTMENT
The EFL Youth Development would like to thank the following clubs
Inclusion Manager for providing the photographs included in this guide: Barnsley,
Colchester United, Ipswich Town, Middlesbrough, MK Dons,
Aneel Javed T 01772 325800
Northampton Town, Peterborough United, Queens Park Rangers,
E ajaved@efl.com Rochdale, Southend United, Sunderland.
2 EFL YOUTH DEVELOPMENT CHARTER FOR ACADEMY PLAYERS AND PARENTS EFL YOUTH DEVELOPMENT CHARTER FOR ACADEMY PLAYERS AND PARENTS 3
CONTACTS • CONTENTS • WELCOME • THE ACADEMY SYSTEM • PARTICIPATION • ACADEMY PERFORMANCE PLAN • PLAYER RECOGNITION SYSTEM • PLAYER DEVELOPMENT AND PROGRESSION
PLAYER AND SAFEGUARDING WELFARE • INDEPENDENT ADVICE • FEEDBACK • KEY CONTACTS • THE FA RESPECT PROGRAMME • YOUNG PLAYERS RESPECT CODE OF CONDUCT • SPECTATORS RESPECT CODE OF CONDUCT
EFL EQUALITY STATEMENT • REPORTING DISCRIMINATION • FA EDUCATION AND WELFARE STATEMENT • APPRENTICESHIPS • TRIALS • EFL YOUTH DEVELOPMENT RULES • CONFIRMATION OF RECEIPT
WELCOME
Joining the academy system is a wonderful opportunity for
any young player. On behalf of everyone at the English Football
League (EFL), we wish you good luck as you begin your journey.
You should expect the quality of coaching, the standard of
education and the all-round experience to be outstanding.
We expect all Academy Players to show commitment to and respect
for their fellow players of all ages, for their coaches and their Club,
and for both the rules and the spirit of the game.
The EFL operates the Academy system on behalf of its Clubs,
and also works closely with, the Premier League, The Football
Association (FA) and the Professional Footballers’ Association (PFA).
There are many things you will need to know as an Academy Player
or as a parent of a player. This Charter is designed to provide you
with an introduction to the Academy system and information on
how it works.
4 EFL YOUTH DEVELOPMENT CHARTER FOR ACADEMY PLAYERS AND PARENTS EFL YOUTH DEVELOPMENT CHARTER FOR ACADEMY PLAYERS AND PARENTS 5
CONTACTS • CONTENTS • WELCOME • THE ACADEMY SYSTEM • PARTICIPATION • ACADEMY PERFORMANCE PLAN • PLAYER RECOGNITION SYSTEM • PLAYER DEVELOPMENT AND PROGRESSION
PLAYER AND SAFEGUARDING WELFARE • INDEPENDENT ADVICE • FEEDBACK • KEY CONTACTS • THE FA RESPECT PROGRAMME • YOUNG PLAYERS RESPECT CODE OF CONDUCT • SPECTATORS RESPECT CODE OF CONDUCT
EFL EQUALITY STATEMENT • REPORTING DISCRIMINATION • FA EDUCATION AND WELFARE STATEMENT • APPRENTICESHIPS • TRIALS • EFL YOUTH DEVELOPMENT RULES • CONFIRMATION OF RECEIPT
1 THE ACADEMY SYSTEM
OUR VISION OUR MISSION THE PERFORMANCE PATHWAY
WHAT WE WANT TO ACHIEVE WHAT WE DO We call the development journey of an Academy Player the Performance Pathway.
We want to produce more and better home-grown The aim of the Academy system is to help young players Players can join and leave at different ages or points and can progress into the professional game or another career.
players and for the experiences in the Academy system maximise their potential in football, education and life. Your Club coaches, backed by a wide range of other specialist services, support Academy Players through each phase
to be positive in helping to develop the person as well as of the Pathway.
It puts well-being and personal development at the
the player.
heart of everything we do. Our aim is to develop well-
We want our players to be technically excellent and rounded individuals as well as high quality players. THE PERFORMANCE PATHWAY HAS 3 PHASES
tactically astute independent decision-makers on
Clubs provide expert services, support and advice to
and off the field, equipped for a successful career as FOUNDATION PHASE Under 9 (U9) to Under 11 (U11)
Academy Players and their parents, and every young
professional footballers. We want to develop the world’s
player should enjoy and value their Academy experience. YOUTH DEVELOPMENT PHASE Under 12 (U12) to Under 16 (U16)
leading youth coaches, provide inspirational facilities
and world-class support services.
PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT PHASE Under 17 (U17) to Under 21 (U21)
YOUR OPPORTUNITY
WHAT IS THERE FOR YOU
Participating in the Academy system is an achievement
to be proud of, however it is important to maintain
a balance between the demands of life outside of
UNDERSTANDING ACADEMY CLASSIFICATION
football, including your education. Ensure that you Each Academy is independently audited and categorised from 1 to 4. The EFL works closely with its Clubs in between
maintain interests beyond the football pitch and audits to ensure that standards are maintained and improved where required. The different categories of Academies
manage expectations of a professional football career reflect the type of programme provided.
because only a few Academy Players will go on to The environment at an Academy will differ according to the categorisation, but all categories of Academy will
become professional footballers. have a track record of producing successful professional players. Your Club will be able to provide you with their
categorisation status.
ACADEMY CLASSIFICATION DEFINITION PERFORMANCE PATHWAY
This is the highest classification awarded to an
Academy. It is an elite environment where Academy
Players are provided with additional access to
CATEGORY 1 coaching and the potential of full time education U9 to U21
from U12. Category 1 Academies can recruit nationally
from U14 provided the Academy Player is guaranteed
access to a full time education programme.
This is an elite development environment where
Academy Players are typically recruited locally but
CATEGORY 2 U9 to U21
gain access to additional coaching opportunities and
education support.
This is a development environment where Academy
CATEGORY 3 Players are provided with professional coaching and U9 to U21
development opportunities.
Academies focus on their coaching and educational
CATEGORY 4 support for Academy Players in the Professional U17 to U21
Development Phase (U17 to U21) only.
6 EFL YOUTH DEVELOPMENT CHARTER FOR ACADEMY PLAYERS AND PARENTS EFL YOUTH DEVELOPMENT CHARTER FOR ACADEMY PLAYERS AND PARENTS 7
CONTACTS • CONTENTS • WELCOME • THE ACADEMY SYSTEM • PARTICIPATION • ACADEMY PERFORMANCE PLAN • PLAYER RECOGNITION SYSTEM • PLAYER DEVELOPMENT AND PROGRESSION
PLAYER AND SAFEGUARDING WELFARE • INDEPENDENT ADVICE • FEEDBACK • KEY CONTACTS • THE FA RESPECT PROGRAMME • YOUNG PLAYERS RESPECT CODE OF CONDUCT • SPECTATORS RESPECT CODE OF CONDUCT
EFL EQUALITY STATEMENT • REPORTING DISCRIMINATION • FA EDUCATION AND WELFARE STATEMENT • APPRENTICESHIPS • TRIALS • EFL YOUTH DEVELOPMENT RULES • CONFIRMATION OF RECEIPT
2 PARTICIPATION
JOINING THE ACADEMY SYSTEM
The first point of contact with your Club may have
been through a scout or Intermediary.
WHAT IS A SCOUT? GUIDANCE A Player cannot be represented
ACADEMY REGISTRATION
A scout represents a Club and is Players entering into a contract with by an Intermediary before the 1st
Registration is when you commit to a Club’s Academy,
responsible for identifying talented an Intermediary should consider day in January on the year of their
and the Club commits to you. All parties must complete
young players. Scouts must be taking independent legal advice or 16th birthday.
a registration form and once the form has been signed you will
registered with the Club who is contacting the PFA particularly if Representation Contracts no longer be able to play grass roots football. You remain attached
responsible for ensuring high they are unsure of any of the terms between Players and Intermediaries to the Club for a period of time that depends on your age, and you join
standards of behaviour. You should of the contract. under the age of 18 must also be an age group determined by the age you will be on 31st August.
always confirm a scout’s identity signed by the Player’s parent or
However, it is advisable to conduct
with the Club. The initial duration of your registration will be determined by the time of
thorough research before you sign legal guardian.
year when the Club approaches you to register.
WHAT IS AN INTERMEDIARY? with an Intermediary. Check the If you are concerned about
An intermediary (formally known FA.com/intermediaries for a list of an approach from a scout or
DURATION OF REGISTRATION
as an agent) acts on behalf of a all registered Intermediaries or call Intermediary, contact your
player or a Club and may represent the Intermediaries hotline Club’s Designated Safeguarding U9, U10 and U11 Registration period of up to 1 year
a player or a Club in contractual 0844 9808213. Officer immediately.
U12, U14 and U16 Registration period of up to 1 year
negotiations. Always date any document or the
Intermediaries may not, either contract that you sign. Ensure you U13 and U15 Registration period of up to 2 years
directly or indirectly, make receive a copy of the document/
any approach to, or enter into contract on the day you sign.
Once the registration is established it will continue thereafter for successive
any agreement with a player in If a Player is signed up to an periods of a year (or 2 years) unless either the club and/or the player
relation to any Intermediaries Intermediary on an exclusive basis, terminate in accordance with the youth development rules.
Activity before the first day of he should not enter into a contract
The EFL and your Club see registration as a crucial time when independent
January in the year of the Player’s with another Intermediary at the
advice is important for Academy Players and their parents (see section 7).
sixteenth birthday. From this same time as he may be liable to
date, Intermediaries may provide pay commission to two (or more)
advisory services, but are not different Intermediaries
allowed to receive any payment for if he does so. CONTACTS
those services until a player reaches
Intermediaries in England are
the age of 18. The services of an
registered and monitored by the
Intermediary are not essential for a Financial Regulation team at The FA.
future in professional football. You can contact them here:
The PFA also provide independent Intermediaries Hotline:
advisory services should you 0844 980 8213
consider early contact. E-mail queries:
intermediaries.queries@thefa.com
Fax: 0844 980 0679
Postal address:
Financial Regulation,
Wembley Stadium,
PO BOX 1966,SW1P 9EQ
8 EFL YOUTH DEVELOPMENT CHARTER FOR ACADEMY PLAYERS AND PARENTS EFL YOUTH DEVELOPMENT CHARTER FOR ACADEMY PLAYERS AND PARENTS 9
CONTACTS • CONTENTS • WELCOME • THE ACADEMY SYSTEM • PARTICIPATION • ACADEMY PERFORMANCE PLAN • PLAYER RECOGNITION SYSTEM • PLAYER DEVELOPMENT AND PROGRESSION
PLAYER AND SAFEGUARDING WELFARE • INDEPENDENT ADVICE • FEEDBACK • KEY CONTACTS • THE FA RESPECT PROGRAMME • YOUNG PLAYERS RESPECT CODE OF CONDUCT • SPECTATORS RESPECT CODE OF CONDUCT
EFL EQUALITY STATEMENT • REPORTING DISCRIMINATION • FA EDUCATION AND WELFARE STATEMENT • APPRENTICESHIPS • TRIALS • EFL YOUTH DEVELOPMENT RULES • CONFIRMATION OF RECEIPT
SCHOLARSHIP OFFERS
A Scholarship is a 2-year agreement between the Club
and the Academy Player which provides a full-time
football development and education programme.
This is also sometimes referred to as an apprenticeship.
TIME/DISTANCE REGULATIONS
An offer of a Scholarship may be officially recorded at any time on or after
Between Under 9 and Under 16, you can generally
1st January in the year in which you reach the age of 14. For those Academy Players
only be registered with a Club if you live within a
in the Under 16 age group, it shall be offered on or before 1st March in your Under 16
limited travel time of the Club’s location. From
season. Following receipt of this offer, you must respond within 28 days, otherwise
Under 17 to Under 21 there are no travel time
it is considered that you have not accepted the offer. Serious consideration should
restrictions and there is no travel limit for the
be given to this long term commitment to a Club.
Academy players engaged in the Full-Time Training
Information about the PFA Independence Advisory Service available to you Model at Category 1 Academies in the U14,
regarding registration and contractual offers can be found in section 7 (on page 27). U15 and U16 age groups.
REGISTRATION PROCESS APPROACHES AND CONTACTS Inducements can be wide ranging,
National Recruitment National Recruitment
from cash payments to the U9 to U11 U12 to U16
Once you have signed a registration You are not permitted to contact U14 to U16 U17 to U21
form, The EFL will process your any other Premier League or EFL payment or reimbursement of
accommodation or travel costs. CATEGORY 1 ACADEMY 1 Hour 1 ½ Hours Full time No restriction
registration. If you choose to cancel Clubs during the initial 7-day
the agreement, you must contact period, nor throughout your agreed It is of course appreciated that
some expenses are legitimate CATEGORY 2 ACADEMY 1 Hour 1 ½ Hours Not applicable No restriction
the EFL within 7 days. You may be registration period. Likewise, other
coached by, and play for, the Club Premier League or EFL Clubs, scouts and guidance is available upon
request outlining what payments CATEGORY 3 ACADEMY 1 Hour 1 ½ Hours Not applicable No restriction
during this initial 7-day period as and intermediaries must not make
you are officially registered with an approach to you or any person are permitted. Should you have
any doubts as to whether an CATEGORY 4 ACADEMY Not applicable Not applicable Not applicable No restriction
the Club. connected with you.
inducement is being offered, you
INDUCEMENTS or your parents should contact the
Similarly, no club may attempt EFL before proceeding. Remember,
Information about the PFA
to induce you to register with it should you be found to have
(whether by offering money or accepted an inducement, there Independence Advisory Service
other benefit in kind to you or could be serious ramifications
available to you regarding
anyone connected to you) and for your career, including a
you must not accept any such potential sanction from the Leagues registration and contractual offers
inducements that is offered to you. and /or termination or refusal of can be found in section 7.
your registration.
Any such inducements could be
deemed a breach of the EFL Rules, CODE OF CONDUCT
and for clarity, this covers both the
Your registration means you
registration with a new club, or re-
accept personal responsibility
signing with a Club you may already
for maintaining standards of
be registered with.
behaviour set out by your Club,
Academy and EFL.
10 EFL YOUTH DEVELOPMENT CHARTER FOR ACADEMY PLAYERS AND PARENTS EFL YOUTH DEVELOPMENT CHARTER FOR ACADEMY PLAYERS AND PARENTS 11
CONTACTS • CONTENTS • WELCOME • THE ACADEMY SYSTEM • PARTICIPATION • ACADEMY PERFORMANCE PLAN • PLAYER RECOGNITION SYSTEM • PLAYER DEVELOPMENT AND PROGRESSION
PLAYER AND SAFEGUARDING WELFARE • INDEPENDENT ADVICE • FEEDBACK • KEY CONTACTS • THE FA RESPECT PROGRAMME • YOUNG PLAYERS RESPECT CODE OF CONDUCT • SPECTATORS RESPECT CODE OF CONDUCT
EFL EQUALITY STATEMENT • REPORTING DISCRIMINATION • FA EDUCATION AND WELFARE STATEMENT • APPRENTICESHIPS • TRIALS • EFL YOUTH DEVELOPMENT RULES • CONFIRMATION OF RECEIPT
ACADEMY INDUCTION
Your Academy will tell you about the provision of coaching, education and
support as well as what you can expect following registration. You will find out
about your personal coaching and games programmes, and how your education
programme and school liaison will be managed.
Induction is an important chance DECLINING EXTENDED COMPENSATION
to get to know key people at the REGISTRATION Compensation is money paid by
Academy, and for them to get to If you choose to decline the offer your new Club to your previous
know you. Make the most of the of an extended registration period one to cover training and
opportunity to ask questions and and seek to be released, you must development costs if you decline
to note names and contact details inform both your Club and EFL in an offer of extended registration.
which you can record on page 29. writing by the first Saturday in June. If compensation is due, and any
Following receipt of confirmation amounts are not agreed between
END OF SEASON PROCEDURES from the EFL, you will then be able clubs, your new club may be
Towards the end of each registration to seek registration at another Club, required to calculate compensation
period, your Club will write to you subject to the Rules relating to based upon an annual fixed fee
with its plan for your registration travel distance. which relates to the age group
for the next season(s). If your Club of the Academy Player and the
If you refuse an offer of retention
intends to renew your registration, category of Academy the player was
and a new Club wishes to sign you,
you must decide whether you want registered with. The current fees are
they may have to pay compensation
to accept or refuse their offer. as shown in the table below.
to your previous Club(s). If you are
RENEWING YOUR REGISTRATION offered a professional contract Compensation for Academy Players
and achieve a number of first who have been offered a scholarship
If you are happy to remain
team appearances, your previous by their club and for players in
registered at the Club you do
Club may also be entitled to claim the Under 17 age group and older
not need to take any action.
extra payments. may be determined under the
Your Club will notify the EFL,
Regulations of the Professional
and your registration will be Your club may offer you a
Football Compensation Committee.
retained for a further period (as professional contract to
determined by your age). commence from the age of 17 Academy Players and their parents
at any time from 1st November are not liable for paying these fees.
following the commencement of
your under 16 year.
COMPENSATION FORMULA
Category of the training Club’s
Age group of the Academy Player Applicable annual fixed fee
Academy at the relevant time
U9 to U11 All categories £3,000
U12 to U16 Category 1 £40,000
U12 to U16 Category 2 £25,000
U12 to U16 Category 3 £12,500
12 EFL YOUTH DEVELOPMENT CHARTER FOR ACADEMY PLAYERS AND PARENTS EFL YOUTH DEVELOPMENT CHARTER FOR ACADEMY PLAYERS AND PARENTS 13
CONTACTS • CONTENTS • WELCOME • THE ACADEMY SYSTEM • PARTICIPATION • ACADEMY PERFORMANCE PLAN • PLAYER RECOGNITION SYSTEM • PLAYER DEVELOPMENT AND PROGRESSION
PLAYER AND SAFEGUARDING WELFARE • INDEPENDENT ADVICE • FEEDBACK • KEY CONTACTS • THE FA RESPECT PROGRAMME • YOUNG PLAYERS RESPECT CODE OF CONDUCT • SPECTATORS RESPECT CODE OF CONDUCT
EFL EQUALITY STATEMENT • REPORTING DISCRIMINATION • FA EDUCATION AND WELFARE STATEMENT • APPRENTICESHIPS • TRIALS • EFL YOUTH DEVELOPMENT RULES • CONFIRMATION OF RECEIPT
CONTINGENCY FEES – UNDER 12 OR ABOVE As an alternative, any party may ask The Player Related
In addition, should you subsequently achieve a number Dispute Commission to provide a binding decision on
of first team appearances, then your previous Club(s) a termination request by making a written application
may be entitled to additional fees known as contingency providing full reasons for the request. Detailed rules
payments from your current Club. The fees are set apply, full details of which can be obtained from the PFA.
according to divisional status. If the reasons for requesting a binding decision includes
Further information is set out in the Youth a safeguarding issue, you should be aware that all poor
Development Rules. practice safeguarding issues should be addressed to the
Academy Designated Safeguarding Officer (DSO) as
REQUESTING RELEASE soon as a concern is identified. Safeguarding concerns
During your registration period you may only be released will be dealt with separately from requests for release
if all parties are in agreement (the Club, Academy Player from registration.
and parents). You should initially raise any concern You should be aware that compensation may be due
you have, which may have led to your desire to leave, to the Training Club should you wish to register with a
with the Academy Manager. Any concerns regarding new club.
a safeguarding issues should be addressed to the
More information about feedback and communication,
Academy Designated Safeguarding Officer (DSO).
including the complaints process, can be found in
section 8 (page 28).
MOVING TO ANOTHER ACADEMY and can be a time of uncertainty, but it is extremely
If you registered with one Category 1 Academy and wish important part of ensuring the integrity of the
to move to another Category 1 Academy (as well as in Academy system and the EFL and Premier League Rules.
respect of certain other movements), you (together We will endeavour to ensure the process is completed as
with your parents and the two relevant Clubs) will soon as possible.
ordinarily be required to undergo an exit interview to Please also note that the above process may
talk through the circumstances of your proposed move. also apply to other categories of Academy in
This is a process that is intended to ensure that no Rules certain circumstances.
have been breached in relation to the move.
As part of this process, you and your parents (together LEAVING THE ACADEMY
with the club that you wish to move to) will also need to Release of an Academy Player from registration can be
sign a declaration that no approach has been made to a difficult time. Academy Players and parents should
you prior to the relevant date, nor has any inducement remember that involvement in the programme is a
been paid or offered to you or anyone connected with tremendous achievement in itself. No Academy can
you to encourage you to move Academy. guarantee that a player will become a professional.
Following this process, you may be required to provide If your Club does not wish to extend your registration,
certain documents and/or other information to the EFL it is expected to provide support by, for example,
to ensure that all rules have been complied with. As an helping identify opportunities for you to continue your
example, phone records and bank statements covering football career elsewhere. League Football Education
the last year may be requested. (LFE) also provides support for players released at the
end of their Scholarships.
You should be aware that this process can potentially
take a matter of weeks and while it is ongoing, you For further details on opportunities to attend the
will not be able to train with or play for the new Club’s U16 Assessment Trials and U18 Assessment Trials
Academy. We appreciate this can be inconvenient can be found on page 37.
14 EFL YOUTH DEVELOPMENT CHARTER FOR ACADEMY PLAYERS AND PARENTS EFL YOUTH DEVELOPMENT CHARTER FOR ACADEMY PLAYERS AND PARENTS 15
CONTACTS • CONTENTS • WELCOME • THE ACADEMY SYSTEM • PARTICIPATION • ACADEMY PERFORMANCE PLAN • PLAYER RECOGNITION SYSTEM • PLAYER DEVELOPMENT AND PROGRESSION
PLAYER AND SAFEGUARDING WELFARE • INDEPENDENT ADVICE • FEEDBACK • KEY CONTACTS • THE FA RESPECT PROGRAMME • YOUNG PLAYERS RESPECT CODE OF CONDUCT • SPECTATORS RESPECT CODE OF CONDUCT
EFL EQUALITY STATEMENT • REPORTING DISCRIMINATION • FA EDUCATION AND WELFARE STATEMENT • APPRENTICESHIPS • TRIALS • EFL YOUTH DEVELOPMENT RULES • CONFIRMATION OF RECEIPT
3 ACADEMY PERFORMANCE PLAN
Each Academy has a performance plan which follows the Club’s guiding
principles, values, playing style and tactical approach. This encompasses a
games programme, education programmes, sports science and medicine
services support as well as coaching on the pitch. Your Academy has a
designated team of specialist medical and sports science staff to provide a
high level of medical care during training sessions and games. Your Academy
Manager will introduce you to these specialist staff at your induction.
COACHING PROGRAMME
The age group you are in will, to an Close integration with your
extent, determine the coaching education and welfare programmes N.B. These coaching
contact time you will receive. will be paramount in building an contact times are a
The number of coaching sessions effective coaching programme guide and your coach
available to you should increase as for you. The Club will continually will adjust your weekly
you progress along the Performance monitor your progression via regular programme according
Pathway. The Club will advise you performance reviews (see page 24). to your specific needs
which coaching programmes will be Once you join the Academy, your and the individual
available to you; these vary in terms progress will be recorded on a programme that
of the number of hours of coaching performance clock. This is your you are on.
received each week and when in the record of personal progress and
day those sessions take place (see achievement available to you
Education Programme on page 20). through your coaches.
Foundation Phase Youth Development
Category Professional Development Phase U17 to U21
U9 to U11 Phase U12 to U16
4 coaching hours 14 coaching hours per week reducing to 12 hours
10 coaching hours per
per week rising to for Academy Players who have commitments to
1 week rising to 12 hours for
8 hours for older the professional squad during the Professional
older Academy Players.
Academy Players. Development Phase.
3 coaching hours 14 coaching hours per week reducing to 12 hours
6 coaching hours per
per week rising to for Academy Players who have commitments to
2 week rising to 12 hours for
5 hours for older the professional squad during the Professional
older Academy Players.
Academy Players. Development Phase.
4 coaching hours per
3 coaching hours
3 week rising to 6 hours for 12 coaching hours per week.
per week.
older Academy Players.
14 coaching hours per week reducing to 12 hours
for Academy Players who have commitments to
4 Not applicable Not applicable
the professional squad during the Professional
Development Phase Games Programme.
16 EFL YOUTH DEVELOPMENT CHARTER FOR ACADEMY PLAYERS AND PARENTS EFL YOUTH DEVELOPMENT CHARTER FOR ACADEMY PLAYERS AND PARENTS 17
CONTACTS • CONTENTS • WELCOME • THE ACADEMY SYSTEM • PARTICIPATION • ACADEMY PERFORMANCE PLAN • PLAYER RECOGNITION SYSTEM • PLAYER DEVELOPMENT AND PROGRESSION
PLAYER AND SAFEGUARDING WELFARE • INDEPENDENT ADVICE • FEEDBACK • KEY CONTACTS • THE FA RESPECT PROGRAMME • YOUNG PLAYERS RESPECT CODE OF CONDUCT • SPECTATORS RESPECT CODE OF CONDUCT
EFL EQUALITY STATEMENT • REPORTING DISCRIMINATION • FA EDUCATION AND WELFARE STATEMENT • APPRENTICESHIPS • TRIALS • EFL YOUTH DEVELOPMENT RULES • CONFIRMATION OF RECEIPT
GAMES PROGRAMME
FOUNDATION PHASE: U9 TO U11 PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT PHASE: U17 TO U21
• Foundation Phase games are played locally, The Professional Development Phase aims to prepare
usually on Sundays, and may include regular festivals you for professional life in the Club’s first team.
that involve 3 or more Clubs. Depending on age and Academy Category, you will
• The focus in this phase is fun and developing mastery join a bespoke U18 League or a Professional
Development League.
of the ball.
• Games take place on age-appropriate pitches. U18 League games take place on Saturdays.
Matches are small-sided games for each age group. Premier League 2 consists of Category 1 Academies,
• Subject to fitness, you will participate in at least each playing a proportion of matches at the Club’s main
stadium. A Professional Development League is also
50% of match playing time reasonably spread out in
provided for the Category 2 Clubs with a proportion
any one season.
of matches being played in the main stadium.
• Category 1 and 2 Academies participate in a regional
A development League which provides playing
indoor season during December and February.
opportunities for players at some Category 3 and 4
Academies is also in operation.
YOUTH DEVELOPMENT PHASE: U12 TO U16
• Youth Development Phase games are usually played
at weekends and may include regular festivals
throughout the season.
• Games are usually arranged on a regional basis,
but Category 1 and 2 Academies may be involved in
national and international competitions.
• Subject to fitness, in the U12 to U14 age groups you
will participate in at least 50% of match playing time
reasonably spread out in any one season.
• Subject to fitness, in the U15 and U16 age groups you THE FOUNDATION PHASE (U9 TO U11) GAME FORMATS
will play in at least 20 ‘authorised games’ per season
and participate in at least 50% of the game time. Age Format Pitch size (yards) Goal size (feet) Ball size
• The focus in this phase is on building technical U9 5 v 5 or 7 v 7
30 x 20 to 40 x 30 or
50 x 30 to 60 x 40
12 x 6 3 or 4
skills, game understanding and tactical awareness.
Academy Players may be introduced to tournament U10 7v7 50 x 30 to 60 x 40 12 x 6 to 16 x 7 4
football from U12 to U16.
U11 9v9 70 x 40 to 80 x 50 16 x 7 4
U9 to U11 Futsal (5 v 5) 25 x 15 to 33 x 18m 3 x 2m 3 to 4
THE YOUTH DEVELOPMENT PHASE (U12 TO U16) GAME FORMATS
Age Format Pitch size (yards) Goal size (feet) Ball size
U12 & U13 11 v 11 90 x 60 21 x 7 4
U14 & U15 11 v 11 90 x 60 to 100 x 60 24 x 8 5
U16 11 v 11 100 x 60 to 110 x 70 24 x 8 5
U12 to U16 Futsal (5 v 5) 33 x 18 to 42 x 25m 3 x 2m 4
18 EFL YOUTH DEVELOPMENT CHARTER FOR ACADEMY PLAYERS AND PARENTS EFL YOUTH DEVELOPMENT CHARTER FOR ACADEMY PLAYERS AND PARENTS 19CONTACTS • CONTENTS • WELCOME • THE ACADEMY SYSTEM • PARTICIPATION • ACADEMY PERFORMANCE PLAN • PLAYER RECOGNITION SYSTEM • PLAYER DEVELOPMENT AND PROGRESSION
PLAYER AND SAFEGUARDING WELFARE • INDEPENDENT ADVICE • FEEDBACK • KEY CONTACTS • THE FA RESPECT PROGRAMME • YOUNG PLAYERS RESPECT CODE OF CONDUCT • SPECTATORS RESPECT CODE OF CONDUCT
EFL EQUALITY STATEMENT • REPORTING DISCRIMINATION • FA EDUCATION AND WELFARE STATEMENT • APPRENTICESHIPS • TRIALS • EFL YOUTH DEVELOPMENT RULES • CONFIRMATION OF RECEIPT
FESTIVALS, TOURS YOUTH DEVELOPMENT PHASE: U12 to U16
AND TOURNAMENTS The Youth Development Phase offers 3 possible types of programme:
You may have the chance to be involved in 1 Part time 3 Full-time
additional festivals, tours and tournaments,
both domestically and abroad, some of which
• You attend school full time, and in the main you • If you are offered a full-time place at your Academy,
attend the Academy in the evenings, at weekends you receive both your football and education
may be residential. These opportunities are
and during holidays. programmes through the Club. Your academic needs
designed to enhance your playing experience
and help your technical and personal • Your Academy will keep in regular contact with will be met by a local school.
development. Your Club will provide you with your school. • Your Club will make a detailed assessment of your
specific details about these events as they are educational needs and work closely with your
2 Hybrid previous and new schools to ensure your curriculum
scheduled in the calendar.
• You are released from school to attend the Academy meets both government requirements and your
EDUCATION PROGRAMME for part of your weekly timetable, depending on your academic abilities.
age and your Club’s programme.
• If you are offered a place on a full-time programme,
• Agreement must be reached between your school,
Your education is vitally important. Your
your Club will also offer an extended registration
education programme will help you achieve a
parents and Club describing the arrangements and that lasts up to the end of your secondary school
productive and fulfilling career, both on and off
the likely effect on your studies. education.
the field. The Head of Education at your club
oversees the programme and will: • Academies must work with your school to track your • A full educational review will take place every 12
• Liaise with your school to make sure your academic progress, and they must provide extra weeks and a copy will be sent to your parents.
football commitments do not damage your
help to ensure there is no detrimental effect on your
academic achievement.
• Information regarding educational progression
levels of progress at school. should be recorded on at least a 12-weekly basis.
• Make sure you follow a formal education • Information regarding educational progression • A full-time place may involve living away from home
should be recorded on at least a 12-weekly basis.
programme that lets you achieve your in accommodation arranged for you by the Club for
academic potential and instance at a boarding school, Club boarding home or
• Offer advice on all aspects of the education with a host family.
programme.
FOUNDATION PHASE: U9 to U11
In the Foundation Phase the vast majority of
Academy’s operate a part time programme PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT PHASE: U17 to U21 Although not compulsory, there may be education
whereby you attend school full time and in the opportunities available to you after you turn 18 to
In the first two years of this phase, Academy Players
main attend the Academy in the evening, at continue your education. This may include higher level
must take an education component as part of their
weekends and during holidays. Additionally, programmes, such as degree-level study.
Scholarship.
your Academy keeps in regular contact with
Many Academy Players take the Advanced Academy Players are expected to complete their
your school to ensure your Academy attendance
Apprenticeship in Sporting Excellence; full details education programme even if they sign a professional
is not having a detrimental impact on your
of this will be provided by both your Club and League contract before the apprenticeship has run its course.
educational progress.
Football Education (LFE). Your club may offer you a professional contract to
Your Academy will report to your parents at least
A full educational review will take place every 12 weeks, commence from the age of 17 at any time from 1st
twice per year, outlining your progress in all
and will be recorded. November following the commencement of your
areas of football development.
under 16 year.
A limited number of Academies operate a hybrid
programme in this phase.
20 EFL YOUTH DEVELOPMENT CHARTER FOR ACADEMY PLAYERS AND PARENTS EFL YOUTH DEVELOPMENT CHARTER FOR ACADEMY PLAYERS AND PARENTS 21CONTACTS • CONTENTS • WELCOME • THE ACADEMY SYSTEM • PARTICIPATION • ACADEMY PERFORMANCE PLAN • PLAYER RECOGNITION SYSTEM • PLAYER DEVELOPMENT AND PROGRESSION
PLAYER AND SAFEGUARDING WELFARE • INDEPENDENT ADVICE • FEEDBACK • KEY CONTACTS • THE FA RESPECT PROGRAMME • YOUNG PLAYERS RESPECT CODE OF CONDUCT • SPECTATORS RESPECT CODE OF CONDUCT
EFL EQUALITY STATEMENT • REPORTING DISCRIMINATION • FA EDUCATION AND WELFARE STATEMENT • APPRENTICESHIPS • TRIALS • EFL YOUTH DEVELOPMENT RULES • CONFIRMATION OF RECEIPT
4 PLAYER RECOGNITION SYSTEM
(PRS)
The Player Recognition System (PRS) uses identification cards to validate Player
eligibility and record attendance at Academy fixtures and events. All schoolboy
(U9-U16) registered players are issued with a PRS ID card and monitoring is
undertaken to ensure the integrity of Academy football, in accordance with
Youth Development Rules.
The PRS has the following key Games Programme Monitors are In respect of PRS, once registered,
objectives; deployed across the system in the League will access the
• Maintain a safe environment
order to verify Player eligibility by following registration data in
checking ID cards via unannounced order to produce Player ID cards:
for Academy Players, Trialists
• Player name
visits to Academy fixtures/events.
and Staff Cards may be inspected prior, during
• Validate the integrity of the or after matches. Clubs will be able,
• Player FAS ID
• Player image
Games Programme and expected, to manage their
fixtures through PMA.
• Ensure the Games Programme Any lost or damaged cards must be • Player registration status
and its Players are monitored
reported to your Club immediately
effectively The data will be used to produce the
so that a new card can be printed
• Allow recording of Academy and issued as soon as possible by
the League.
ID card to verify Player eligibility at
fixtures. All stored data will be held
Player game time
securely alongside existing player
The EFL will only record and store registration data.
Following the 2018/19 introduction
data deemed essential in fulfilling
of the Player Recognition System In order to participate in Academy
its role as a governing body and in
into the EFL, it will be a statutory fixtures and events, Academy
support of its functions.
rule going forward for all registered Players will be required to have their
Academy Players to have a PRS ID PRS ID card available for inspection
card available for inspection. at those fixtures and events. If a
Academies intending to register a valid card cannot be produced by
Player will be required to complete the Player or Club when requested,
the registration forms as they it will be reported to the League for
do currently, with the additional further investigation.
requirement to provide a suitable
image. The Player will then be
issued with an ID card once all
registration details, including
image eligibility, have been verified
and processed.
22 EFL YOUTH DEVELOPMENT CHARTER FOR ACADEMY PLAYERS AND PARENTS EFL YOUTH DEVELOPMENT CHARTER FOR ACADEMY PLAYERS AND PARENTS 23CONTACTS • CONTENTS • WELCOME • THE ACADEMY SYSTEM • PARTICIPATION • ACADEMY PERFORMANCE PLAN • PLAYER RECOGNITION SYSTEM • PLAYER DEVELOPMENT AND PROGRESSION
PLAYER AND SAFEGUARDING WELFARE • INDEPENDENT ADVICE • FEEDBACK • KEY CONTACTS • THE FA RESPECT PROGRAMME • YOUNG PLAYERS RESPECT CODE OF CONDUCT • SPECTATORS RESPECT CODE OF CONDUCT
EFL EQUALITY STATEMENT • REPORTING DISCRIMINATION • FA EDUCATION AND WELFARE STATEMENT • APPRENTICESHIPS • TRIALS • EFL YOUTH DEVELOPMENT RULES • CONFIRMATION OF RECEIPT
5 PLAYER DEVELOPMENT 6 PLAYER AND
AND PROGRESSION SAFEGUARDING WELFARE
Making all Academy Players independent decision makers is one of the core The EFL is committed to safeguarding the welfare SOCIAL MEDIA COMMUNICATIONS
You should be aware that your Club
aims of the Academy system. Athletic development, performance, lifestyle of young players and expects all member clubs to
will have a policy and guidance for
and psychology programmes will be delivered to enhance the knowledge, endorse this commitment. Protecting young players players, parents and staff on the use
skills and understanding you will need to become a professional footballer from abuse is of paramount importance. The EFL and misuse of social media sites,
including Facebook and Twitter. It is
Safeguarding Children Statement is contained in
both on and off the field. important that you understand what
Appendix (A) of this handbook. is acceptable and unacceptable.
Being registered with a professional
PERFORMANCE CLOCK
PERFORMANCE REVIEW FREQUENCY Club means that you have a
You are entitled to regular feedback Each club has a duty of care to as to the youth rules or club
responsibility to be a positive role
on your progress and development Foundation Phase Every 12 weeks safeguard children and young rules regarding the Academy. It
model in all public communications,
at the Club. Your Academy will use players involved with their club is important to try to clarify any
therefore, inappropriate comments
a ‘performance clock’ to record, Youth Development Phase Every 6 weeks and they will have safeguarding concerns at an early stage. You
about others, including; players,
measure and monitor all aspects of policies and procedures in place. should have the information you
parents, staff, officials or the Club
Professional Development Phase These outline their commitment need within this guide. However, if
your progress. It is your record of Every 6 weeks will be taken seriously, may result in
(U17 & U18) to safeguarding and players and you need clarification – then in the
achievement, and you can help disciplinary action and could result
Professional Development Phase parents should be made aware of first instance speak to the Age Group
to develop it. If you move to Frequency to be determined by your Club in dismissal.
(U19 – U21) them during induction and through Team Manager. You may also speak
another Club, you take your club publications. to the EFL Regional Manager whose Parents may have seen in the media
performance clock with you as your contact details are available on page that there is a ‘trend’ by some
own personal record. At your Club, there will be a young people to use social media
PERFORMANCE REVIEWS and it sets new performance 2 of this guide. They will be able
person who is responsible for the to share inappropriate images of
targets. Each review is recorded on provide information and guidance.
Every Academy Player’s welfare of young players; they themselves or others. It is important
your performance clock.
performance is reviewed regularly. may be known as the Designated If you have any concerns regarding to remember that on occasions
A performance review assesses your Performance reviews are conducted Safeguarding Officer (DSO). It is safeguarding or the welfare of any the sharing of such images may be
development against targets set at by a multidisciplinary team of their responsibility to respond to child or young player you should considered a criminal act. Parents
previous performance reviews. It experts employed by your Academy complaints of poor practice and report them to the Academy DSO. should discuss with their children the
identifies your need for individual which may include your Head coach, ensure that such complaints are risks associated with the misuse of
coaching, all-round athletic the Head of Education, the Club’s dealt with appropriately. The DSO IMAGES / VIDEO FOOTAGE – PARENTS instant imaging messaging services
development, educational support, sports scientist plus any other also has a responsibility to refer AND PLAYERS UNDER 18 YEARS such as Snapchat; WhatsApp; (Direct
relevant Academy staff. You will be on to the appropriate authorities Still images and recorded footage Messenger (Twitter) and Facebook
provided with details of each review allegations, disclosures or concerns are used in many ways: for Club (Direct Messenger).
and your coach will discuss future of abuse or the risk of harm to a performance analysis, match-day EFL are committed to safeguarding.
targets with you on at least four young player. Such referrals will be programmes, as well as other Any young person found to be sending
occasions each season. to the statutory agencies such as the publications and literature. Your inappropriate images of other
local authority or the police and to Club will have an Images Policy. children may be reported to the police
Your Academy will hold parents’
The FA Case Management Team. and FA Case Management Team.
evenings at least twice each season You should ensure that you
to discuss your recent performance If you have any concerns regarding understand what the Images Policy Although the majority of images
reviews in detail with your parents. the welfare of any child or young for your club is. The parent/legal are appropriate and are taken in
player you should report them to guardian of the player will be asked good faith, images of children can
the DSO. to sign a consent form to ensure that be misused and children and young
you understand how the images may people may be put at risk as a result.
We hope that your time at the
be used. Parents are asked to reinforce, with
Academy will be enjoyable, however
young players, the importance of
on occasions, players and parents If parents/carers have any concerns
safe use of social media systems to
do have some concerns. It may regarding the use of images they
protect your own and other children.
be that you just need clarification should contact the DSO.
Parents and players should ensure
to read and understand the Clubs
Social Media Policy.
24 EFL YOUTH DEVELOPMENT CHARTER FOR ACADEMY PLAYERS AND PARENTS EFL YOUTH DEVELOPMENT CHARTER FOR ACADEMY PLAYERS AND PARENTS 25CONTACTS • CONTENTS • WELCOME • THE ACADEMY SYSTEM • PARTICIPATION • ACADEMY PERFORMANCE PLAN • PLAYER RECOGNITION SYSTEM • PLAYER DEVELOPMENT AND PROGRESSION
PLAYER AND SAFEGUARDING WELFARE • INDEPENDENT ADVICE • FEEDBACK • KEY CONTACTS • THE FA RESPECT PROGRAMME • YOUNG PLAYERS RESPECT CODE OF CONDUCT • SPECTATORS RESPECT CODE OF CONDUCT
EFL EQUALITY STATEMENT • REPORTING DISCRIMINATION • FA EDUCATION AND WELFARE STATEMENT • APPRENTICESHIPS • TRIALS • EFL YOUTH DEVELOPMENT RULES • CONFIRMATION OF RECEIPT
7 INDEPENDENT ADVICE
We pride ourselves on the quality of the Academy
system and we are committed to ensuring that
Academy Players, Trialists, Parents and Guardians
gain the right advice and support.
An important aspect of this is the independent advice provided by
the The Professional Footballers’ Association (PFA). You are advised
to make contact at the earliest opportunity.
THE PFA
T 0161 236 0575 E youthadvisory@thepfa.co.uk
THE PFA INDEPENDENT YOUTH ADVISORY SERVICE
The PFA Independent Youth Advisory Service can offer advice to
Safety Net
Academy Players, Trialists and their parents and guardians relating to:
• Premier League and EFL Youth • Requesting Release
Development Rules
• Player Development / Player
• Registration & contractual offers Progression
• Football Association & FIFA Rules • Coaching Programme
and Regulations
• Education Programme
• Time & Distance Rules and • Compensation
Regulations
• Academy Inductions • Player Welfare
Helping young players • End of Season Procedure • Intermediaries
with the challenges The PFA was formed in 1907 and is the world’s longest established
of playing Academy professional sportspersons’ union.
The aims of the PFA are to protect, improve and negotiate the
football. conditions, rights and status of all professional players by collective
bargaining agreements.
The PFA is a key figure in all aspects of the professional game that
affects its members and has enhanced its reputation by upholding the
principle of caring for the interests of the game as a whole, in addition
to the interests of its members.
The experience and expertise the PFA has gained since its formation
ensures it is able to provide you with the best, confidential
independent advice and assistance.
Register to access confidential
advice, support & videos. EFL YOUTH DEVELOPMENT CHARTER FOR ACADEMY PLAYERS AND PARENTS 27CONTACTS • CONTENTS • WELCOME • THE ACADEMY SYSTEM • PARTICIPATION • ACADEMY PERFORMANCE PLAN • PLAYER RECOGNITION SYSTEM • PLAYER DEVELOPMENT AND PROGRESSION
PLAYER AND SAFEGUARDING WELFARE • INDEPENDENT ADVICE • FEEDBACK • KEY CONTACTS • THE FA RESPECT PROGRAMME • YOUNG PLAYERS RESPECT CODE OF CONDUCT • SPECTATORS RESPECT CODE OF CONDUCT
EFL EQUALITY STATEMENT • REPORTING DISCRIMINATION • FA EDUCATION AND WELFARE STATEMENT • APPRENTICESHIPS • TRIALS • EFL YOUTH DEVELOPMENT RULES • CONFIRMATION OF RECEIPT
8 FEEDBACK 9 KEY CONTACTS
FEEDBACK AND OPEN RESPONSE ACADEMY MANAGER HEAD OF ACADEMY COACHING
COMMUNICATION Complaints to EFL; these should be emailed to
enquiries@efl.com. Name: Name:
We want to minimise the risk of misunderstanding at
every stage. Close and regular communication between The EFL will respond within 7 days and will provide Contact: Contact:
Clubs, Academy Players and parents helps to ensure an outcome within 28 days, where possible.
an enjoyable and productive experience for everyone.
If these timescales are not achievable, you will
Feedback helps Clubs to identify areas for improvement
be kept informed.
that will enhance the learning environment and the ACADEMY COACH CLUB DOCTOR
playing experience. Comments, suggestions and WELFARE/POOR PRACTICE ISSUES AND SAFEGUARDING
the raising of concerns help us to manage risks and Name: Name:
The EFL expects professional clubs to deal with welfare/
encourage better performance.
poor practice issues in the first instance. If the Club Contact: Contact:
We work hard to ensure that things go well; you should complaints procedure has been followed and the
always raise any concern you have with your Club concern is unresolved then the EFL complaints policy
in the first instance. If you wish to make a formal and procedures should be followed. If the concern
complaint, follow the process detailed in the relates to the safeguarding of a child or adult at risk
PHYSIOTHERAPIST HEAD OF SPORTS SCIENCE AND MEDICINE
complaints procedure below. then the Designated Safeguarding Officer or Senior
Safeguarding Manager at the Club should be informed
Name: Name:
COMPLAINTS without delay and the Club’s safeguarding policies and
procedures will be instigated. Contact: Contact:
COMMUNICATION
Informally raise the issue with someone at the Club,
such as your Coach, Designated Safeguarding Officer
or Academy Manager; this may help you reach a
HEAD OF EDUCATION ACADEMY DESIGNATED SAFEGUARDING OFFICER
satisfactory resolution quickly.
COMPLAINTS PROCEDURE Name: Name:
If the issue is not resolved, follow the Club’s complaints Contact: Contact:
procedure and put your complaint formally in writing to
the Club.
ESCALATION
CLUB DESIGNATED SAFEGUARDING OFFICER EFL REGIONAL MANAGER
If having completed your Academy’s complaints
procedure including the appeals process, you remain Name: Name:
dissatisfied, follow the EFL complaint process.
Contact: Contact:
A copy of the policy can be found on our website or you
can request a copy be sent to you by contacting EFL:
E hr&businessoperations@efl.com
T 01772 325800 OTHER USEFUL CONTACT OTHER USEFUL CONTACT
Name: Name:
Contact: Contact:
28 EFL YOUTH DEVELOPMENT CHARTER FOR ACADEMY PLAYERS AND PARENTS EFL YOUTH DEVELOPMENT CHARTER FOR ACADEMY PLAYERS AND PARENTS 29CONTACTS • CONTENTS • WELCOME • THE ACADEMY SYSTEM • PARTICIPATION • ACADEMY PERFORMANCE PLAN • PLAYER RECOGNITION SYSTEM • PLAYER DEVELOPMENT AND PROGRESSION PLAYER AND SAFEGUARDING WELFARE • INDEPENDENT ADVICE • FEEDBACK • KEY CONTACTS • THE FA RESPECT PROGRAMME • YOUNG PLAYERS RESPECT CODE OF CONDUCT • SPECTATORS RESPECT CODE OF CONDUCT EFL EQUALITY STATEMENT • REPORTING DISCRIMINATION • FA EDUCATION AND WELFARE STATEMENT • APPRENTICESHIPS • TRIALS • EFL YOUTH DEVELOPMENT RULES • CONFIRMATION OF RECEIPT THE FA RESPECT PROGRAMME In 2008, the Respect programme was introduced as a response to behavioural problems in football. It requires the FA, the leagues, the clubs, players and spectators to work together to ensure that a supportive and positive match day environment exists at all levels of youth football. Key to the development of young players is that they enjoy the experience of playing and training, that they are able to respond to the guidance of their club coaches and that they learn to take independent decisions on the pitch. The Respect programme supports these outcomes. 30 EFL YOUTH DEVELOPMENT CHARTER FOR ACADEMY PLAYERS AND PARENTS
CONTACTS • CONTENTS • WELCOME • THE ACADEMY SYSTEM • PARTICIPATION • ACADEMY PERFORMANCE PLAN • PLAYER RECOGNITION SYSTEM • PLAYER DEVELOPMENT AND PROGRESSION
PLAYER AND SAFEGUARDING WELFARE • INDEPENDENT ADVICE • FEEDBACK • KEY CONTACTS • THE FA RESPECT PROGRAMME • YOUNG PLAYERS RESPECT CODE OF CONDUCT • SPECTATORS RESPECT CODE OF CONDUCT
EFL EQUALITY STATEMENT • REPORTING DISCRIMINATION • FA EDUCATION AND WELFARE STATEMENT • APPRENTICESHIPS • TRIALS • EFL YOUTH DEVELOPMENT RULES • CONFIRMATION OF RECEIPT
EFL YOUTH DEVELOPMENT CHARTER FOR ACADEMY PLAYERS AND PARENTS 33CONTACTS • CONTENTS • WELCOME • THE ACADEMY SYSTEM • PARTICIPATION • ACADEMY PERFORMANCE PLAN • PLAYER RECOGNITION SYSTEM • PLAYER DEVELOPMENT AND PROGRESSION
PLAYER AND SAFEGUARDING WELFARE • INDEPENDENT ADVICE • FEEDBACK • KEY CONTACTS • THE FA RESPECT PROGRAMME • YOUNG PLAYERS RESPECT CODE OF CONDUCT • SPECTATORS RESPECT CODE OF CONDUCT
EFL EQUALITY STATEMENT • REPORTING DISCRIMINATION • FA EDUCATION AND WELFARE STATEMENT • APPRENTICESHIPS • TRIALS • EFL YOUTH DEVELOPMENT RULES • CONFIRMATION OF RECEIPT
EFL EQUALITY STATEMENT
The EFL is committed to ensuring that football
is inclusive of all communities and free from all
forms of discrimination. We are dedicated to
promoting equality on the grounds of any protected
characteristic as defined in the Equality Act 2010.
Everyone has the right to be The EFL and member clubs REPORTING DISCRIMINATION
treated with dignity and respect, introduced regulatory commitments The EFL has a reporting pathway
and the EFL is committed for all clubs including academies to deal with any allegations of
to eliminating all forms of to implement the Equality Code hate crime, prejudicial and/or
discrimination incorporating of Practice. The Equality Code of discriminatory behaviour or conduct
direct, indirect, associative or Practice sets out key areas all EFL to ensure that all individuals
perceptive discrimination and all clubs should look to address to can raise their issue through the
forms of bullying, harassment ensure they are inclusive across all channels explained in this charter.
and victimisation. The ELF areas of their business. In June 2016
The EFL also works closely with Kick
actively promotes equality, the EFL introduced ground-breaking
it Out which provides a reporting
inclusion and diversity and an new regulations aimed at tackling
service for discriminatory behaviour
ongoing commitment to tackling the under-representation of Black,
through it’s ‘kick it out app’. The free
discrimination and hate crime Asian and Minority Ethnic (BAME)
app provides users with the ability
on grounds of age, cultural managers and coaches employed
to confidentially report incidents
background, class, race, ethnicity, by clubs. The EFL also introduced
they may see, hear or witness at a
ability or disability, gender, sexual Academy Audits and promotes
match. By attaching video, photo
orientation, gender reassignment, and supports work concerning
and audio evidence to complaints
faith, religion and marital status. other areas such as women and
this can help support investigations
girl’s attendance, LGB&T (Lesbian,
into discriminatory abuse and
Gay, Bisexual and Transgender)
behaviour across football (for more
awareness, mental health and other
information please visit www.
FA, PL and PFA led initiatives.
kickitout.org or download the free
app via the Apple or Android store).
34 EFL YOUTH DEVELOPMENT CHARTER FOR ACADEMY PLAYERS AND PARENTSYou can also read
