Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
Q. Do I or my children need to be Catholic to join your club?
A. A very common misconception, but most certainly not. The club obviously does attract a large number of players from the local Catholic constituency and culturally and historically we are proud to have our roots in that community, but we welcome everyone from all backgrounds, irrespective of religion (please read our policy on anti-discrimination).
Q.My daughter would like to play football, do you have teams allowing girls to play football?
A. In line with the recent FA ammendment Catholic will allow mixed teams up until the age of Under 13.
In a resolution fully supported by The FA Board, FA Executive and FA Council an ammendment to extend mixed football in the Under 13 age groups means that girls and boys will be able to play in the same teams at U12 and U13 level from next season (2011-12). We are in the process of reviewing our girls section and hope to field more all girl teams in the near future
Q. How can I find out if my children could play in a team?
A. In the first instance you must contact Russell Hobbs (Chairman), tel: 07971 577468, or send an email to establish the age group and times of training, catholicunited@rocketmail.com
During the season Catholic will strive to accomodate new players depending on availability of spaces. You and your child will be invited to attend a number of training sessions to assess his or her ability and to recommend joining the most appropriate ability group. Each year Catholic hold open year-group trials in May for all age groups details will be on the website.
Q. How much does it cost me for my Child to join your Football Club?
A. For our current fees, see our current Membership Fees section in The Club. The fees may be changed every new season. The Club supply a match day kit inclusive of shirt, shorts and socks that we expect to last for two seasons. In some circumstances we recycle kit. The membership is inclusive of all training and match day fees. Each team may have its own "sub" to cover referee fees or a team fund for training gear. The Club supply all match day footballs, corner flags, bibs, cones and training footballs.
Q. What is the minimum age to play at Catholic?
A.The minimum age is 5 (Reception and School Year 1)
Q.How do I register my Child for the Football Development Group?
A. Just send an e-mail to catholicunited@rocketmail.com. We usually reach out to our current feeder schools for our new intake in and around May , but accept new players throughout the year. Training takes place every Saturday from 10am till 12.00 noon at entrance signed in Bridgewater Drive, next to the United Reformed Church.
Q. From what ages do the children play competitive football?
A. From the age of 8 (Under 9's, School Year 3): during the Football season (from September to April). That will be changing in the near future in line with the FA's
Under 7's (School year 2) will play Exhibition Football on a non league basis every two weeks against teams of the same age group from the local region.
Under 6's and younger will only play Training games.
Q. What does the FA Charter Standard Club for Football Development stand for?
A.
The Football Association awards a High Standard or Charter Standard Status to any Football Club which fulfils the following:
1. All team managers must have at least an FA coach certificate Level 1 or it's equivalent
2. The club has a designated child protection officer
3. All Managers, volunteers and officials are checked by the FA for any record on Child abuse or similar
4. Public Liability Insurance
5. Club Constitution, Code of conduct, disciplinary procedures etc.
An even higher Standard is the Charter Standard Development Club which has been awarded to CATHOLIC UNITED MINORS FC
In addition to the above the club must have:
1. A Football development plan
2. At least one coach to be FA qualified to a higher Standard (Certificate Level 2)
3. Links with schools
4. Development of new teams
5. Links with boys and girls football
6. Links with professional football clubs
7. Ongoing training programme for Managers, Coaches or Helpers
Q. How can I get involved with Children’s Football either as a Manager, Coach or Helper?
A.
We are constantly looking for people to become engaged with Children's Football. This would entail 2 hours on a Saturday for Coaches or with an additional 1 ½ Hours on a Sunday for Managers.
There is also an active Social Committee.
For more detailed information please ring Rudi Luft Tel 01702 510402 or send an e-mail.
Q. I can’t always make every weekend, is this a problem?
A.
Your child will need to participate with most training sessions on Saturday mornings and must be available for most of the games on Sunday's during the season starting from September ending April with a break over Christmas and Easter. Most Managers will try to accommodate such events as First Holy Communions and special Church services when planning times of games.
Q. What is the correct age group for my child?
A.
School year 1 --- U06 Mini Soccer School
School year 2 --- U07
School year 3 --- U08
School year 4 --- U09
School year 5 --- U10
School year 6 --- U11
School year 7 --- U12
School year 8 --- U13
School year 9 --- U14
School year 10 --- U15
