The survey found that the majority of people believe Derbyshire County FA provide a high quality service across the County. The public perception has risen from the feedback taken from last year’s survey, highlighting that the changes that have been implemented have made a difference.
The survey which took place in March 2011 is the fourth of its kind. It asked for feedback on issues such as football for all, Respect Programme, facilities, refereeing, FA Charter Standard Clubs, coaching and education. When asked about the things the public want to see improved, the top priorities were listed as;
• Tackling abusive behaviour towards referees and young players
• A qualified referee for every organised match
• A safer environment for younger people
The highly publicised Respect Programme has been hugely successful in Derbyshire with 84% of respondents stating that their recent experience of the Programme has been very good, that’s higher than the national average! The Respect Programme is an initiative that aims to improve behaviour on and off the field through a series of resources and tools that are aimed at all individuals involved in the game.
The quality of football facilities in Derbyshire was also rated higher than the national average. Since The Football Foundation was set up in 2000 it has worked closely with the Derbyshire County FA to support 123 grassroots projects across the county with grants worth £7.7m. All of which are regularly used by the public. These grants have attracted further partnership funding of £6.6m into grassroots football.
It was very important to us as a County FA that a wide range of individuals of all ages and football roles completed the survey, so that we could have a true reflection on what people’s perception was. 1 in 5 females completed the survey whilst adult players and coach’s doubled in responses from last year.
So what happens next?
“Using the feedback from the survey and consultation with the DCFA Board, Council, DCFA Strategy Group, Football Focus Groups held around the County and other Stakeholders Derbyshire County FA will submit their Final Plan 2012-2015 on 9th September to the Football Association. We appreciate there will be many challenges ahead and hard work along the way but with a dedicated team of staff and volunteers Derbyshire look forward to seeing the rewards for the future of football in Derbyshire”
Dawn Heron, Chief Executive Officer at Derbyshire County FA
Those who completed the survey were put into a prize draw to win a selection of prizes! The winners were;
Josh Vickers
Martin Fretwell
Rob Crabtree
Derbyshire County FA would like to take this opportunity to thank everyone who completed The FA’s BIG Grassroots survey!