TEAM SIXTEEN Comes to Life in Derbyshire

The FA’s new programme for intra school football at Secondary level came to life last Wednesday at John Port School, as boys and girls were able to…

Schools from across South Derbyshire participated in the afternoon of small sided football, showcasing the fantastic opportunities schools can have to provide recreational football for those children who are not part of school football.

The day was organised and ran by members of the Derbyshire County FA Young Leader Management Team and school leaders from John Port. This gave an opportunity to show that TEAM SIXTEEN is not only a great opportunity in terms of participation in football, but also in leadership and volunteering. Having young people deliver the launch event further demonstrated the benefits that TEAM SIXTEEN can have for schools in developing their participation and leadership offer to students.

Pete Collins, Football Development Officer (Children and Young People) spoke during the event,
“We are hoping to use the launch today as a platform to develop TEAM SIXTEEN in more schools across Derbyshire. The opportunity for schools to provide additional playing opportunities to those that may not access sport and in particular football outside of their PE lessons is one which need to work with them on and this programme provides this. TEAM SIXTEEN will have a great impact in schools through the very fact it is led by young people for young people, it will allow all involved to decide what makes their TEAM SIXTEEN programme attractive to them.”

The TEAM SIXTEEN launch event was also attended by Steve Swallow (Education Project Officer) of the FA, Stephen Healy (Regional Youth Football Officer) of the FA and Courtney Sweetman-Kirk, Notts County Ladies FC and England Women’s U23 player.

“Today is the last of the eight regional launches; we have taken TEAM SIXTEEN around the country to raise profile amongst secondary schools. Ultimately what we are trying to do is create opportunities for more young people to play football on a regular basis in a format that suits them as well as give them ownership over the way they are playing in a school environment allowing them to develop leadership qualities.”

Courtney was present to answer questions from the participants but also to participate in some of the activities that took place on the day, further emphasising the importance to the children of being active within school and the benefits playing football can have socially as well as physically. 

Here are some questions Steve asked Courtney:

What are your thoughts on today’s Team Sixteen Launch?
CSK:
It’s absolutely brilliant, great to see so many young people here who are enjoying football, especially those who probably haven’t played the game before.
As a player who has moved through the player pathway into elite football, what advice would you give the young girls who have attended today?
CSK:
The best thing I could tell them is to enjoy it, when you are enjoying something that is when you play your best and work hard.
How did playing in a school environment help in terms of developing your career?
CSK:
I’ve always played since I was little and played all through my primary and secondary school years, it was great for my development because it allowed me to play regularly, that time on the ball is invaluable and my school gave the girls as much opportunity that was given to the boys, I will always be in debt to my school for allowing me to play.

For more information on TEAM SIXTEEN or any other Children and Young People programmes then please contact Pete Collins.

Click here to view a picture gallery of the event!

Pete Collins
Football Development Officer (Children & Young People)
E: pete.collins@derbyshirefa.com
T: 01332 361422 (Option 1)

E: T: 01332 361422 (Option 1)

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