The programme was introduced last season to support Charter Standard Clubs that deliver entry level programmes for U5 and U6’s to sustain a pool of new players, introduce them into football & transition them into U7 teams playing in a developmental league system.

All Hampshire FA approved Tots centres are subject to FA Safeguarding requirements with all coaches/delivers undergoing an FA Enhanced CRC check with the Children's Barred List via the Disclosure & Barring Service. This is quality assured through Hampshire FA spot visits and means parents can feel confident that their children are experiencing football for the first time in a safe environment.

The programme also enables future coaches to be identified early and provides the funding required to support them through their FA Level 1 in Coaching Football meaning they are ready to hit the ground running with the newly formed U7 team the following season.

This summer Hampshire FA also provided a specific development workshop for coaches/delivers working within this early foundation phase as we look to expand the benefits available through the programme.

The 2018-19 programme yielded:

• Clubs: 44
• U5: 32 teams/356 players
• U6: 54 teams/432 players

Benefits package: 

• £50 grant per team
• Free affiliation (current season) for team/teams (8 players equates to 1 team)
• Free Level 1 course for the individual taking the sessions (if they are not already qualified)
• Coaching materials to support sessions, plus further support via Hive Learning called “Foundation Phase DNA”
• Tots/Entry Level CPD
• Central advertising of endorsed sessions