Guidance for schools hireing coaches or coaching companies

Surrey County FA & Surrey Schools FA

Guidance for Schools Hiring Football Coaches or Coaching Companies 

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Coaches

• At least 1 coach at the session must be qualified to a minimum 1^st 4 Sport Level 2 Coaching Football or higher.
• Other coaches should have a minimum 1^st 4 Sport Level 1 Coaching Football.
• Each coach should provide proof of an up to date Emergency Aid / First Aid Certificate, FA Safeguarding Children’s Certificate and FA CRB Check.

Note - Members of the FA Licensed Coaches scheme have this in place on joining and are committed to attending CPD sessions throughout the year.

• It is recommended that coaches of 5-11 year olds have attended FA Youth Award Module courses
• Coaches should adhere to the FA Respect Program Code of Conduct.
• Example costs per hour for Football Coaches are:- Level 2, £25-30, Level 1 £15-20. Note - some companies will charge a day rate or cost per child.
• It would be advisable to ask for proof of self employment status before paying coach direct.   

Coach/Player Ratio

• FA Recommended ratio 16 players to 1 coach.
• A minimum two coaches/supervisory staff should be in attendance at all times.
• Children should be grouped appropriately in terms of age, size and ability. 

Facilities, Equipment and Procedures

• Equipment suitable for age and stage of development of youngsters.

E.g. Size 3 ball up to U8, Size 4 ball for U9-U14 Size 5 for 14+.

• Appropriate toilet procedure in place.
• Appropriate secure, enclosed changing area for which the teacher should supervise.
• Enclosed eating area (where a lunch break is incorporated).
• Coach to carry out risk assessment of site prior to start. 

Registration

• Telephone number of parent/carer to be provided in case of emergency.
• Coaches made aware of any medical conditions.
• Register maintained for all sessions.

• Appropriate de-registration procedure at end of day e.g. children should be signed out.

 Insurance

• Public Liability Insurance to be provided by the Course organiser (min. £5million).
• You may want to require individual coaches to have insurance (note this can be purchased through the FA Coach Licensing scheme).

If you require further guidance please contact either; 

Surrey County FA Football Development Team on 01372 384 744 or email footballdevelopment@surreyfa.com

 Surrey Schools FA Secretary Richard Jones on 07960 417946 or email wokingschoolsfa@ntlworld.com