YOUTH DEVELOPMENT with Cambridge United 2015/2016
contents Foreword from Jez George, Chief Executive Officer 03 Development Pyramid and Youth Development Map 04 Excellence Pathway: Academy, Shadow Academy and Regional Development Centres 05 COMMUNITY FOOTBALL PROGRAMME 06 Soccer Schools 07 Soccer Centres 08 Soccer Tots 09 Futsal 10 Girls and Women s Opportunities 11 Football Experience Courses 12 Be a Mascot 13 Matchday Experience 14 Birthday Parties 15 South Stand Days 16 Partner Club Programme 17 COMMUNITY SPORT & TRUST 18 Community Trust 19 Schools: After School Clubs and Planning, Preparation & Assessment 20 National Citizen Service 21
FOREWORD The development pyramid, and every activity that is outlined in this brochure, is the heartbeat of Cambridge United Football Club. Our mission statement is: We will be a humble, respectful and hardworking football club. We will strive to be successful and to give the community of Cambridge a football club of which to be proud. We are also proud of our youth development and community schemes. It is how the club has survived in the past and it s how the club will prosper in the future. It s what defines us. We have a commitment to being more than just a football club and developing the next generation of citizens for our city is just as important as producing professional footballers for our club. The statistics clearly indicate our philosophy. Whilst we are proud of the three homegrown players that starred in the Wembley play-off final to regain our Football League status and feature regularly in our team this season, we are equally proud of the 5,000 plus children who participate in our programmes every year. We know that 99.9% of participants within our youth development and community schemes will not become professional footballers and will not emulate Josh Coulson, Luke Berry and Liam Hughes, but that s not the point. They will gain the same life lessons as those young men and that s the real point. That s the real focus of our club. Sport can play an important role in producing fitter, healthier and better educated youngsters. It can teach them fantastic qualities such as respect, discipline, teamwork, humility, confidence, independence, strength of character and learning to win with dignity and handle losing. It equips people for life. At the same time, our development pyramid provides an excellence pathway for the most gifted and talented players. We are incredibly proud of our academy. We punch well above our weight, we do things the Cambridge United way and, as a result, regularly play against the biggest clubs in England and Europe. Chelsea versus Cambridge United, Manchester City versus Cambridge United, Tottenham versus Cambridge United, Liverpool versus Cambridge United. These fixtures may be some way off at first team level but are regular occurrences for the academy. Moreover, Cambridge United are regular participants in tournaments abroad against elite clubs such as Bayern Munich, Juventus and Borussia Dortmund. For a club that spent nine years outside the Football League s youth programme, and is currently playing in League Two, that is a remarkable achievement in itself and a reflection on a brilliant, committed and dedicated roster of staff. Youngsters growing up in and around Cambridge could not have a better opportunity. The philosophy that underpins our club permeates through every level of our development pyramid. We have 1,250 players in our youth development programme, being coached weekly by Cambridge United in addition to their grassroots club commitments. Another scheme sums up our inclusive and altruistic approach. The Absolute Sports Travel Partner Club programme supports local grassroots clubs and therefore benefits literally thousands of local youngsters playing football every week. We are soon to launch a similar programme to involve primary schools, secondary schools and companies, which will connect our partners with providing educational, sporting and employability opportunities to boys and girls through our charitable arm, the Community Trust. We take our position as the primary professional sporting organisation in the city seriously and the responsibility to promote key messages through the medium of football. We know that messages often resonate louder with children when they are delivered by role models such as professional footballers. Our FA Cup adventure last season, with the incredible games against Manchester United, an iconic worldwide institution, heightened our profile and gave us an even greater platform to enhance this work. Anti-discrimination, anti-bullying, healthy eating and sexual health are all key projects that the club delivers. Our programmes are inclusive. We offer activities for two-year-olds at Soccer Tots, to 18-yearolds in our Shadow Scholarship and Futsal programmes. Students completing these courses have progressed into employment, university and full-time roles within our ever-expanding club. We offer girls-only courses to encourage participation, with a pathway through to development centres, a scholarship and a women s team. Community Football is exactly that, with something for everyone from Soccer Schools to Soccer Centres, and Birthday Parties to our Matchday Experience and Mascot packages. We make attending football matches affordable for all the family with numerous discounted ticket offers, subsidised and free tickets for selected games and Junior U s season tickets within our family stand. And finally, we work in over 60 schools each week, delivering to over 2,500 children, and complete 50,000 student hours each academic year. And it s not just football. We deliver archery, fencing, gymnastics and dance amongst a plethora of less traditional sports. We thank our sponsors: local companies who believe in our values and share our belief in creating opportunities for youngsters through sport. But most importantly, we thank you: our participants. You are the people helping our club to grow and making our club special. Cambridge United invites all to take advantage of these opportunities and enjoy being part of our club. Jez George, Chief Executive Officer 03
Development Pyramid and Youth Development Map FIRST TEAM DEVELOPMENT PLAYERS SCHOLARS ACADEMY SHADOW ACADEMY REGIONAL DEVELOPMENT CENTRES COMMUNITY FOOTBALL PROGRAMME COMMUNITY SPORT & TRUST 04
Excellence Pathway: Academy, Shadow Academy and Regional Development Centres THE ACADEMY Starting at the Under 9s and progressing right through to Under 18s, academy players are selected from those that have excelled within the shadow academy. The academy philosophy is to develop the person as well as the player. The club recognises that most players that set out on the path of playing football will not become a professional player, but they will become young citizens. Through a detailed coaching syllabus and highly qualified and experienced staff Cambridge United aims to develop the person and player across the four corners: Social, Psychological, Physical and Technical/Tactical. The ultimate aim is to try and develop young people to play for the Cambridge United first team, ensuring that every child that comes into contact with the club has a great experience and memories for life. SHADOW ACADEMY Made up of approximately 250 children aged between Under 7s and Under 16s, and regionalised into a North and South Squad, players at this stage of the Cambridge United excellence pathway are aiming to gain a place in the club s academy. In partnership with Cambridge Regional College, Cambridge United also offers a Shadow Scholarship Scheme, which opens up the opportunity to complete a BTEC National course in Sport Studies over two years for children aged between 16 and 18 years old. Participating in the British College National League and Cup competitions on a weekly basis, the shadow academy also train six hours a week. The scheme combines full-time education with football training, and can increase further educational opportunities such as university to participants. REGIONAL DEVELOPMENT CENTRES The club currently coaches approximately 1,000 children at 16 Regional Development Centres (RDCs), which are all located within a 50-mile radius of Cambridge. The RDCs train once a week, working to a syllabus based on an individual, and play in matches during the school holidays. Children who excel within the Community Football Programme or when engaging with Community Sport & Trust sessions will be identified by our Community coaches and selected to enter the excellence pathway at this stage. 05
COMMUNITY FOOTBALL PROGRAMME
Soccer Schools Week-long schools holiday courses The Cambridge United Soccer Schools in association with Elms BMW Cambridge offer your child the opportunity to take part in technical training, fun games and matches during every school holiday, delivered by our FA and First Aid qualified youth development coaches. Taking place at multiple venues across the region, the Soccer Schools are open access to children aged between 4 12 years old and a fantastic way for local youngsters to develop their football skills with a professional football club. Soccer Schools include the opportunity to: Meet Cambridge United first team players and take part in exclusive Q&A sessions Play zorb football and use our inflatable football pitch Receive a written progress report and personal action plan from our coaches Learn about important topics such diet, hydration, nutrition, fair play and sportsmanship Secure safe, reliable and professional childcare from 8am to 5pm during the school holidays Priced at 25 a day, places are available to book online at www.cuyd.co.uk or please email soccerschools@cambridge-united.co.uk for more information about your nearest venue. 07
Soccer Centres Evening pro coaching sessions Cambridge United Soccer Centres sponsored by Xtreme Soccer provide an opportunity for players of any ability aged 5 12 years old to receive professional coaching. Based at multiple regional venues, the programme offers structured professional coaching, but the primary aims of Cambridge United Soccer Centres are fun and enjoyment. It is our belief that the Cambridge United Soccer Centres offer a distinctive level of professionalism, sense of belonging and enjoyment, which also underpin our unique development pyramid and excellence pathway. Each term of training offers weekly sessions across a ten-week block The training sessions are one hour long and include two skills sessions and two matches, in four 15-minute sections. Sessions are led by Cambridge United Youth Development coaches who are FA and First Aid qualified, as well as CRB/DBS checked Any particularly talented players may be offered a trial within a Cambridge United Regional Development Centre The Soccer Centres offer additional training for those players that already train or play with a local grassroots club, whilst the club can also help in finding your child a local grassroots team The Soccer Centres are open to both outfield players and goalkeepers Priced at 60, places are available to book online at www.cuyd.co.uk or please email soccercentres@cambridge-united.co.uk for more information. 08
Soccer Tots An introduction to football The Cambridge United Soccer Tots programme caters for children aged 2 5 years old who are taking their first steps into football. Cambridge United will be running Soccer Tots sessions at multiple venues across the region. The sessions take place indoors and are centred around fun. Participants are encouraged to play story-based games, with an emphasis on basic techniques in a relaxed and friendly environment. The sessions last for 45 minutes, which are split into fun games of no more than ten minutes in duration to maximise children s attention span and engage them effectively in the exercises provided. The Soccer Tots sessions are led by Cambridge United expert coaches, who are experienced in child management and coaching toddlers and infants. Unlike our other sessions, we do allow parental involvement with the Soccer Tots sessions to encourage and guide their child through the training. However, this is not a requirement. The aim is to give these young children a fantastic start to their football journey from the youngest of ages. Priced at 99 for a ten-week block of sessions, places are available to book online at www.cuyd.co.uk or please email soccertots@cambridge-united.co.uk for more information about your nearest venue. 09
Futsal FUTSAL SCHOOLS Running alongside Cambridge United s Soccer Schools, the Futsal schools offer 12- to 16-year-olds an introduction to one of the fastest growing indoor sports in the world: Futsal. Played with a slightly heavier and smaller ball, teams of fivea-side compete on an indoor pitch, with the Futsal Schools forming the perfect introduction to the sport. The Cambridge United Futsal Schools run from 9am to 4pm at multiple venues across the region during the school holidays. Priced at 25 per day, places are available to book online at www.cuyd.co.uk or please email futsal@cambridge-united.co.uk for more information about your nearest venue. FUTSAL CENTRES Openly accessible to children aged between 12 16 years old, the Futsal Centres are a fantastic opportunity to take an interest in Futsal to the next level. Available in ten-week blocks starting in September 2015, December 2015 and March 2016, players will develop through additional weekly training sessions delivered by our FA qualified coaches, which will enhance their technical, physical and tactical development. Sessions run on week night evenings, excluding school holidays, at venues across the region, with places available to book online at www.cuyd.co.uk at just 60 for a full ten-week block. Email futsal@cambridge-united.co.uk for more information. FUTSAL DEVELOPMENT CENTRES The Futsal Development Centres are available to Under 15 and Under 16 participants of the Cambridge United Regional Development Centres, and offer an additional opportunity to develop advanced Futsal skills. These weekly one-hour sessions are delivered by Cambridge United Community coaches, and act as an opportunity to be identified for the Futsal Scholarship Programme available to 16- to 18-year-olds. Priced at 60 per ten-week block, places are available to book online at www.cuyd.co.uk or email futsal@cambridge-united.co.uk for more information. FUTSAL SCHOLARSHIP PROGRAMME The Cambridge United Futsal Education Scholarship offers an opportunity for 16- to 18-year-olds to pursue a scholarship with a professional football club, allowing participants to study a Level 3 BTEC as well as playing Futsal every day. Learn study full-time towards a BTEC Level 3 Extended Diploma in Sport at Cambridge Regional College Train regular Futsal coaching to develop technical, tactical and physical ability Play represent Cambridge United in The Football League Trust Futsal League Work open the door to university courses and careers in the sports industry The Futsal Education Scholarship pathway also acts as a direct route to the Cambridge United Futsal Team that competes in the FA National League Midlands Division Two. Please email futsal@cambridge-united.co.uk for more information about this scholarship. 10
Girls and Women s Opportunities GIRLS SOCCER SCHOOLS For the first time ever, Cambridge United now has Soccer Schools available for girls aged between 4 12 years old, alongside the mixed gender holiday courses that take place outside of the school calendar. The female-only Soccer Schools have proved to be extremely popular since being launched in the summer of 2015, as a demand for football coaching for young girls continues to increase. Cambridge United strives to provide an outlet in which girls can continue their participation in the sport. Priced at 25 per day, places are available to book online at venues across the region at www.cuyd.co.uk or email girlsfootball@cambridge-united.co.uk for more information. GIRLS SOCCER CENTRES Running alongside the Cambridge United Soccer Centres are female-specific venues which also offer girls aged between 6 14 years old the opportunity to enjoy weekly one-hour sessions with our Youth Development coaches. Open to girls of all abilities, including both outfield players and goalkeepers, each course takes place across a ten-week period and is a fantastic opportunity for local girls looking to further develop their skills. Priced at 60 for a ten-week block, places are available to book online at www.cuyd.co.uk or please email girlsfootball@cambridge-united.co.uk for more information. FEMALE FOOTBALL DEVELOPMENT PROGRAMME The Female Football Development (FFD) programme is open access and mixed ability for girls and women, and offers both traditional and non-traditional methods to engage girls in football. Non-traditional methods include soccercise, samba footballaero and zorb football, which are aimed at engaging girls that would not necessarily feel comfortable playing football and which introduce them to the game through different avenues. The FFD programme shows a clear development pathway into Cambridge United Women s team for those that wish to continue playing competitive football at a higher level. The programme also follows on from those that attend the girls-only Soccer Centres and are looking to develop and continue playing either recreationally or competitively. Please email girlsfootball@cambridge-united.co.uk for more information on any of the girls programmes. 11
Football Experience Courses Cambridge United offers a number of football experience courses available as open access to youngsters aged between 4 14 years old, and specific opportunities to those involved with the club s Regional Development Centres. BE A PROFESSIONAL The Be a Professional package, which is available several times throughout the year, gives participants the chance to train, work, play and live like a professional footballer at Cambridge United across a number of days. Open to players of all abilities, the package includes: The chance play a match against another professional football club Video analysis of the participant s performance in the fixture Media training and a press conference Q&A session with members of the Cambridge United first team squad Opportunity to learn about important topics such as diet, nutrition, hydration, fair play and sportsmanship Tour of the Abbey Stadium POSITION-SPECIFIC DAYS Cambridge United offers position-specific coaching with opportunities to engage and work with the first team players. The courses offer more in-depth coaching and education on the roles and responsibilities of each player position. First team players will make appearances to offer guidance and advice on various positions. Priced at 40 a day, places are available to book online at www.cuyd.co.uk or please email cuyd@cambridge-united.co.uk for more information. ACADEMY COACHING COURSES Children are able to benefit from UEFA qualified Academy coaches delivering sessions in line with the Academy philosophy and syllabus. These courses are held at the Sepura training ground and offer opportunities to observe first team training. The course is priced at just 40 a day, with discounts available for multiple bookings, and is available to book online at www.cuyd.co.uk or alternatively please email cuyd@cambridge-united.co.uk for more information. 12
Be a Mascot Every young U s supporter dreams of walking out onto the pitch wearing the amber and black jersey and now they can, courtesy of the club s new and improved Mascot Package. As well as the unbelievable opportunity to take to the field with the team, this season sees a host of other benefits: Visit the home changing room to get autographs and pictures with the Cambridge United players Receive a goody bag including an autograph book Four seated tickets for the Family Stand (including for the mascot) Warm up on the pitch with a Cambridge United Community Coach Walk out of the tunnel with the Cambridge United first team A souvenir signed photograph Matchday programme including photograph and short profile of the mascot This package is priced at just 150 for one mascot, with group bookings also available. Discounted tickets are available for additional parents/guardians and siblings (adults 15; Under 17s 5). Please note: all mascots must be in full Cambridge United kit, which can be purchased from the Cambridge United club shop when making a booking. Please email mascots@cambridge-united.co.uk to book a place. 13
Matchday Experience The Cambridge United Matchday Experience Package is an exciting way for individuals, local clubs or party groups to enjoy the action and a little bit more at the Abbey Stadium this season. This experience is the perfect answer for those looking to celebrate a birthday or club day out in style, with a host of benefits: Visit the home changing room to get autographs and pictures with the U s Enjoy a Q&A session with selected players in Marvin s, our bespoke matchday experience venue which replicates the home team changing room Form the guard of honour at kick-off Receive tickets for the Family Stand Play a small-sided match on the pitch at half-time Priced at 25 per person, or just 20 per person for groups of over ten. Book online at www.cuyd.co.uk using the promotional code MATCHXP to receive discounted tickets for additional parents/guardians and siblings (adults 15; Under 17s 5). Please email matchdayexperience@cambridge-united.co.uk for group bookings. 14
Birthday Parties As well as the Mascot and Matchday Experience packages, junior supporters have the unbelievable chance to celebrate a birthday in style with the U s by building their own Birthday Party Package. Available at the Abbey Stadium or a venue of your choice, the packages include the opportunity to use the club s inflatable football pitch, play zorb football, and use the club s designated birthday party venue, which is an exact replica of the home dressing room. All of which are sure to make it a birthday to remember! Cambridge United birthday party menu: FA qualified youth development coach to deliver a 90-minute coaching session: 100 (The below require FA coach hire) Inflatable pitch hire: + 150 Bubble football: + 150 South Stand venue hire: + 100 For an additional 50 you can also secure birthday party venue hire in our replica home dressing room with player appearance (at the Abbey Stadium only and subject to availability). Book a birthday party with Cambridge United online at www.cuyd.co.uk or please email birthdays@cambridge-united.co.uk for more information. 15
South Stand Days Throughout the 2015/16 season, Cambridge United will be hosting ten designated South Stand Days, with participants of the club s community football courses, all players from partner clubs and local grassroots teams, as well as the club s own Regional Development Centres and shadow academy players. The South Stand Days are a fantastic opportunity to not only sample a matchday at the Abbey Stadium for a discounted price, but also enjoy a party-like atmosphere, with zorb football, an inflatable football pitch, visits from the mascots, autographs and photographs with the first team players, and much more included in the exciting programme of entertainment leading up to kick-off. The remaining South Stand Days for the 2015/16 season are: v Accrington Stanley 21/11/15 v Hartlepool United 23/01/16 v Dagenham & Redbridge 06/02/16 v York City 20/02/16 v Exeter City 05/03/16 v Yeovil Town 19/03/16 v Carlisle United 16/04/16 16
Partner Club Programme All Cambridgeshire FA Charter Standard clubs are invited to become an official Partner Club of Cambridge United. By signing up to be a partner club of Cambridge United, teams will benefit from free coaching resources, an e-mentor to provide coaching advice, an annual raffle prize, the opportunity to stage your own club s end-of-season awards at Cambridge United, opportunities to fundraise for your grassroots club, and much more. The programme underlines Cambridge United s aim to fulfil its responsibilities in supporting the grassroots football community, by increasing opportunities for all FA Charter Standard clubs in Cambridgeshire to engage with the club, develop coaching and reinforce standards. The programme has received full support from the Cambridgeshire FA and Cambridge & District Colts League, who will work in conjunction with Cambridge United to support this grassroots community football initiative. Tour provider Absolute Sports Travel have also become the official sponsor of the programme. Please email partner.clubs@cambridge-united.co.uk to book or for more information. 17
COMMUNITY SPORT & TRUST
Community Trust Cambridge United Community Trust Registered Charity Number 1137275 The Community Trust is the charitable arm of the club that seeks to place Cambridge United at the heart of a community where individuals respect each other and themselves, are empowered to maximise their potential and have the inspiration to fulfil this potential. The vision sees the club positively affecting people s lives by delivering projects across three key themes: Education Health Inclusion Sport will be ubiquitous as the tool it uses to deliver these projects, whether this is in access to first team players, access to the club s facilities or the provision of sport sessions. Although the Trust s speciality and greatest brand recognition lies in football, it uses a wide range of sports to achieve its goals and have legitimacy to do so as the preeminent professional sporting organisation in Cambridge. All of the Community Trust s work is driven by belief in the importance of the following set of values: Respect Empowerment Inspiration There are broad overlaps between the Trust s values and themes, which allows its projects to be naturally designed to be enjoyable and encourage participation. In 2014 15, the Cambridge United Community Trust positively influenced the lives of around 3,000 people per week, delivering projects across Cambridgeshire with the support of a number of corporate and charity partners. These included: AstraZeneca ARM Disability Abbey Ward Partner School Programmes 19
Schools: After School Clubs and Planning, Preparation & Assessment AFTER SCHOOL CLUBS Cambridge United delivers sessions in 60 primary schools across Cambridgeshire, engaging with over 2,500 children on a weekly basis. Delivery includes both curriculum provision and extra-curricular clubs delivering a variety of sports, including football, tag rugby, fencing, archery, basketball, netball, tennis and dodgeball, to all age groups. The sessions are open access and available to pupils of all abilities, both boys and girls. All Cambridge United coaches are FA qualified, appropriately DBS checked and First Aid certified. Book your after school club online at www.cuyd.co.uk or alternatively please email schools@cambridge-united.co.uk for more information. PLANNING, PREPARATION AND ASSESSMENT Cambridge United provides Planning, Preparation & Assessment (PPA) provision and extra-curricular clubs to over 60 primary schools across Cambridgeshire, positively influencing more than 3,000 children each week. These sessions cover a variety of sports, including football, fencing, archery, basketball and dodgeball, and are delivered to both girls and boys. The club offers player appearances to schools which are tailored around particular themes including important topics such as healthy eating and anti-discrimination. Please email schools@cambridge-united.co.uk to find out more about our school provision. COMMUNITY TRUST SCHOOL PROJECTS 2015/16: Kick It Out anti-discrimination Anti-bullying Healthy eating Hydration 20
National Citizen Service National Citizen Service (NCS) is a way for 15- to 17-year-olds living in England and Northern Ireland to make extraordinary friendships, learn important life skills and create unforgettable memories. The government initiative aims at boosting participants personal and social development through three phases: Adventure, Future and Making a Difference. Activities include the chance to work in a team at an outdoor activity centre for a week, producing a CV and learning important key skills such as teamwork, leadership and communication, before putting them into practice with a social action project that can make a difference within the local community. All of which increase participants future employability prospects. The NCS programme is a unique opportunity that runs three times a year (during spring, summer and autumn), and is delivered in partnership with The Football League Trust. Please email ncs@cambridge-united.co.uk for more information on how to sign up. 21