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Inclusion Update
Welcome to our new Inclusion Section. Here, you will find updates on the work that Middlesex FA and our community are doing to ensure the game is for all.
Dementia Awareness Week – During Dementia Awareness Week, Middlesex FA were delighted to announce that we have become a referral partner for the Alzheimer’s Society. providing easy access support and guidance when raising concerns about themselves or a loved one. MFA Staff, Referees, Coaches, Players and Volunteers can now be supported by the County FA when concerns are raised. We understand that it can be daunting to speak to a medical professional, and that people may feel more comfortable speaking informally with someone they are more familiar with.
Comets Community Programme – This month, the FA are launching the new Comets Community Programme, which is a safe space for disabled children aged 5-11 to have fun, be active and make new friends. We are lucky enough to have two clubs in Middlesex piloting this initiative.
- Kensington Dragons
- Pitshanger FC
Both programmes will be free to attend, and coaches have received training from the FA to deliver the Comets programme. Click Here to book onto your nearest Comets session now.
For any updates, guidance, or enquiries relating to Inclusion, please contact our Inclusion Officer Daniel Perkins, at daniel.perkins@middlesexfa.com
An Introduction to Nayim Ahmed
Hi, my name is Nayim, I have recently joined both Middlesex & London FA on a dual basis as Volunteer Development Officer. I have been involved in football and volunteering for over a decade, starting at a young age, I began in the Charity and Community sector, advocating for the right for every child to have access to fair and adequate education globally. In 2013, I launched a Grassroots Football Club in Tower Hamlets alongside a League in East London which launched in 2021. I have had the opportunity to coach in both the professional and grassroots game and have a keen interest in utilising the power of football to provide significant social impact, to amplify the voice of disadvantaged and/or underrepresented groups. I have also been Chair of the London FA Youth Council and Chair of the FA National Youth Council, whilst being a member on the FA Council 2022-23
I will be working to grow a body of volunteers across the county that feel connected and valued, becoming a community of empowered individuals that represents and supports the needs of the game in Middlesex.
I will be working with colleagues and key stakeholders in our community to drive engagement programmes aimed at retaining, recruiting and rewarding volunteers helping to nurture an environment that grows the number of diverse deliverers, activators and leaders of football across every community.
We already have a number of programmes available for volunteers, including, Middlesex FA’s Youth Council, FA National Youth Council and Volunteers Week. Alongside existing programmes there are a number of support systems in place, including EE Playmaker, for your first steps into volunteer coaching. There is also the new Stepping Over the Sidelines Workshop, and FA Community Champions.
Referee Courses
The 2023/24 season referee courses are now live on our website. With dates confirmed for 8 courses throughout the season, we have something for everyone, with courses running in Staines, Northolt, Brent and Enfield. This includes 2 subsidised female only courses at Rectory Park & Silver Jubilee Park. Register your interest in becoming a referee for a chance to join one of our courses this season.
Stepping Over the Sidelines Workshop
Stepping over the Sidelines is an introductory workshop for women and girls of all ages and backgrounds who would like to get into volunteering and coaching football.
The workshop aims to break down some of the barriers such as, “I have no playing or coaching experience” or “I don’t know the rules” and looks at skills & attributes that individuals may already hold which can be transferable to coaching football.
100FC
100FC will be back again for another year and launching shortly!
Do you have female coaches within your club that are looking to get into coaching and would like support through a free place on the FA Introduction to Coaching Football Course? If the answer is yes, then they can apply to become part of the 100FC coaching programme.
Regional Webinar
Join us for a joint facilities workshop with Amateur FA, London FA, Surrey FA & the Grounds Management Association. The online session will cover mitigation against damage from drought and heat waves. It’ll also cover an equipment and machinery checklist to help with your facility maintenance.
Football Foundation Community Engagement Tool Kit
Are your club looking at redeveloping their facilities? Do you want your project to reflect the needs of your community? The Football Foundation have updated their free tool kit to help clubs implement effective community engagement frameworks and ensure everyone has their say!
Widening of Grass Pitch Maintenance Funding
As of the beginning of June, the FA reached a big milestone of 4,000 quality pitches across the country. However, if we are to meet 20,000 quality pitches by 2030, and achieve Middlesex FA’s objective of 165 quality grass pitches by July 2024 we need your help. The Football Foundation have widened Grass Pitch Maintenance Funding eligibility to include schools, colleges and universities. If your club are playing at one of these sites, you and the school can now apply to regenerate their surfaces and receive bespoke guidance about how to maintain their pitches and provide sustainable and reliable playing surfaces. This grant is FULLY FUNDED by the Football Foundation for the first two years of the award, over which time 75% of pitches display improvements. If this is something you are interested in, please contact lawrence.picking@middlesexfa.com
Sleep Out for Ealing Foodbank
This July, Middlesex FA staff will be spending a night under the stars without the luxury of home comforts as they support Charity Partner, Ealing Foodbank. Middlesex FA staff are showing support through an act of solidarity for those who face homelessness, poverty and hunger across the County.
CPD Mailing List
Stay up to date with the latest events and support for coaches across Middlesex! Sign up to our Coaches Continuous Personal Development Mailing List and be first to find out about our 2023/24 events.
Highlight's From The 2022/23 Season
We want to hear from you! Share your favourite images or videos from the 2022/23 season, we are creating a video to celebrate the successes of the season, and no success is too big or too small, whether it’s a first goal, a new skill or a league win let’s celebrate it.
Submit your images and video clips to marketing@middlesexfa.com