CLUB HANDBOOK
Intro
In 1977 Pelé, one of football‘s greatest ever players, named his autobiography. My Life and the Beautiful Game.
The book’s dedication read “I dedicate this book to all the people who have made this great game the Beautiful Game”.
The phrase has now entered the language as a colourful description for association football and as such was used as part of the title for the 13-part series charting the history of football, The History of Football the Beautiful Game.
Prior to the 2006 FIFA World Cup, Nike launched a marketing campaign dubbed “Joga Bonito” which set out to explore the Brazilian idea of the game.
Joga Bonito means “play beautiful”
And is itself a phrase used in football all over the world today.
Committee
President JOHN NICHOLSON (DJFC)
Chief Executive officer ALAN BRADBURY MBE
Chairman STEVE WAYMAN
Secretary DAVE TIGHE 07977 094 338
Treasurer BRENDAN ROBINSON
Child Protection Officer BRENDAN ROBINSON
Discipline IAN MAKIN
Fixture Sec DAVE TIGHE
Head coach SIMON HALL
Development officer JIMMY JACOB
Registrations DAVE TIGHE & IAN MAKIN
Welcome
Droylsden Juniors would like to welcome you to our club, and we would hope that during your stay here you enjoy the club, the players and staff, and the friendly environment that we try to create down at the centre on match days, training nights, and social events.
We are a large Charter Standard Club with some 600 members; all staff gives freely of their time and commitment to the youth of Droylsden and the surrounding areas.
Our goal is to give good quality football to all our players at grassroots level, and to provide a springboard for their aspirations as footballers.
Unfortunately, some will make the grade while others won’t, but during their stay here we hope they learn new skills “sporting and social” and above all enjoying taking part in the sport and what we have to offer them.
Thousands have passed through the doors over the years, and we hope that solid friendships have been formed and that memories stay with you for many years to come.
Old players have returned over the years to either coach teams themselves or to bring their own children to play and enjoy the game, all of which helps to create a sense of nostalgia and pride in the club.
There is nothing better on a weekend morning than watching the players troop out onto the pitches, playing their game, enjoying the moment, and hopefully winning to boot.
A simple game, which give so much too so many.
D.J.F.C
History
The club was formed in 1963 and was in its infancy a Youth Club and is part of The Manchester Federation of Clubs for Young People.
The founder members were Alan Bradbury MBE who is the club CEO and Charlie Grice who ran the Boxing side of the Centre. Now run by Ian Harrison.
Although we call ourselves Droylsden Juniors our official name is Droylsden Youth Centre, as we are still a part of the youth federation, the club is also a registered charity. We may not run as a youth centre as such anymore, but many of the boys and girls still take part in the federation activities i.e., pool, table tennis, snooker, camping and adventuring oh yes and football events too.
The Centre went through a minor refit in 2007 for the second time, the first after a fire in the 1983, which saw the transition from Youth Centre to a Sports Centre.
From 2003 the committee and local authority worked together towards our aim of raising funds to knock down and completely rebuild a new state of the art facility on the existing site, The estimated build cost came in the region of £1,250,000
This has now been accomplished and we took control of our new facility in July 2013 and will allow us to continue our good work with local youth for many more years to come.
We would like to thank Committee and managers, coaches, volunteers, local councilors & business, and members of Manchester FA for their tireless effort and enthusiasm in making it become a reality.
Facilities
Off road parking for 30 plus cars
3G Synthetic pitch
Senior pitches x 2
Junior pitches x 2
9v9 pitch
Mini pitches x 2
Community room
Boxing Gym
Meeting room
Café area
Toilets
Showers
Changing rooms
Referees changing
Equipment room
Locker room
Sponsorship
If you feel you can help with sponsorship, then we would be very interested indeed.
Fees
Club membership usually consist of:
We do not charge a signing on fee at the present time.
Club membership: currently stands at £360.00 per annum a fee of £30.00 per month, paid over 12 monthly increments including off season shall be paid by Direct Debit. Families with more than one child will receive a reduction for a second child and so on for further children.
Any remuneration through Injury or illness will be paid back at the committee’s discretion.
Membership
Memberships will roll over year on year until the player leaves the Club or we are instructed by the payee to de register the player.
Membership fees will pay for club running costs, league fees match day dues, training night’s, kit, and equipment etc.
Teams
At Droylsden we have an academy, boys’ and girls’ teams, in the past girls played alongside the boys until they reached under 13’s, they then had to find girls teams at other clubs.
Nowadays we run girls’ teams from 9’s through to open age ladies’ teams.
Our Soccer school academy is a great success as some of you may know, we start at 4yr’s, where the kids gain the ball skills and touch, they will need for playing as part of a team further down the line.
Our youngest teams start at under 7’s level, where we usually form new teams mainly from our crop of Saturday morning soccer academy players.
From Under 7’s through to Under 12’s most matches will be played at a central venue, and from under 13’s to open age on grass pitches.
All teams will be entered into a variety of Leagues all of which operate to a high standard
Soccer Academy
Our Soccer school academy runs at 10.15am every Saturday morning all year round and we take kids from 4 upwards. Here they learn the basics of football passing, movement, touch and control and it gives the kids the chance to get involved with the sport,
All kids have different motor skills, and our coaches are encouraged to work alongside the children to get the maximum out of each session we provide.
During their time at the academy all progress will be monitored ready for placing the kids into teams also parents’ reactions will be watched to see if they have the potential to take on the role of team coach, this is usually dad and lad, but from time-to-time mothers too have expressed interest in coaching the newly formed teams.
Coaches
All our coaches are invited to take their level 1 certificate as part of the clubs FA chartered status
Here they will learn about child protection, first aid, and best practices, which means being always diligent, being early for matches and practice sessions, dressed accordingly, to be attentive to parent and player needs on a personal level, and to be well informed should you need answers to any questions you may ask. Also, at this point they will be required by law to take a mandatory DBS check.
As a rule of thumb, we are required to have one coach per sixteen kids, here at Droylsden we have one per eight on average which means two coaches per team all of which should be at level 1 or higher.
Contract
All players will be given a contract either in writing or verbally to play football at the club on a rolling yearly basis, they should also be given the codes of conduct to read and sign along with parents
Management Styles
As in all walks of life people’s approach to situations are different and varied and this applies to coaches at the club, some will be strong of character while others may use a softer approach, the club recognize this and will not interfere with the day to day running of the teams.
However, coaches work within a guideline set down by the club and if we feel a need to intercede in certain situations to resolve any issues, then we will do so with immediate effect.
Team Selection
All our coaches have the full backing of the club regarding team selections, this has always been a bone of contention with parents and players and hopefully it will remain so for the good of the game.
Team selection is the job of the coach and no other individual/s, remember coaches pick teams on merit and not favoritism or fairness, the good of the team will always be the top priority on match day’s and not the individual.
Signing & Releasing Players
This will be the sole responsibility of the coaches and no other party during or at the end of the season if the coach feels the need to strengthen his squad, either by bringing in better players or releasing those who have not progressed sufficiently for the following season, then this is his/her right as coach.
Remember they have worked with your child and will be fully aware of their abilities both physical and mental, and whether they have progressed sufficiently to be asked back for the following season. Remember our adage above (The good of the team will always come first)
Internal transfers
Internal transfer of players will only be allowed unless both sets of coaches agree to said transfer. If no agreement can be reached then the players must stay with the original teams, this is to guard against poaching internally and to prevent animosity amongst coaching staff. Players/parents not happy with this ruling have the option to cancel membership and to leave for a period of no less than 12 months before returning.
Kit
All kit is the property of the club and not the individual and must be always kept in good order; most of our kits are renewed on a biennial basis. Receiving a kit from the club does not mean the players can now relax in their duty to progress their football and work rate in fact quite the opposite, giving their best efforts always is essential to their longevity at the club. Any person deciding to leave the club must return all outstanding kit.
League registration will be held back before we will transfer any registered player.
Leagues
Most of our teams will play predominantly in the East Manchester JFL, also numerous others, and are expected to do well in their respective divisions. As a club we challenge our teams to progress year on year and to achieve high standards of play and behavior whenever possible. (More on this in our philosophy later)
League awards
Only 7’s, 8’s 9’s 10’s 11’s will receive awards for small-sided games from their central leagues as they are considered noncompetitive in these age bands. All other age groups from 12’s upwards play full sided 9v9 or 11 a side and as such awards have to be won on merit. This means winning your divisional championship & cups or coming runners up cup runs etc.
Club Presentation Night
As a club we have our own Presentation Night usually after the league awards in which all players from the club including the academy players receive a squad award trophy for their effort and hard work during the season.
Our main trophies consist of:
Manager’s player of the year
Player’s player of the year
Team or Parents player of the year
These three awards will be given to each team of players and be decided by the coaches and players.
As we don’t have a signing on fee like other clubs to cover this event, we charge a ticket entry fee of £5.00 per person including players, the only concessions are coaches and toddlers under 5yrs
At age 16 and having been at the club 5yrs or more then the Club will offer a token of gratitude with an award for long service to qualifying players.
A special club person of the year will be awarded to someone who has given most to the club over the recent season through their hard work and Endeavour. This award is named the (Gwyneth Higham memorial plate).
Fund Raising
The Club endorses all forms of fund raising for their teams whether it be by individuals or as a collective, as parents you are entitled to raise funds in what ever way possible for teams you are associated with, from time-to-time coaches may ask for your assistance in such matters. The club itself is a registered charity and as such we can apply for grants from sports funds and other charitable organizations. We also have annual tournament for the younger end, fun days, races nights and Christmas raffles.
It is important to remember here that all monies and donations are collected on behalf of Droylsden Youth Centre as a whole.
Leaving the Club
From time-to-time coaches and parents do have irreconcilable differences with the club and in such cases if any of the above do leave, then all kit and monies collected under our club’s name will remain the property of the club.
If any team decides to leave on mass, then the same ruling applies.
Failure to comply by any party above will result in legal action.
Grievance Procedure
Most clubs operate an open-door policy, and as such your first contact should be with your coach (A good tip here is never to approach the coach before, during, or immediately after a game).
After training is usually a better time or arrange a time convenient to you both.
If after this you are still not happy then if you know a member of the committee ask for their advice, ultimately you should write a letter (not phone calls) to the Discipline secretary Ian Makin, Droylsden Community and Sports Centre, Lewis Rd, Droylsden. M43 6NR where it will be brought before the committee at the earliest opportunity. irmakin@sky.com
Club Philosophy
Every club should have its own philosophy, some put the emphasis on fun others on competition and winning, it’s up to you as parents to ultimately decide which suits your needs. Remember those clubs who have a healthy competition for places and winning usually advance their players at a faster rate than those who emphasise a more fun approach.
Our Philosophy at Droylsden Juniors Football Club
We have recently been awarded the prestigious Queens award for youth clubs which is the equivalent of an MBE for Club and is an accolade we are very proud to have received.
We are also at the community standard mark, which is the highest accolade a junior club can achieve from the FA. All of our coaches should be FA trained to level 1 status.
All are trained in child protection and first aid, we have welfare officers and child protection officers at the club, we are governed by the Codes of conduct laid down by the FA and we have a strict anti bullying policy in place. We try to promote the game in a fun and enjoyable way. Promoting fair play (rules) and a good family atmosphere are two things high on our club agenda.
We encourage parent support on match days but will not condone abuse of coaches, officials, away supporters, or players. Our ambition is to turn out quality footballers and quality teams capable of challenging for honours each year, this means our team emphasis is largely on league standings.
However, because of this our players, progression, ability, and performance will be the benchmark for our success.
Ultimately this does mean we will rotate our playing staff at the end of the season, if we feel the need to strengthen our squads (as do most clubs).
We do operate an open-door policy at the club where we would hope to deal fairly with any issues that may cause you concern.
If you decide the club does not meet your current criteria then you, as a parent have the ultimate right in utilising your options and we wish you all well in finding a club more suited to your individual needs.
Now you have taken the time out to read this hand booklet we hope you have every success in attaining the right club to fill both you, and your Childs needs.
We hope we have been informative and transparent covering varied topics, for you to make an informed judgment if we are the Club for you.
DJFC Committee.
Appendage
Membership to the club is £360.00 per annum rolling year to year or until such time as membership fees are reviewed
All payments to be set up for the 1st day of every month.
Every player without exception must pay by Direct Debit on the 1st of each month at a cost of £30.00 per month, once the club has verified the payment through our club statement from the bank, the committee will inform the manager that the player will then and only then be cleared to play. However, in the interim period before payment has been actioned players will be allowed to train with the team. No kit or team wear is to be given out in this period.
Any player falling behind with payments in the future will be picked up from our club banking statement, managers will be informed immediately, and the player given fourteen days from that date to settle arrears, after this point if the club or team managers are not in receipt of such monies the player will be then classed as pending and ineligible to play until the committee give notice to re start the player.
New players
New players will not be given any kit or team wear by team managers until authorised to do so by the committee, this will ensure a Direct Debit has been set up correctly and on time and payments have been actioned by the banks, once we have received the first payment we will take that as confirmation you wish to join the Club and will then and only then inform the manager that the player is now cleared to play. Parents can get a printed statement from the bank which shows a Direct Debit has been set up, but this must be shown as proof to a member of the committee. Again, in the interim period players may train only, until the committee has informed the manager that the player is then and only then eligible to play for the team.
There will be no deviation from the committee on this matter in the future and all matters of payment will be done by the book. ( In effect no pay – no play)
Committee
A footnote from our C.E.O
We hope having read this booklet that you are satisfied that Droylsden Juniors Football Club is the right club for you and your child.
The club was formed (for the purpose of helping and educating young people, through their leisure time activities) also to develop their physical and mental capabilities, giving them tools for life so they grow to full maturity as individuals, and improving them as members of society.
This ethos continues to the present time.
Remember we are not professionals in the true sense of the word, as we are all unpaid volunteers doing our best for your child for no monitory gain; we do it because we believe in it.
Please enjoy your time at the centre in the years to come.
Alan F. Bradbury MBE
Chief Executive Officer