The borough council have recently targeted significant funds to improve the standard of football facilities locally. The council works with various key partners to ensure football provision is of a high quality.
Football Course Bursary Scheme
Funding is currently available to facilitate the development of football. This enables residents associated with football clubs to be reimbursed for the cost of courses passed (e.g. Coaching, First Aid and Child Protection). Please see the criteria for this bursary scheme at the bottom of this page. To request an application form, please contact Sue Parker on 01256 845685 or via email to susan.parker@basingstoke.gov.uk
Winklebury Football Complex
The borough's flagship football complex is Winklebury Football Complex which opened in January 2007. Basingstoke and Deane Borough Council, along with the Football Foundation and Hampshire Football Association each contributed considerable funds towards the total cost of £1.4 million of this prestigious scheme. The complex consists of a floodlit stadium suitable for Wessex League standard fixtures, mini soccer pitches, two 11 a side pitches, and a multi use games area.
Hampshire FA and Courses
Hampshire FA's relocation to a purpose built facility at the new Winklebury Football Complex is a huge benefit to the borough.
Various football courses are available locally including:
- Coaching courses (including age appropriate courses)
- Child Protection / Welfare courses
- First Aid and medical courses
- Referee / Teacher courses (For more information on Referee Qualifications and Career Opportunities please contact Hampshire FA on 01256 853000
- Club administration courses
All courses are now bookable online via www.hampshirefa.com/ centrally. The FA have also made many theory courses available online. Please visit www.hampshirefa.com/ and follow the link to Education and Courses into 'FA Learning' where you will be able to log in and view all courses available.
For more information about local FA courses, please contact Jackie Day, Football Education Officer at Hampshire FA: 01256 853014 or email Jackie.Day@HampshireFA.com
More Information and Opportunities
The Sports Development team are continuing to work alongside Hampshire FA to roll out and promote their programme of courses, and this includes helping clubs achieve the FA Charter Standard accreditation. The FA are committed to supporting grassroots clubs to raise standards of football provision.
The Football Association 'Charter for Quality' recommends that 'the player' is central to all development needs and aspirations. The FA Charter Standard Clubs scheme encapsulates this philosophy by assisting clubs to provide quality experiences for all players. There is a benefits package for football clubs who achieve the award, please contact Charlotte Brown for more information on 01256 853017 or email Charlotte.Brown@HampshireFA.com.
To find out more about the FA Charter Standard Scheme or forthcoming coaching / education courses visit www.hampshirefa.com/ and or www.thefa.com/
Alternatively contact Jackie Day at Hampshire FA on 01256 01256 853014 or email Jackie.Day@HampshireFA.com who will advise you.
Funding for Football
The Football Foundation is the country’s largest sports charity, funded by the Premier League, the FA and Government. Some developments within the borough such as those at Tadley and Winklebury have come about due to partnership working between Basingstoke and Deane Borough Council and Hampshire FA. There are different levels of grants available for schools, clubs, community groups, parish councils and other organisations. For more information on funding for football and other sports in the borough please contact Steve Welch, Facilities Development Officer on 01256 845442 or visit www.footballfoundation.org.uk/
Goalpost Replacement Scheme
The Football Foundation currently has a scheme available which seeks to part fund the cost of replacing broken, and dangerous goal posts. Please speak to Sacha Nicholas at Hampshire FA on 01256 853018.
Football Partners
The Sports Development team work closely with a number of footballing partners including;
Basingstoke and Deane Football Development Council, which was set up in 1997 and consists of representatives from local senior Football Clubs, officials, leagues and associations. The council’s purpose is to represent one voice for football for the local community.
The Peter Houseman Youth League, who coordinate football leagues for teams offering competition across the borough for boys and girls of many different age groups. For more information about the league and local teams, visit www.phyl.co.uk/
Basingstoke Town 'Football in the Community' scheme is led by Matt Beckingham - coaching sessions, school sessions and holiday camps are available, giving youngsters the opportunity to learn the basic skills of the game in a safe and friendly environment. For further information about Football in the Community visit www.btfc.co.uk/
If you have any questions regarding any football development issues, please contact Sue Parker on 01256 845685 or email susan.parker@basingstoke.gov.uk
