You may have been using jumpers for goalposts up to now, but feel it is time to step up a gear. The Herefordshure FA are committed to supporting the development of new clubs, so please do not hesitate to contact us for assistance.
Some of the key aspects of setting up a club:
Constitution – appointment of club officials
Clubs must appoint roles of Chairman, Treasurer and Secretary to carry out key duties.
Finance – income and expenditure to run the club
As a new club it will be important to raise funds to run the club and initially these will probably be from player memberships and subscriptions. It is also advisable to produce a list of costs to run your team which will help you create a budget of income and expenditure for the season.
You may be eligible to apply for Football Foundation funding to assist you with the setting up of your club as a new activity - please click here for further details and application. You can also apply for a £400 kit & equipment grant. Please click here for further details and application.
Players – registration, eligibility, discipline, child protection & coaching
Clubs must understand the rules of each competition that they enter. All discipline at grass roots is administered by the County Football Association and the Secretary of the club is responsible to ensure that all players are eligible to play. If clubs have any doubts about eligibilities, for example suspensions, they should contact us for details.
For youth teams, it is important to be aware of child protection safeguards and advice is available from our Child Protection Officer.
Insurance – Public Liability, Personal Injury and other policies
Clubs are to have adequate insurance cover for their players in case of injury or accident whilst playing or travelling to matches. Please contact us for details.
Affiliation
All clubs need to affiliate its team(s) to the FA via the Herefordshire Football Association and also affiliate to the appropriate league it wishes to join. Clubs are recommended to seek advice on suitable league membership.
Fixtures – League & Cup Competitions
Fixtures are administered by the appropriate competition which advises clubs of forthcoming matches. If it is a home match, the club secretary must arrange hire of a pitch, notify opponents and match officials of Kick-Off time and location of venue. For away games, arrange to inform your own team of venue, Kick-Off time and arrange for transport of players. All County Football Associations run cup competitions which give an opportunity for teams to play against clubs from different leagues or divisions.
Pitches – useful contacts & advice
Apply to your Local Authority, local school. other local teams, Parish Council or owner of a private ground to hire a pitch. Please note hire charges will vary.
Kit & Equipment
Purchase suitable equipment prior to the start of your fixtures and ensure you have sufficient equipment for all teams in your club. The necessary equipment will include, playing strip, first aid kit, nets and balls. See links to the £400 Junior Kit Scheme grant above.
Results / Public Relations / Press
Ensure you pass on results where appropriate of your matches to comply with competition regulations. All clubs are recommended to establish good relationships with the local press to publish results, match reports and possibly just interesting stories about their club. Good PR will help raise the profile of the club; bring in new players and may even attract some sponsorship.
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