FAQ's Page
Where does the money go?
The clubs current Registration fee is £100, any subsequent second child in the family pays £80 and third child pays £60.
* Club fees are set annually at the Annual General Meeting (AGM) usually held at the end of the season.
What equipment / kit is required?
The basic requirements for training and matches are shin pads.
Children should wear appropriate sports clothing and footwear for the weather conditions. For the wet winter months, studded boots are required (blades are not recommended).
Children should always bring a drink with them and snacks for energy.
They should have Sunscreen applied by parents on sunny days and wear coats, hats, gloves etc. during the winter.
Children should not wear jewelry unless it is taped up or taken out during training or matches.
How do I get involved?
The latest club information can be found on the Web Site 'Noticeboard' page or the Club Blog.
The club holds an annual AGM and other events throughout the year, so look in the local press for details. Individual teams also hold parents meetings to discuss football and club related issues at which everyone is welcome. If you have any comments or would like to help out, please feel free to contact any member of the club executive or Age Group representatives; their details can be found on the website 'Club Admin'page.
Why do I need to remain on site during training / matches?
We encourage parents/guardians to remain on site during training or matches to give positive encouragement and support to their children. We also like parents to stay on site for health & safety reasons; football is a contact sport and it isn’t uncommon for children to pick up injuries.
The locations where training or matches are held are also not enclosed secured areas, so the more pairs of eyes watching to ensure no child wanders off is helpful. Coaches are also volunteers and do not run these sessions as an extended crèche service at weekends.
What is the clubs ‘Code of Conduct’?
Caversham AFC is an FA affiliated ‘Charter Standard’ club and as such has to have certain policies & procedures in place to meet FA regulations.
The Clubs ‘Code of Conduct’ is a series of guidelines for parent, players, coaches and the club, which detail the responsibility of each group for their behavior and discipline.
For more information on the FA initiative ‘RESPECT’ go to their website www.thefa.com/Respect
By registering your child to the club, you and your child consent to abide by the clubs ‘Code of Conduct’.
Is training cancelled for poor weather?
Yes, during the winter months training or matches are cancelled for bad weather or water logged pitches. Managers usually let parents know by either, posting a message on the club blog page (see above address), sending out e-mails or by telephone. Talk to your child’s manager/coach to see how they will communicate information to you.
Why is there a waiting list for places in certain age groups?
The managers and coaches at the club are all volunteers who give their time for free to run training sessions and matches. The maximum numbers for squads is usually set by age group and type of matches played (small sided 7 aside or full sided 11 aside). For Health & Safety and Child Protection reasons, the safe level of coach to children ratio is usually 1:10, however some managers have more / less depending on experience.
The club only holds waiting lists in extreme circumstances; we would encourage new parents to become involved in a coaching role if possible. We would supply training and mentorship to aid the transition from novice coach to an accredited FA Level 1 coach.
What if I cannot afford the Registration fee?
The club tries to keep Registration fees as low as possible and gives discounts to families where there may be one or more children registered at the club. However, where there is a genuine need for financial assistance towards fees, the club does have a ‘hardship’ fund for these instances. Contact one of the club executives in confidence to discuss your needs.
What links does the club have to the FA?
Caversham AFC is an affiliated club to the Berks & Bucks Football Association. As and FA Charter Standard Club – Community Club we have to comply with legislation set by the FA governing body.
All our managers, coaches and helpers are 'CRB' checked and have passed the 'FA Level 1' coaching course, which includes 'Child Protection' and Emergency First Aid modules.
Go to the FA website for more information or contact the club welfare officer Richard Spruyt who will be happy to answer any further questions you may have.
How are the age groups decided upon?
Age groups are set by the child’s current school year. However, a child is allowed to play at an age group 1 year above his current age group. However, there are some restrictions when it comes to 11 aside football.
What insurance cover is provided by Registration?
The club has indemnity insurance as recommended by the FA.
Why can’t I play a full game every week?
We believe above all that football is meant to be fun. Whilst we all enjoy the competitive nature of the league fixtures, we place the emphasis from the outset on enjoyment. Ultimately, the success of our coaching staff is not measured by wins & losses – although we are very proud of our record – but by how they instill sportsmanship, a sense of fair play, respect for officials and above all a passion for football in the players in their charge.
The clubs ethos is ‘Football for fun for everyone’, which means that all children regardless of ability will play a part in matches at some stage of a fixture.
All children attending matches will play. Speak to your manager or coach about their team / squad selection policy. To read the clubs policy click here.