The Kent FA have announced that Arsenal Soccer Schools have achieved the Kent FA Accredited Soccer School Award.
The new award is designed to ensure that the highest possible standards are in place and maintained at Kent based Soccer Schools and that the safety and well being of the players is paramount.
Arsenal Soccer Schools, who achieved gold status, demonstrated a high level of commitment to the delivery of an annual development plan as well as safeguarding children in football. The award was present by Arsenal legend, Frank McLintock at the Emirates Stadium before the gunners took on Newcastle United in a 10 goal thriller.
Football Development Officer, Lee Suter said “The Kent FA Soccer School Accreditation Award assesses the ability to provide a high quality, safe and enjoyable football experience and Arsenal Soccer Schools produced an excellent plan committed to workforce development”.
Before the launch of this award there was no regulation of Soccer School organisations meaning that anyone could become a provider with no set criteria or the need to meet minimum levels of operation. This can lead to unqualified coaches delivering unregulated and uninsured sessions which can lead to poor practice, unaffiliated football as well as those individuals currently suspended by The Football Association continuing to actively be part of the game.
The accreditation which operates at three levels, gold, silver and bronze offers successful applicants a wide range of benefits including promotional material, insurance schemes, workforce development as well as use of the Kent FA and Kent Schools FA logos and many more opportunities.
Daniel Sault, Operations Manager for Arsenal Soccer Schools was delighted to receive the award, “Obtaining the Gold Standard Soccer School Award is a fantastic achievement for Arsenal Soccer Schools. We are very fortunate to have a county FA that understands the importance of ensuring that the highest possible standards are in place and maintained. With this award we now have the recognition to show for all our hard work over the past years. I would like to thank the Football Development team for all their assistance helping us to achieve this award. We look forward to working closely with the Kent FA in the future”.
The award supports and encourages Arsenal Soccer Schools to continuously develop as part of an annual review process with on-going support from Kent FA staff and the review.
Lee Suter who heads the new accreditation went onto say “We have worked with a number of key partners throughout the process including the Kent Schools FA to make certain the criteria is measurable, realistic and gives the prestigious award the kudos and value it demands”.
The Kent FA Soccer School Accreditation Award is open for application for Soccer School providers who operate holiday courses, football services in schools and out of club sessions.
For more details regarding the Kent FA Soccer School Accreditation and the application process please contact Lee Suter, Football Development Officer (Clubs and Leagues) on or by email [email protected].